If we unite, this will send a message to our enemies. The escalation with the Palestinians, as well as the worrying developments regarding Iran, have coincided with a major domestic Israeli crisis that has torn Israeli society apart.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Our enemies tend to attack us even when they believe such actions would unite us, let alone when they think otherwise. Our political leaders need to constantly address security matters as well as tend to various challenges. To help them in that, we must quickly reach a compromise that will defuse the internal strife.
To be clear, such compromise on hot-button issues is a worthy goal on its own, but it is even more important in light of what is unfolding outside Israel, which has put a sense of urgency into the equation.
When it comes to Palestinian terrorism, this situation is hardly new for Israelis and they are well accustomed to the heightened measures Israel has had to employ. Likewise, security officials are all too familiar with what needs to be done, but it is crucial that the criticism over the deaths of noncombatants does not undermine their efforts to counter terrorism and foil plots. Such concerns should not hold them back when there is something to be done inside Palestinian areas.
Israel doesn't owe anyone explanations or apologies for what it has been doing. The Palestinian Authority, which has allowed such terrorist groups to thrive, has ignored their rise and continues to glorify them; it bears the ultimate blame for the reality that has been created.
As for Jerusalem, it is crucial that Israel beef up the presence of security forces and encourage civilians to carry arms if they have the proper permit. A quick and effective response to attempted terrorist attacks is important not just in order to limit casualties but also to disabuse would-be terrorists of the notion that they could perpetrate big attacks.
We also need to up our intelligence game when it comes to radical elements among Israel-Arab communities, especially among younger men who have in the past flirted with Islamic State ideology and the like. The incitement on social media, the large number of casualties among Palestinians, and the approaching Ramadan could give them renewed inspiration and drive to carry out attacks.
If we stick together and show a united front against those threats, not only would this allow for a better response, it would also send a clear message to our enemies: Despite the divisions, we are united!
Meir Ben Shabbat served as Israel's national security advisor and head of the National Security Council between 2017 and 2021. He is head of the Institute for Zionist Strategy & National Security, in Jerusalem.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
