As a committed Zionist who has attempted to counteract the lies promoted by the global anti Israel cult since October 7, provide a balanced factual perspective, challenge the toxic rhetoric and actions of the Irish government and confront escalating antisemitism, I had prior to the latest Iran/Hezbollah war an increasing sense of despair when viewing Israel from the outside in. Instead of uniting Israelis of all backgrounds, fostering Jewish unity and upholding essential values, too many in Israel in a position of power presented as dedicated to sowing internal division, spreading hate and destroying Israel from within as a self sustaining democracy dedicated to the rule of law.

In the eight months preceding October 7 escalating division occurred within Israel over the judicial “reforms” controversy. The barbaric atrocities of the Hamas led invasion and abductions, together with Israel being daily targeted by Hamas and Hezbollah missiles, temporarily papered over some of the cracks. The 2026 war has had a similar effect. But under the surface the cracks remain, are again widening and risk the creation of a deeper chasm.

 For some who love Israel, oppose those dedicated to its destruction and regard a secure, stable, thriving Israeli democracy as essential to the future wellbeing of the Jewish people too much of what is happening that is under the control of Israel’s government is deeply disturbing.  

This is not a commentary on the overall Israel/ Palestinian conflict, the Israel/Iran/Hezbollah war, the likely success of the UNSC endorsed Trump Gaza peace plan nor on the implementation of any two state solution nor whether it is any solution at all.

It is about the principles and values that should be long integrated into the daily life of Israel as a state, its politics and both government and public conduct. It is about preventing social chaos, understanding and respecting difference within Judaism and Zionism and basic principles of human decency and conduct.

Some talk in the language of rights and obligations. But I prefer here to emphasis the importance of insight,  standards, tolerance, justice and basic humanity.

Israeli politics have for long presented as rumbustious with political opponents resorting to language and conduct, even in the Knesset, to target their adversaries that is not tolerated and is regarded as unparliamentary and scandalous elsewhere. Rhetoric from some in Israel’s cabinet, some of the coalition parties Knesset members and their allies consistently presents as being venomously adversarial, fostering and cementing internal division and as encouraging or validating unlawful action by intolerant, extremist and messianic groups and individuals and also by members of the Haredi community. Such conduct also encourages and supports the continuing unlawful violent targeting and terrorising of Palestinians in Judea & Samaria, murder, physical assaults, setting fire to homes, farm buildings, machinery and cars, stealing........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)