OP-ED: The war that keeps on waging
By ALAN SMASON
There are two major dates on the upcoming calendar of which we should all be aware. The first, of course, is the ignominious anniversary of October 7, the day Hamas, in coordination with other Iranian proxies like Islamid Jihad, chose to invade northern Israel under a hail of missile fire, ultimately killing over 1,200 Israeli citizens, injuring thousands of others and capturing approximately 250 hostages, many of whom are still being held, nine of which are American citizens.
This photo taken from a position in northern Israel shows a Hezbollah UAV intercepted by Israeli air forces over northern Israel, Aug. 25, 2024. (Jalaa Marey / AFP via Getty Images)
As we approach the beginning of September, we also must pay heed to the countdown to the High Holidays that begins with the start of the Hebrew month of Elul. That second date of 1 Elul corresponds to next Tuesday, September 3, on the Gregorian calendar. We are told by our rabbinic sages to prepare for the High Holidays – also known as the Days of Awe – and to concentrate on improving ourselves in the coming year, praying for another year of health and success following Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
Yet despite our individual petitions for another year of life, there is also a renewed interest in a community petition we all feel as the war in Gaza and throughout the Middle East drags on at great loss of life on both sides. Indeed, the domestic politics of Israel has become exacerbated as no progress in obtaining a temporary or permanent cease fire has been brokered. The families of the captured prisoners held by Hamas desperately want their loved ones home. They continue to blame Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for dragging his feet on the issue. In their estimation, the longer the war continues, the less likely it is the prisoners will be released.
Cracks in the united Israeli response have also been revealed. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reiterated his belief yesterday that further delays will only threaten the lives of the hostages.
But Prime Minister Netanyahu continues to insist that the aim of the ongoing campaign is the ultimate destruction of Hamas. He will only consider a temporary cease fire, long enough to obtain the release of most of the hostages before reigniting the war.
Hamas, for their part, are just as entrenched. For them, a cessation in the conflict is a capitulation to Israel and an admission of defeat. No matter how many have died, how much infrastructure has been destroyed and how many roads excavated, as long as one terrorist fights on, their struggle continues. Hamas would like a permanent cease fire to allow them to rearm and regroup following what has been a devastating response from Israel.
And so we have a permanent stalemate. Unless Hamas receives a major crippling blow including the death of its leader it will not consider stopping its continued siege and is actually emboldened now that Hezbollah has stepped up its cruel game of lopping missiles into Israel.
None of this can be seen as particularly good for those who want to see an end to the bloodshed and the return of the hostages.
But something has got to give. And soon.
