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Restoring Israel's Deterrence Power

(Times of Israel) Amb. Michael Oren - The restoration of Israel's deterrence power will require Israel to continue the fight and resist international, and especially U.S., calls for a ceasefire. As America's own history proves after Japan's disastrous surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, persistence in war, even after initial setbacks, can ultimately lead to triumph. Hamas's onslaught of Oct. 7 ravaged the perception of Israeli power. That impression was essential to deterring Iran and its terrorist proxies and helped convince Arab countries to make peace. Israel's image as a military powerhouse strengthened our international standing, stimulated our economy, and advanced our efforts to integrate into the region. Oct. 7 all but obliterated that image. Israel must not agree to a ceasefire that will allow Hizbullah to rearm and rebuild its command structure. In Lebanon, Israel's objective is to vastly reduce Hizbullah's ability as a fighting force and drive it north of the Litani River. A ceasefire that enables Hizbullah to remain deployed along our northern border and resume daily firing at our citizens will not enable tens of thousands of displaced Israelis to return to their homes. The dangers of failing to continue our counteroffensive against Hizbullah far outweigh those of waging one. At stake is Israel's ability to achieve long-term peace and security - in short, to survive. Unlike America's most recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, that ended inconclusively with ignominious withdrawals, Israel is fighting an existential war on our own borders. Only by resisting pressure for a ceasefire that leaves Hizbullah unbowed can Israel fully restore our deterrence power and regain our regional preeminence. The image of an Israel both willing and able to defend itself must never again be questioned. The writer is a former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. and Deputy Minister for Diplomacy.
2024-10-01 00:00:00
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