Israeli Conviction in the Justice of Gaza Conflict Persists Amidst Global Disapproval

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Despite the mounting global disapproval, a sweeping majority of Israelis maintain their belief in the just nature of their military engagement in Gaza.

Amidst ongoing rocket and missile attacks, Israel’s tolerance for criticism of the conflict’s impact on Gaza is low. There is strong support for action against Hamas following the group’s incursion on October 7, which resulted in over 1,400 deaths and the capture of more than 240 individuals. This act precipitated the current hostilities.

Ehud Barak, Israel’s former Prime Minister, reflected the nation’s sentiment when he suggested that any country would respond similarly under such circumstances. In a conversation with Foreign Policy, he stated, “The United States would do whatever it takes,” dismissing questions of proportionality.

In a bid to neutralize Hamas, Israel has conducted extensive aerial bombardments and initiated a ground invasion. The Hamas-led Health Ministry reports that the offensive has claimed over 10,000 Palestinian lives. The conflict has decimated neighborhoods, displaced over half of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, and led to acute shortages of essentials due to the Israeli blockade.

While Palestinian Israelis generally empathize with Gazans, and families of hostages express concern over the bombings’ implications, national unity has strengthened since October 7. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s contentious judicial reform plans have been overshadowed by this unity, with some 360,000 reservists mobilized and broad public backing for the war, despite potential military losses and displacement of around 250,000 people.

The Israeli populace demonstrates their support through visible displays of the national flag, mass support for hostage families, and provision of provisions to soldiers en route to combat zones.

Media outlets echo the wartime sentiment, focusing on nationalistic themes and the valiant stories of those affected, with less attention to the situation within Gaza.

The government’s hasty response to the initial attack and internal discord have been met with a surge of community aid, from blood donations to the maintenance of essential services by volunteers, such as HaShomer HaChadash’s efforts in shelter construction and farm protection.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrations globally and accusations of disproportionate response in light of Palestinian casualties have only intensified Israeli resolve for a Jewish state, further aggravated by an uptick in antisemitic incidents internationally.

Yosi Schnaider, with family among the hostages and victims of the conflict, challenges critics, inviting them to endure the persistent threats Israelis face and then engage in dialogue.

Despite initial international empathy, the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza has led to calls for a cessation, including from U.S. President Joe Biden, with some countries taking measures such as diplomatic withdrawal or ambassador recall.

The conflict has renewed attention on the Palestinian resistance to Israeli occupation lasting over five decades and the stalled peace processes, with Netanyahu’s administration firmly against Palestinian statehood. It has also dispelled the notion among many Israelis that regional normalization could precede peace.

While Israelis, including those critical of the occupation, dismiss the contextualization of Hamas’ actions, the military is geared for a protracted campaign. Benny Gantz, a former Defense Minister, anticipates a conflict that could extend beyond a year.

With the military’s push into Gaza City and the anticipation of heightened casualties amid dense urban warfare, the Israeli public’s resolve is set to be tested, especially considering historical aversion to loss of life and the complexities introduced by the ongoing hostage situation and multi-front clashes.

The resolve of Israeli society on the matter of casualties is under scrutiny, according to Amos Harel of Haaretz, particularly after the substantial losses on October 7. The impending influx of somber war realities could make continued support challenging.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Israel-Gaza conflict

More about Israel-Gaza conflict

• Israel-Gaza Conflict Overview
• Humanitarian Impact in Gaza
• Israel’s Military Strategy
• International Responses to the Gaza Crisis
• U.S. Stance on Israel-Hamas Conflict
• Peace Process History
• Impact of Arab-Israeli Normalization on Conflict