Critics of Israel: Conveniently Blind to Terrorist Atrocities?

 

Israel’s military actions against Hamas and Hezbollah aren’t just defensive—they are a moral obligation to secure the future of the only democracy in the Middle East. Hence the West’s criticism of Israel’s self-defense reeks of hypocrisy; they would never tolerate such violence on their own soil.

It is often said that "the best defense is a good offense," and in Israel’s case, the sentiment rings truer than ever as it grapples with relentless threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. Since Hamas launched its shocking attack on October 7, 2023, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has surged to unprecedented levels of violence. Over 1,200 Israelis were brutally killed, igniting what can only be described as a war for survival. The fact that Iran and Hezbollah continue to fire missile barrages at Israel, most recently on April 13 and again on October 1, 2024, is a haunting reminder that Israel’s enemies are not relenting. The question now is whether Israel should tolerate this or seek to “finish the job” as some critics argue.

In an era where the international community is quick to condemn Israel for its military actions, it’s ironic how selective the memory of some politicians and protesters can be. These voices often paint Israel as the aggressor, conveniently omitting the massive humanitarian toll that Israel has endured at the hands of terrorist organizations. Take Iran’s brazen October 2024 missile attack on Israel, where 181 missiles rained down on Israeli cities, forcing civilians into bomb shelters and disrupting daily life. Yet, in the face of such unprovoked aggression, some corners of the West and left-wing circles seem more preoccupied with demonizing Israel's defensive efforts rather than holding its attackers accountable. Why the double standard? Could you imagine the reaction if such attacks were carried out on American or European soil?

Israel's resolve to eliminate Hamas and Hezbollah stems not just from a need for national security but from an understanding of what is at stake: its survival. Iran, the puppet master behind many of these attacks, has made it clear that it will not stop its proxy war against Israel. Despite condemnation from much of the international community, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard continues to boast about its capabilities and willingness to escalate the conflict. Hezbollah, too, has ramped up its missile attacks, targeting Israeli cities in coordination with Hamas since the October 7 assault. One has to wonder if Iran and Hezbollah think Israel will simply sit back and accept their violence without retaliation. History suggests otherwise.

Israel has every right to defend itself against these threats. Any nation facing a coordinated attack from three fronts—Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Iran from afar—would be expected to take decisive military action. The logic is simple: if Israel does not eliminate these terrorist groups now, they will grow bolder and more dangerous. Iran, already emboldened by its close ties with these groups, will continue pushing its agenda of “resistance” until it emasculates Israel or is humbled by defeat. In this context, Israeli military actions should be seen not as acts of aggression but as necessary steps to safeguard its future. Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has made it clear: “We will act at the place and time of our choosing.” The world needs to recognize that Israel’s enemies are not mere insurgents but organized, well-funded militias backed by a nation intent on Israel’s destruction.

Ironically, many of the same critics that are quick to call Israel’s actions excessive would never tolerate such attacks on their own soil. Imagine Hezbollah firing rockets at New York City or Iran launching ballistic missiles at London. There would be no debate about the morality of self-defense. Israel’s position in the Middle East has always been precarious, but its military actions are not about expansion or oppression; they are about survival in an environment where its enemies are increasingly well-armed and coordinated. After all, would the United States or any European nation negotiate with terrorist organizations openly committed to its annihilation? The answer is obvious.

The ongoing war between Israel and these terrorist factions reflects a wider battle between Israel and Iran, where the latter’s ambitions stretch beyond just Gaza and Lebanon. Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal, its growing nuclear ambitions, and its persistent proxy wars throughout the region all point to a regime that is as dangerous as it is destabilizing. Israel, more than any other nation, understands that the path to peace does not involve placating Iran. The West must understand this as well. To finish the job of eliminating Hamas and Hezbollah is not just Israel’s prerogative but a necessity to prevent future bloodshed on a larger scale.

As we stand at this crossroads, where Israel faces not only military pressure but growing political isolation, it’s important to recognize one cold, hard fact: Israel’s enemies will not stop until Israel is destroyed. And in that fight, Israel should be encouraged, not demonized, for its efforts to eliminate the terrorist threats on its borders. To let these factions survive would only ensure more violence in the future. It is said, "When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you." For Israel, the enemies outside are clear and present, and their elimination is the only path to lasting security.

But, as always, the moral outrage from some quarters remains selective. Israel defends itself, and it is called a war crime. Terrorists strike Israel, and they are called freedom fighters. In a world where headlines are dominated by half-truths and misdirection, it seems the most dangerous weapons aren’t missiles, but memories. Or rather, the lack of them.

America or Europe would never allow such chaos in their own backyards, so why should Israel?