Israel's History of Restraint and Self-Doubt Examined Post-October 7
The article reflects on Israel's historical tendency towards restraint and self-apology, questioning whether this "reflex" persists even after gaining military strength. It draws parallels from past diplomatic incidents, such as the 1966 visit of former West German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, where Israeli Prime Minister Levi Eshkol's remarks nearly caused a diplomatic crisis, but Israel quickly moved to de-escalate. The author suggests this behavior stems from centuries of Jewish statelessness, where appeasement was a survival tactic.
The piece then examines the "Haganah's" policy of "havlaga" (restraint) during the 1936 Arab Revolt, noting its controversy and eventual shift in stance by figures like Ze'ev Jabotinsky. It also recalls Israel's 1957 withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula under U.S. pressure, despite securing access to the Straits of Tiran, a decision that proved problematic when Egypt later closed them.
A significant portion discusses the 2010 Gaza flotilla incident, specifically the "Mavi Marmara" confrontation. While the Palmer Report acknowledged the blockade's legitimacy and the violent resistance faced by IDF soldiers, Israel later apologized to Turkey, a move the author finds paradoxical given Turkish President Erdoğan's subsequent anti-Zionist remarks.
The article further critiques Israel's approach to Hamas, highlighting the pre-October 7 strategy of economic appeasement and work permits to maintain quiet, which proved to be a miscalculation of Hamas's intentions. It also touches upon the recent Hezbollah tent incident on the border and the film "No. 10" that presents accusations against Israel's actions in Gaza, questioning the tendency to air Israeli self-criticism on international platforms.
Ultimately, the author posits that while restraint and self-reflection are important, the post-October 7 reality demands a re-evaluation. The piece concludes by suggesting that true atonement may lie not in apologizing to the world, but in forgiving oneself for allowing wishful thinking to obscure harsh realities and for prioritizing external validation over self-honesty.
