Opinion

Calls to ‘end the war in Gaza’ before Hamas is defeated risk us repeating our painful past

Moshe Phillips

Published January 3, 2025

The question of whether American Jews should criticize Israel goes beyond free speech or peace in the Middle East. It centers on the real-life consequences Israelis face, especially during conflicts like the war in Gaza. Left-wing Diaspora criticism often clashes with Israel’s security realities, highlighting the gap between advocacy and the harsh realities on the ground.

In a recent JTA op-ed, Rabbi Jill Jacobs called on American Jews to pressure Israel to “end the war in Gaza.” While appealing on the surface — who doesn’t want to end a war? — this demand raises critical questions about its real-life consequences for Israelis.

Real-Life Impacts of Ending the Gaza War Prematurely

Currently, the war in Gaza resembles a police operation. Israeli forces are systematically eliminating the remaining Hamas terrorists who attacked southern Israel 14 months ago. Security forces are going house to house, hunting down killers.

If killers were loose in any American neighborhood, residents would demand swift action. Few would call for the police to “end the war.” Yet critics of Israel are asking for just that — a premature ceasefire that would allow thousands of Hamas operatives to escape justice.

Prematurely ending the war also risks leaving Hamas in power. This same Hamas enforces oppressive policies, from restricting women’s freedoms to requiring male guardianship for travel. Critics advocating for women’s equality must grapple with the reality that their demands could perpetuate such oppression.

Israelis leave their damaged houses after Hamas rocket strikes in Ramla, Israel, near Tel Aviv, Oct. 7, 2023. ((Saeed Qaq/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images))

Historical Lessons from Foreign Pressure on Israel

Past instances of international criticism against Israel have led to painful consequences. Take Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from Gaza. The move, partially influenced by global pressure, enabled years of Hamas rocket attacks on Israeli kindergartens, culminating in the atrocities of October 7.

Similarly, the 2000 withdrawal from southern Lebanon, heavily criticized abroad, allowed Hezbollah to amass an arsenal of 150,000 rockets. These weapons have tormented Israelis, provoked wars, and displaced families. In both cases, calls for peace inadvertently brought war.

American Jews and Responsibility in Criticizing Israel

As a pro-Israel advocate, I’ve spoken to countless Israelis who express frustration at the disconnect between Diaspora criticism and their lived realities. Their sentiment is clear: demands for change from abroad often ignore the severe consequences Israelis endure.

To American Jews considering public criticism of Israel, I urge caution. Lofty rhetoric, however well-intentioned, has real-world implications. Hamas kidnappers and Hezbollah rockets are not abstractions — they are threats Israelis face daily.

Balancing Criticism with Support

This debate is not about silencing voices or discouraging dialogue. It is about understanding the stakes. Calls to “end the war in Gaza” before Hamas is defeated risk repeating the painful lessons of the past. Real peace can only emerge when security is ensured.