Death of Kozo Okamoto Highlights Israel’s Lost Resolve in Combating Terrorism

The recent death of Kozo Okamoto, one of the perpetrators of the Lod Airport massacre, has brought renewed attention to the investigation led by Rehavam "Gandhi" Ze'evi. Ze'evi famously placed a gun on the table during Okamoto's interrogation, breaking his silence and extracting valuable intelligence. This episode, over fifty years ago, symbolizes a time when Israel combined tactical cunning, determination, and operational judgment to decisively defeat its enemies.

Okamoto initially refused to speak and wished to die, but Ze'evi's unconventional approach, promising Okamoto the chance to commit suicide if he cooperated, led to a breakthrough. After days of silence, Okamoto provided critical information. Despite this, he was later put on trial, underscoring that the military's role was to win the battle while the legal system provided a framework rather than directing combat decisions.

The article contrasts this past decisiveness with the present-day hesitation among Israeli soldiers, exemplified by the recent Gilad Farm incident where troops hesitated to shoot terrorists due to fears of legal repercussions. The author, Nitzana Darshan-Leitner, president of the Shurat HaDin organization and legal advocate for victims' families, argues that the fear of legal consequences now often paralyzes soldiers before any shots are fired.

Darshan-Leitner warns that Israel’s enemies exploit international legal systems, human rights organizations, and courts as tools of warfare, aiming to undermine Israel through legal means rather than on the battlefield. She criticizes the current trend where legal advisors’ influence sometimes outweighs military judgment, reversing the proper order where commanders lead the war effort and the law supports them.

The death of Okamoto serves as a reminder of the importance of deterrence rooted in resolve, courage, and belief in the justness of Israel’s cause. The article calls for a return to a mindset where winning the fight is paramount and the legal system facilitates rather than restricts Israel’s defense capabilities.