Israel and World Jewry are at a dangerous crossroads.

The present situation is deeply troubling. Israel’s international standing has deteriorated dramatically, antisemitism has become increasingly widespread, and many Jews in the Diaspora are increasingly reluctant to identify publicly with Israel or even with their Jewishness. Israel is also experiencing an unusually serious migration problem, with emigration remaining at exceptionally high levels for three consecutive years.

These developments should be a profound warning. Israel’s security cannot be measured only by military strength or the ability to defeat immediate threats. A secure Israel also requires international legitimacy, strong alliances, a healthy relationship with world Jewry, economic vitality, demographic stability and hope for the future.

There is a growing danger that Israel’s present policies could make this situation worse.

Israel understandably has compelling security reasons for acting forcefully in Gaza following the horrors of October 7. Hamas’s massacre of Israeli civilians and taking of hostages demonstrated the dangers Israel faces. No responsible Israeli government can ignore those dangers, and Israel has both the right and obligation to protect its citizens.

But security measures can have consequences beyond their immediate objectives. The continuing devastation in Gaza, together with increasing settlement activity and settler violence in Judea and Samaria, risks transforming Israel’s legitimate struggle against terrorism into a broader international perception that Israel is denying Palestinians basic rights and any realistic hope of statehood. Recent violence in Judea and Samaria has already prompted strong international condemnation.

This distinction is crucial. Israel can win individual battles against terrorism while losing the larger political struggle for international acceptance and legitimacy.

The consequences could extend far beyond relations with the Palestinians.

The prospect of normalization with additional Arab and Muslim countries,........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)