Israel continues to fight for its very existence while some in the West consider its defense verging on ‘genocide’

(Photo credit: James Hutton, November 6, 2023. One of numerous signs posted in Washington D.C. near the White House.).

Israel was attacked by terrorists from Hamas on October 7, 2023. This was an unprovoked and coordinated attack centered on innocent civilians. More than 1400 people were killed and more than 100, including a number of Americans, were taken hostage. Victims of the attack included all age groups and sexes that had one thing in common. They were Jews.

Just days after the attack, far left groups internationally called for a ceasefire, before Israel launched a single counterattack. This proved to be an ominous sign of capitulation, but fortunately one that Israel itself refused to heed. Within a month, signs were posted in Washington D.C., one of which claimed, “Israel is committing genocide in Gaza,” when no action by Israel could be construed as genocidal.

It is as though the Hamas attackers and their sponsors in Iran anticipated Israel’s response and through international propaganda did their best to pressure the U.S. and its allies to restrain Israel. Predictably, Russia and China quickly announced support of Hamas and actively promoted the false narrative that Israel brought this brutal terrorist attack on itself. But the U.S. under President Joe Biden and many European leaders initially voiced unconditional support to Israel and acknowledged that the Israel government would and should defend itself. 

It was classic gaslighting. Obviously, Israel did not precipitate the attack across its border, yet leftist groups condemned not the attacker but Israel. The gaslighting operation has indeed had some effect, especially on those already prepared to believe or promote any negative story about Israel or the Jewish people. 

Since the attacks, protests against Israel’s response emerged on city streets and on U.S. and European college campuses. Jewish students have been harassed. Encampments of protesters sprung-up on some campuses, replete with eerily similar tents from coast-to-coast and pre-printed signage indicating planning from outside groups. Cries of “From the River to the Sea” (meaning the destruction of Israel and its people), echoed from leftist groups. Today, that phrase has been largely replaced by “Free, Free Palestine.”

As a Veteran, I know how important it is to maintain alliance commitments and be true to our national values.  In past wars, we have sometimes deviated from that path and faced terrible consequences.  But as the protests mount in the U.S., the Biden administration's support for Israel seemingly weakens. Instead of calling on Hamas to capitulate and stop fighting behind the cover of civilians, Israel is urged to restrain military operations. There is a focus on cease fires rather than accomplishing enduring peace. But Israel is not bowing to such pressure.   

The motives of Israel and Hamas are starkly different.  Hamas seeks to retain political control in its Gaza redoubt by magnifying the deaths of Palestinians. It acts as a proxy for Iran whose announced intent is the elimination of the Israeli state. Israel seeks to remove, once and for all, the threat of future Hamas terrorist attacks while minimizing civilian casualties. It must act with full recognition of the existential future threat from a nuclear armed Iran and existing proxy agents of Iran. Hamas fights on, holds hostages and steals international aid meant for Gazans. Israel continues operations with its goals unchanged despite protests and sanctions.

As we have seen most recently in Afghanistan and Iraq, if an opponent is not vanquished, it will regenerate. The Biden administration must help Israel defeat Hamas. It is in our national interest to preserve a strong democratic ally like Israel in the Middle East. We cannot allow U.S. policy to be dictated by the immediate needs of election-year politics.

What happens next? Undoubtedly, Israel will continue to fight for its existence in one of the most complicated corners of the world. Ultimately, the resolution to Gaza cannot result in a reconstructed Hamas sanctuary. Hopefully, U.S. leadership remains resolute. The U.S. must stand strong with Israel to defeat terrorist actors and Iranian proxies. U.S. weakness, as seen in Afghanistan, must not be repeated. Regional stability is at risk. Adept diplomacy, firm commitments, and rebuilt alliances will enable Israel, Arab governments, the U.S., and like-minded nations to pursue more lasting solutions.

NOTE: A version of this op-ed was posted on the website of American Veterans Vote: https://americanveteransvote.com/newsletters/avv-newsletter-june-2024/

James Hutton is a former assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and is a retired colonel in the U.S. Army. Follow him on Twitter @jehutton.