A Test of Wills
Israel’s new government is being tested by its arch-enemy, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hezbollah, and Putin’s Russia on its northern borders. So far, the response from the Bennett cabinet has been lukewarm, partly from fear of their adversary Russia who they deem an extreme military threat, and partly because it’s human nature not to trust new situations unless they have tested the possible consequences of a determined response by experience.
In consequence, whenever those who oppose a strong response can do so, they push their desire to appease the aggressor vigorously, while the arguments made by others quickly become lukewarm. So both the appeasers and the lukewarm warriors come to grief.
What’s to be done, first one must distinguish between patriots who stand alone and those who depend on the largesse of others. It would need Bennett and Ganz to stand firm to achieve Israel’s security and maintain the Jewish State’s newfound position in the world. They would need to persuade those waverers in the cabinet and eventually force the issue if necessary. Secondly, should they fail to carry the argument for a military response across the board, they will have destroyed all Israel has accomplished in establishing its credibility as a reliable and effective foil for any entity that has designs in the Middle East.
The Jewish State will, on the other hand, maintain its feared position by considerable exertion.
Unfortunately, Bennett relies on the goodwill and fortune of those who have elevated him to the Prime Ministership, and these allies are capriciously unstable colleagues. His government lacks a certain legitimacy, whose reason to exist seems forced, lacks strong electoral roots. Bennett will need to show prowess quickly that he can learn how to preserve the leadership that so suddenly was tossed in his lap, laying foundations that he can build a political future on.
How he handles the dilemma on Israel’s doorstep will determine his right to lead the Jewish State forward, or he will suffer ignominy forever.
It’s truly a test of wills!