We want to assume that important decisions are made through a rational, cool-headed, and thoughtful process, and not out of emotionalism and turmoil. But time and again it becomes clear to what extent emotion motivates leaders, rather than cold reason and sober analysis.
Indeed, the massacre of children in Majdal Shams by the Lebanese missile strikes a nerve in every person. The blood boils at the mere thought that children who were playing for fun were killed in such a horrific massacre, just like that, just because an evil terrorist organization decided to launch an explosive missile at them. But why should the outcome guide our steps and not the intention?
Almost an accident - an accident
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In air forces and airlines, a rule has been adopted: 'A near accident is an accident.' The fact that the accident was miraculously avoided should not affect the examination of the event, the investigation of its causes, and the drawing of the necessary conclusions. Because miracles are not relied upon, and miracles do not happen every day.
The fact that to this day, such a disaster has not occurred, following the launch of thousands of missiles from the north and the south towards our cities and towns - is a great miracle. God, the Almighty, protects and preserves His people, and saves us from the deadly impact of the destructive weapons.
We saw this in the Gulf War as well. The Iraqi oppressor launched 39 Scud missiles at population centers in the country, and the number of casualties was minimal. Whereas one missile launched at an American base in Saudi Arabia killed 28 soldiers and a civilian, and injured 99 people. We have truly visible miracles happening here.
But miracles are meant to save us, not our enemies. He who determines his response by the result rather than the intention, is demonstrating that he is driven by emotion rather than reason.
Every missile or drone launched at cities and towns should be judged by its potential for damage, not by its actual success. Surely, any such firing could have led to the terrible outcome that occurred last Saturday!
Why is it only now, when unfortunately the miracle did not happen and the shocking massacre occurred, that it is clear to everyone that we must respond forcefully? Why was it not clear until now? How is a state and a security system prepared to 'contain' a reality in which missiles are launched every day at population centers, when only miracles separate mass killings from a 'return to normal'?!
Not emotionally
Emotional decision-making also characterizes the pressure to 'deal now.' Indeed, the situation of the hostages is heartbreaking, but is accepting the 'deal' in question, which in practice means leaving the Hamas monster on its feet, an informed, forward-looking decision, or is there a desire here to soothe the aching heart, here and now, while ignoring the long-term outcome?
Just as the emotional campaign for the release of one soldier brought upon us the Simchat Torah massacre. Emotion plays an important role. It is a central component of our human qualities. We are not robots devoid of emotion and feeling, God forbid. And yet fateful decisions must be made with coolness, with sober rational analysis, and not with emotional upheavals.
May God guide decision-makers to choose the right steps for the future of all of us.
