While the International Court of Justice in The Hague harshly criticized Israel for its unjust war on Hamas murderers, it was impossible not to recall with bitterness the strong statements made by government representatives and senior security officials during the terrible days of expulsion.
The question was asked again and again, what would happen if, after the expulsion and withdrawal from Gaza to the last centimeter, the terrorists continued to try to harm us and launch Katyusha rockets at Israeli cities.
The answer was that then we would have international legitimacy to enter Gaza and do everything necessary there so that no one would dare to harm us again. There were also much more forceful and bombastic statements.
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
Even then, there were those who warned that all this talk was idle talk and illusions, because the Jews would always be guilty in the eyes of the 'enlightened' world. Even the political and security elite could understand this. So, one of two things happened - either they lied to us with a determined forehead or they closed their eyes from seeing reality as it is.
Either way, it would be better for all of them not to continue to speak in the studios with an air of confidence and arrogance.
Without hopes from the world
Everyone is now asking why we waited until the terrible massacre on Simchat Torah, and didn't act years ago to destroy the evil monster in Gaza, before it grew to its current size. Why didn't we see that a real army was rising before our eyes, numbering tens of thousands of trained soldiers, whose sole purpose was to murder Jews.
The answer that is heard is that if we had tried to do then what we are doing today, the world would not have allowed us to do it. Destroying Hamas and its infrastructure is not possible without causing massive destruction to civilian infrastructure, because Hamas' strategy is to place military installations within a civilian population. This is the great trap that has tied our hands all these years, rightly or wrongly.
But now, after the terrible horror of the Simchat Torah massacre, when it is seemingly clear to every thinking person that there is no escape from destroying Hamas, whatever the cost - it turns out that the world does not see it that way. It expects us to respond in a 'proportionate manner,' as if this is a game that is supposed to go on forever.
As we approach the point of decision and the overthrow of the Nazi enemy, even our friends are increasing the pressure on us to stop.
The clear conclusion is that we cannot depend on the world's consent for our vital security interests, and in this sense, the mere fact of going to The Hague already gives the court the standing to judge Israel.
Time for unity
This sad reality proves that we have no choice but to stand united not only against our enemies but also against the countries of the world. The internal conflicts, and the attempts to reignite the fire of discord within the people - weaken us both in the military arena and in the international arena.
Now is precisely the time to unite with full force and decide the fate of the war.
In several past campaigns, we have been stopped at precisely this critical point, when we were within touching distance of victory. This must not happen now. After all the precious sacrifices we have made in this war, we must end it with a crushing victory. Let us all unite, and may God be with us.
