In reference Gary Rosenblatt’s column, “Israel’s West Bank Grab: More Than Bad Timing” (Sept. 12), I’d like to add another dimension that relates to what Israel should do, as opposed to what it shouldn’t do. The status quo in the long run is not sustainable, both in terms of maintaining Israel as a homeland for the Jewish People and in terms of the increasing global challenges that Israel confronts.
Now that the fighting with Hamas has ended, for now, this is the opportune time for Israel to be proactive and strategic in its thinking. This ongoing battle is a multi-dimensional chess game and needs to be fought on every level: military, economic and diplomatic.
Clearly Israel can defend itself militarily from current threats, but if Israel hopes to secure its goal of living in peace and security, it must take the initiative on the diplomatic front and forge a peace agreement with the Palestinians. Israel should formulate its own framework for peace and not react to the proposals of others, be they the United States, Saudi Arabia, the EU or the UN. Israel should articulate its vision of a two-state solution clearly and realistically, working together with its natural and perhaps not so natural partners (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the Gulf States, the EU) to put an end to the corrosive situation that exists. Israel is no longer the underdog David; it is a formidable power economically, militarily, culturally and scientifically.
It’s time for Israel to assume its rightful place in the diplomatic arena. Given the chaos in the Middle East, the convergence of interests with the conservative Arab states, and Israel’s strength, perhaps Israel can now realize the fulfillment of the traditional Jewish prayer: “God give strength to His People, God bless His People with peace.”
Baltimore, Md.
