A Call for Autonomy: The Necessity of Unwavering Support for Israel in its Battle Against Hamas

 Israel's proactive defense against Hamas is not just a national security measure; it is a necessary action for maintaining regional stability and preserving democratic values in the Middle East.

As I reflect on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, particularly in the context of U.S. President Joe Biden's recent warnings to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, I find myself compelled to voice a strong opinion: President Biden must step back and allow Israel the autonomy to decisively eliminate the threat posed by Hamas in Gaza. In my view, this is not only a matter of Israeli self-defense but also a critical aspect of maintaining stability in the Middle East.

Let’s begin by taking an unequivocal look at the situation that unfolded on October 7, 2023. This day marked a significant escalation in the longstanding conflict, as Hamas launched a direct attack on Israel. This incident not only reaffirmed the continuous threat posed by Hamas but also highlighted the volatile and fragile nature of regional peace. The response of Israel, specifically its plan to target Hamas in Rafah, was not just a reaction but a strategic necessity. Understanding the dynamics of this conflict, it becomes evident that failing to counteract decisively would lead to Hamas regrouping, potentially strengthening their resolve and resources to orchestrate further attacks. This scenario is not just a threat to Israel’s stability but can spiral into a wider cycle of violence affecting the entire region.

In discussing the conduct of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in conflict zones, it is crucial to address the oft-voiced criticisms of their operations. The IDF has been at the center of international scrutiny, yet my perspective is that they have shown a profound commitment to minimizing civilian harm in their military engagements. This aspect of their strategy is vital, especially when considering Hamas’ tactic of using civilian neighborhoods as shields for their operations. The challenge here for any military, including the IDF, is immense, balancing the need to neutralize a threat while protecting innocent lives. The IDF’s approach, in many ways, sets a standard for conducting warfare in densely populated areas where adversaries do not distinguish themselves from non-combatants.

The American political response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, particularly from figures such as Nansi Pelosi, Rashida Tlaib, and more recently, President Joe Biden, has largely been to criticize Israel for its military actions and to call for restraint and ceasefires. However, when scrutinizing these calls, one notes a conspicuous absence of viable alternatives or strategies that would simultaneously ensure Israel's security and lead to the effective neutralization of Hamas. This gap in their criticism points to a possibility that their stance might be more politically driven rather than grounded in strategic or humanitarian reality. It raises questions about the extent to which political considerations are influencing the U.S. stance on a complex international issue, rather than a thorough understanding of the on-the-ground realities and the difficult choices faced by nations like Israel in their quest for security and peace.

In any case, President Biden need to understand that he has a limited power here, in terms of compelling Israel to forget about targeting Hamas in Rafah. In plain terms, Israel's history reveals a pattern of prioritizing its national security interests, often finding itself at variance with the advice or directives from its closest ally, the United States. This approach is grounded in the existential challenges and strategic imperatives that Israel faces. The 1967 Six-Day War is a prime example, where Israel, contrary to the U.S. President Lyndon Johnson's counsel for restraint, launched preemptive strikes against neighboring Arab states. This action was not merely a tactical decision but a critical move for survival, as Israel perceived an imminent existential threat. Similarly, in 1981, Israel carried out the bombing of the Osirak nuclear reactor in Iraq, despite the opposition of U.S. President Ronald Reagan. This bold move was driven by the fear of a nuclear-armed Iraq under Saddam Hussein. In 2007, despite U.S. reservations, Israel destroyed a nuclear reactor in Syria, believed to be developed with North Korean assistance. These instances collectively underscore Israel's willingness to act unilaterally in defense of its national security, even when it means going against the counsel of its strongest ally.

The realities of modern warfare and its unintended consequences were tragically underscored by the recent IDF drone strike in the central Gaza Strip. This operation resulted in the unfortunate deaths of aid workers, a grim reminder of the inherent risks and complexities of military actions in densely populated areas. Israel's response to this incident, which included acknowledging the mistake and taking disciplinary action against the responsible IDF personnel, demonstrates a level of accountability and introspection. This incident is not unique to Israel; similar tragic errors have occurred in other military contexts, including the U.S. forces. For instance, the drone strike on August 29, 2021, in Afghanistan by the U.S. mistakenly killed an aid worker and nine members of his family. These incidents reflect the harsh realities of modern warfare, where even the most sophisticated and disciplined militaries can make grave errors.

Simply put, the Israeli-Hamas conflict, steeped in layers of historical, political, and territorial complexities, defies simplistic solutions or external pressures. It's essential for the international community, including President Biden and the broader U.S. administration, to recognize and respect Israel's unique security challenges and its inherent right to self-defense. The United States, as a key ally, should continue to support Israel in its quest to secure its borders and protect its citizens from threats. This support transcends mere bilateral relations; it is integral to the stability and security of the entire Middle East region. The sustained U.S.-Israel alliance is not just beneficial for Israel but serves the broader objective of promoting peace and stability in a historically volatile region.