by Boaz Lieberman, Strategic Consultant, translated by Hillel Fendel.
Among the many tasks we face, we must
remember the ultimate, nefarious goals of our enemies, and not let our internal
discord serve their interests.
Israel is presently at one of its
most stormy and complex junctions in its history. The international geopolitical
reality is marked by instability, rapid regional changes, and both new and
old-style threats upon us. It is therefore most vital that we strengthen our
sovereignty and national clout, both militarily and economically, to ensure the
country's security and its future.
Ever since
the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, it has encountered many
challenges – but the current internal strife of today is that which is liable
to become our most dangerous threat. When Israel was first formed, its leaders did
not fail to understand that the national interest must always take precedence
over internal disputes. They had plenty of deep ideological differences among
themselves, but they were able to unite around a clear national vision of the
importance of a strong, independent, Jewish state in the Land of Israel.
What is
needed today is precisely the same thing: a leadership that can place the
national interest at the absolute top of the agenda, and concentrate on
reinforcing our sovereignty and the uncompromising defense of our security and
territorial integrity.
Ever since
Oct. 7th – Simchat Torah of 2023 – Israelis, and parts of the world,
have become more acutely aware of the true dreams and goals of the
Palestinians. The popular, laundered phrase "Two States for Two
Peoples" has all but camouflaged what they really want and are working
towards: not two states, but one state – and that it must not be Jewish. This
understanding must stand at the basis of any and every future strategic
decision of Israel, and it must strengthen our resolve to protect our existence
at all costs.
The
controversy surrounding legislation passed by a democratically elected
government is an example of how the internal debate has reached a new,
dangerous peak. It also underlines the danger that enemy states and others will
exploit the protests against the government to deepen the social divide in
Israel.
It is
incumbent upon the protestors – popularly called the Kaplanistim because most
of their demonstrations take place at the Kaplan Junction in Tel Aviv – to
prepare for this eventuality. They must realize that their actions, albeit
legitimate in a democracy, can serve as a tool in our enemies' hands to harm us
in a far more sinister and dangerous manner than the actions that they are
protesting against. Yes, their aspiration to strengthen governance and
stabilize our democracy is necessary, but the intense public disputes surrounding
this issue create national vulnerability. Israel's enemies utilize this
strident discord to seek to weaken us, whether through psychological tactics,
cyber-attacks and the like.
As Nobel
Prize winner Daniel Kahneman wrote in his book "Thinking, Fast and
Slow," emotionally-influenced decisions are liable to endanger strategic
considerations in the long run. Israeli politics require, today more than ever,
calm, cool, and collected decision-making, based on a clear strategic view and an
accurate perception of reality that is ready to deal directly with the threats
the country faces.
The
concept of singularity promoted by Ray Kurzweil emphasizes the great potential
of technological advancement alongside the danger that its rapid acceleration will
lead to unforeseen and irreversible changes in human life. Israel must become a
national leader in advanced technology, not only in order to protect itself
from future threats, but also to leverage its economic advantages and guarantee
long-term financial growth. It must adopt an economic model based on entrepreneurship,
innovation, and economic freedom – again, not only to strengthen Israel's
economy, but also to enable Israel to better cope with global and regional
pressures.
In his book
"Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind," Yuval Noah Harari notes that
societies that succeeded in maintaining a common, robust narrative were able to
survive and thrive throughout history. A clear national narrative, based on our
Jewish and Zionist identity, can be the central factor that will enable Israel
to get through this internal divide. Our State requires a renewed vision of its
national identity, and a stronger unity around certain basic values: Judaism,
love of the homeland, respect for our national legacy and culture, and an
understanding of the importance of our independence and sovereignty.
Historically,
it is clear that peoples succeed in meeting external challenges when they are
united around clear national values. A valiant and focused leadership that
understands the necessity of national resilience and ability to withstand
threats is what is necessary at this time. It is incumbent upon this leadership
to realize its responsibility to find the way to bridge over the gaps and
create a mutual basis of agreement regarding the State's long-term objectives.
Today, more than ever, Israel must reconnect with its roots, strengthen its Zionist and national values, and guarantee a stable and thriving economy that will enable us not only to survive but also to thrive and grow in a turbulent and intricate Middle East.