Interesting Times with Ross Douthat Israel’s Moral Balance Beam
Israel's War in Gaza: The Moral Complexity and Global Reverberations
Bret Stephens argues Israel's response to the October 7th attacks was unavoidable given the unprecedented scale of Hamas's assault, comparing it to multiple 9-11s for Israel. While sympathetic to the civilian suffering in Gaza, he places moral responsibility largely on Hamas for using civilians as shields and initiating the war.
Stephens highlights the challenge of moral judgment in war, likening Israel's actions to difficult historic campaigns like D-Day and Grant's siege of Vicksburg, where significant civilian harm was deemed necessary for an existential fight.
He also discusses the broader impact of the Gaza war on American politics, noting a growing polarization with the Democratic Party trending less supportive of Israel and some right-wing skepticism emerging. Importantly, Stephens stresses the enduring anti-Semitism intertwined with anti-Zionism and Israel criticism, and Israel's vital role as a safe haven for Jews worldwide.
This section explores the complex balance between military necessity, moral accountability, and the cultural-political fallout in the West.
Impact of October 7 Attacks
- The scale of violence on October 7th deeply traumatized Israel like multiple 9/11s for the U.S.
- Israel's harsh response aims to end Hamas's reign to prevent future atrocities.
Assigning Moral Responsibility
- Civilians dead in Gaza suffer largely due to Hamas's tactics of hiding among civilians.
- Israel's moral responsibility is limited as Hamas initiated the conflict and endangers its own people.
