Israel is confronting a deeply troubling reality. Hatred of Israel has intensified in much of the world. Antisemitism has become frighteningly widespread. More Israelis are leaving the country, creating a troubling negative migration balance. And the once-promising prospect of normalization with Saudi Arabia and other Muslim-majority countries has become considerably more difficult.

These developments should set off alarm bells.

Israel faces genuine and formidable enemies. The October 7 massacre, Hamas terrorism, Iranian threats, and attacks by Hezbollah and other extremist organizations cannot be minimized. Israel has every right—and responsibility—to protect its citizens.

But Israel must also ask a difficult question: Are some of our own policies contributing to the increasingly hostile environment in which Israel finds itself?

Unfortunately, the answer appears to be yes.

One particularly serious problem is Jewish violence against Palestinians in Judea and Samaria. Attacks on Palestinians, destruction of their property, intimidation, and efforts to drive Palestinians from their homes are not merely moral wrongs. They are also strategically disastrous.

When Israeli extremists attack Palestinians, they deepen Palestinian hatred and despair, undermine those who might otherwise support coexistence, strengthen Palestinian extremists, and provide powerful ammunition to Israel’s international critics. They also make it harder for Israel’s friends abroad to defend Israeli policies.

Israel must therefore distinguish clearly between legitimate security measures and extremist violence. Palestinian terrorism must be confronted forcefully, but so must Jewish terrorism and vigilante violence. Those who attack Palestinians should be........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)