A Discussion board 555 chief, the retired Israeli Air Drive helicopter pilot Man Poran, despatched me Agmon and Arad’s letter to see if I may get it printed as a Occasions Opinion visitor essay. I informed them I wished to publish an excerpt myself. They wrote:
We don’t search to downplay the monstrous nature of the bloodbath dedicated by Hamas terrorists on that cursed Saturday. We consider the struggle was totally justified. …
Nevertheless, because the struggle in Gaza dragged on, it turned clear that it was dropping its strategic and safety functions and as a substitute served primarily the political and private pursuits of the federal government. It thus turned an unmistakably immoral struggle, and more and more seemed to be a struggle of revenge. …
The Air Drive has change into a device for these, in authorities and even within the navy, who declare that there aren’t any harmless folks in Gaza. … Just lately, a member of the Knesset even boasted that one of many authorities’s achievements is the flexibility to kill 100 folks a day in Gaza with out anybody being shocked.
In response to such statements, we are saying: As horrific because the Oct. 7 bloodbath was, it doesn’t justify full disregard for ethical concerns or the disproportionate use of lethal pressure. We don’t wish to change into just like the worst of our enemies.
The climax got here on the night time of March 18, with the resumption of struggle after the Israeli authorities knowingly selected to violate the settlement for the return of hostages. In a lethal airstrike supposed to kill a number of Hamas commanders (experiences differ on whether or not there have been dozens or fewer), a brand new report was set. The munitions dropped by Air Drive pilots on the goal killed roughly 300 folks, together with many kids. No passable rationalization has been given to this point for the horrifying consequence of the assault.
Since then, the Air Drive has continued its relentless strikes on Gaza. … Total buildings with kids, girls, and civilians are bombed — ostensibly to remove terrorists or destroy terror infrastructure. Even when some targets are official, the disproportionate hurt to uninvolved civilians can’t be denied. …
It is a second of reckoning. It’s not too late. We name on our fellow energetic obligation pilots: Don’t proceed to keep away from asking questions. … As a result of you’re the ones who should bear the ethical penalties of your actions for the remainder of your lives. You’ll have to face your kids and grandchildren and clarify how such unimaginable destruction occurred in Gaza, how so many harmless kids perished by the lethal killing machine you piloted.
Only a few hours after I received the letter, Nimrod Novik, a senior international coverage adviser to former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres, despatched me one other open letter, dated June 8. This one was from Commanders for Israel’s Safety, urging Jewish diaspora voices to talk up towards the insanity in Gaza earlier than they too are consumed by it. It learn, partially:
As Commanders for Israel’s Safety, a motion of over 550 retired senior officers from Israel’s protection, safety and diplomatic providers, our lifelong mission has been to safe the way forward for Israel because the robust, democratic house of the Jewish folks. … Current occasions have led to passionate and typically painful debates inside Jewish communities worldwide, significantly relating to the scenario in Gaza. Many within the diaspora have voiced considerations publicly. Consequently, some have confronted harsh criticism. Accused of weakening Israel or betraying their connection to the Jewish state, they’re informed that those that stay overseas or don’t serve within the I.D.F. should hold silent. We categorically reject the notion that Jews within the diaspora should stay silent on issues regarding Israel. … To those that worry that public criticism undermines Israel, we are saying that open, trustworthy dialogue solely reinforces our democracy and our safety.
I’ve three reactions to those open letters:
First, Amen.
Second, that is what being pro-Israel actually appears like.
Third, it’s time for the same motion calling out Hamas’s vile excesses, led by those that assist Palestinian statehood and a peaceable decision in Gaza. Nobody ought to settle for Hamas prolonging this struggle to maintain itself in energy. Nothing would do extra to stress Hamas to simply accept a cease-fire than to be denounced internationally, on school campuses and in high-profile demonstrations from those that have been giving this hate-driven group a free cross. That is what being pro-Palestinian actually appears like.
