Israel's Identity Not for Sale: Why Wait for Hamas Terror Label Approval?
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Mansour Abbas, chairman of the Ra'am party, is reportedly seeking coalition partnership in exchange for labeling Hamas a terrorist organization, a stance criticized as commodifying Israel's identity. The article argues that Israel's definition of Hamas as a terror group is self-evident and does not require external validation. This situation is compared to past instances where Israel sought recognition without tangible gains. Meanwhile, Abbas is also reportedly working to replace Prime Minister Netanyahu and include religious parties in a potential government.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Mansour Abbas reportedly seeks coalition partnership for labeling Hamas a terrorist organization.
- The article criticizes Israel for seeking external validation of its identity and security.
- Hamas's actions on October 7th solidify its definition as a terrorist organization.
- Past Israeli requests for recognition yielded no tangible benefits, according to the author.
- The author argues Israel's identity should not be a commodity for political bargaining.
The demand for Mansour Abbas, chairman of the Ra'am party, to explicitly label Hamas a terrorist organization stems from a desire for clarity following the October 7th massacre. Those seeking to join a government involved in military operations in Gaza are expected to support the war effort. This condition was clearly stated by Gadi Eisenkot and directly questioned by President Isaac Herzog. However, Abbas has not provided a definitive answer, instead speaking of bridges and family, and reportedly stating he would offer a clear response in exchange for genuine coalition partnership. This situation echoes past demands, such as Israel's request for Mahmoud Abbas to recognize it as a Jewish state, which resulted in a refusal from him and leverage for him, while Israel received nothing tangible. The author argues that a nation secure in its identity does not seek external validation. France, for example, does not ask Algeria to recognize it as French. Israel has legally defined Hamas as a terrorist organization, a designation reinforced by Hamas's actions of murder, rape, and plunder, comparable to the Nazis or Amalek. The article criticizes the focus on words rather than actions, and on seeking approval instead of establishing facts. It suggests that a nation requiring such validation commodifies its identity, turning the obvious into a bargaining chip. The author concludes that after 80 years of sovereignty, Israel still seems to be waiting for external affirmation, indicating a lack of self-assurance.
In related news, MK Mansour Abbas, whose party won eight seats, is reportedly seeking a foothold in the government and has called on leaders of the "change bloc" to include religious parties, a move he desired in the previous government.
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