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Source: https://www.jns.org/the-audacity-of-israels-armchair-critics/
The Audacity of Israel's Armchair Critics
(JNS) Daniel S. Mariaschin - Every day since Israel entered Gaza in response to Oct. 7, major media outlets have arrogated to themselves the job of not only incessantly criticizing Israel but also picking apart its war effort. There is heavy coverage of calls for a ceasefire before Israel's military objectives are achieved. The New York Times and others have solemnly concluded that the damage to Gaza is the worst in post-World War II history. Some supporters of Israel have expressed concern that world opinion is turning against the Jewish state. The truth is that Israel enjoyed maybe two weeks of support before the tide turned, as we all knew it would. Memories of that dreadful Saturday morning in October seemed to have drifted off into the ether. Existential threats are called existential threats for a reason. America fought thousands of miles away in two world wars to prevent our enemies in Europe and Asia from reaching these shores. Kibbutz Nir Oz, where I had relatives, is less than 10 minutes from Gaza. For people perched continents away, it is the height of arrogance to opine on matters of existential security for Israel, especially in the aftermath of the barbaric massacre Israel just suffered. And where is the appreciation for what Israel is doing for the broader community of democracies by seeking to destroy a terrorist organization that would, if able, carry out Oct. 7-style killing sprees wherever it had the opportunity? Given all that the Jewish people have endured not only over the centuries but especially from 1933 to 1945, it is pure chutzpah for non-Jews to lecture and hector Israel as if it had the right to defend itself but only up to a point. The writer is the International CEO of B'nai B'rith.