Orphans Now, Terrorists Later? Questions for Supporters of Israel
QUESTIONS FOR SUPPORTERS OF ISRAEL
ORPHANS NOW, TERRORISTS LATER?
I’ve purposely avoided writing about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Not because this terrible tragedy isn’t important and doesn’t demand our attention. It’s mostly because the discord is so complex and combustible that debate and discussion becomes pointless. Given the intense depth of conviction on all sides of the conflict, I’m not sure there is a resolution. That said, I hope to come up with something thoughtful here that might achieve a consensus of opinion–even among those who disagree. At least, I’m willing to try and see how this goes.
I have several questions. They are aimed at Israel’s supporters and defenders, though anyone is welcome to answer. Even if you’re a passionate supporter of Israel, how can the current policies and actions which have resulted in so much death and destruction be justified? I’m not even talking about war crimes and crimes against humanity or the threat of international prosecution as legitimate moral and ethical questions, which they are and should be. Even given the most Machiavellian undertones in defense of the Jewish state, how are these current policies *GOOD FOR ISRAEL* and its security, especially in the long term? I’ll be glad to listen and perhaps even learn (in the comments section).
I won’t pretend to be objective here. Not on this issue. However, I really don’t think anyone paying attention can be objective. Full Disclosure: I’ve never been a supporter of Israel. However, I’m entirely supportive of Israel’s right to exist. I acknowledge Israel has been unfairly judged and treated badly by the international community in the last 30 years (particularly the United Nations, which behaves with a constant hypocritical anti-Israel bias). Some of the hate for Israel is rooted in anti-Semitism, which I believe to be a scourge (and a growing problem worldwide). And while Israel’s status as a true “democracy” is debatable, what’s clear is that by comparison Israel remains far superior to its neighbors on matters of human rights, tolerance, women’s equality, and other so-called “western values.” I do believe these facts must be acknowledged in order to make any constructive assessments.
Still, I can’t understand how any supporter of Israel can justify what’s happening right now. Accordingly, I pose the following questions (which are oversimplified in the interest of time and space):
1. Isn’t Israel creating a future generation of new terrorists? Killing tens of thousands of civilians will likely perpetuate even more fear and hate. Based on history, which is irrefutable, the most likely consequence of killings, displacement, starvation, and the destruction of identity is — more future acts of terror. When those kids turn into teenagers and young adults, what will their attitudes towards Israel (and the United States) be? Orphans now. Terrorists later. So, isn’t the killing obscenely counterproductive, especially for Israel’s long-term security?
2. Has Israel become a pariah state? Many observers, even influential Israelis, think so. This isn’t good. Israel may have become what South Africa once was when operating under Apartheid. Isolated, scorned, and boycotted all over the world. Certainly Israel’s prospects for peace agreements and economic relations with other nations in the Middle East are now severely damaged. Optimists thought Israel was destined to sign cooperative agreements with Saudi Arabia and other significant Muslim nations which are important in regional and global politics and economics. Now, opposition is so strong, real “peace” is very unlikely in the Middle East. Everyone loses, especially Israel.
3. Does Israel risk losing popular American support by is actions, which has been (until now) both fervent and resolute for 70+ years? Wouldn’t a serious cutback in aid and support be disastrous for Israel and its security? Whether justified or not, American support for Israel continues to decline. Severely so, and alarmingly so–if you are a supporter of Israel. A July 2025 Gallop poll showed that only 32 percent back Israel’s military action in Gaza. That number is astonishing, especially given one-sided American public opinion throughout Israeli-based conflicts historically, and is really shocking given where Israel’s approval stood right after the terrorist attacks of Oct. 7, 2023. Virtually all goodwill towards Israel has been wiped out and now there’s mounting hostility.
4. How might Israel’s perceived “genocide” impact Muslims elsewhere to react? Terrorist organizations are often founded based on grievances and instances of outrage. It takes a spark to make a flame. Gaza is a huge spark. It’s incalculable to know how many future Osama bin Laden’s and suicide bombers are being groomed by the bombardment of images showing dead Palestinian children and victims who are starving. If we’re all still round, 17 years from now when a bomb explodes and kills people in a cafe somewhere, remember the origin of that act of hate. Perhaps it’s become impossible to reverse the inevitable backlash to come in the months, years, and decades ahead. Nonetheless, continuing to kill journalists, block food and medical aid, and bomb hospitals will only make things more dangerous for Israel (and Americans too) worldwide. I’d like to hear a counterargument to these policies being effective, particularly for Israel and it’s long term safety and security.
5. What’s the objective in Gaza? I mean, right now — what’s the purpose of continuing these destructive (for Israel, self-destructive) policies and actions? Obviously, Israel wants its hostages to be returned. Fair enough. But blowing up rubble and dust with more bombs and starving more children isn’t a successful strategy. So, why continue it? What’s the purpose?
6. Finally, how does a moderate future Israeli government recover from this? Prime Minister Netanyahu and his right-wing Likud Party deserve most of the blame for this quagmire. A sizable percentage of Israelis *oppose* what’s happening in Gaza, and many American Jews are also critical of Israel’s actions (and they are to be commended). Once Netanyahu and Likud are out of power, or at least aren’t calling the shots militarily and diplomatically, how can a more moderate government clean up the mess and restore Israel’s image in international affairs?
Six questions. That’s enough topical territory to cover, right now. Feel free to answer any or all of these questions. Again, I stress the point that even if you’re a strong supporter of Israel, what’s happening now in Gaza (and the occupied territories) can’t be good for Israel’s current or future safety and security, In fact, I argue that it’s downright suicidal.
All points of view are welcome. Thank you for reading and willing to engage in civil discussion.
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