A HISTORIC APPEAL TO MR. GADI EISENKOT: DO NOT MISS THIS HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY TO END NETANYAHU’S POLITICAL RULE!

Mr. Gadi Eisenkot,

History sometimes confronts individuals with decisions that go far beyond ordinary political choices. The political, military and diplomatic situation in which Israel finds itself today bears all the hallmarks of such a moment. You now have an important responsibility that could shape not only the future of Israeli politics, but also the prospects for peace in the Middle East, the international community’s perception of Israel, and the way the security of Jewish people around the world is viewed. The essence of this appeal is therefore clear: Do not hide behind political hesitation at this critical moment in history. Do not ignore the damage Netanyahu’s policies are inflicting on your country, the region, and the international standing of the Jewish people.

What is happening in Gaza can no longer be concealed behind diplomatic statements, political justifications, or security arguments. We are witnessing a reality in which thousands of children, women and civilians have lost their lives, cities and residential areas have been devastated on a massive scale, and people have been forced to endure hunger, disease and displacement. Responsibility for this devastation rests with those who make the political and military decisions. The provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice under the Genocide Convention, together with the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for Benjamin Netanyahu, demonstrate the gravity of the situation under international law. The value of human life must never be placed below the political interests of any country or the desire of any leader to cling to power.

Any attempt to equate Netanyahu’s political agenda with the historical identity of the Jewish people is extremely dangerous. The policies of a government cannot be attributed to an entire people. Criticism of the actions of the Israeli government is not the same as antisemitism. However, the growing blurring of this distinction in international public opinion may create an environment in which antisemitism can once again gain strength. Jewish people must never be targeted anywhere in the world because of their identity, faith or history. Combating antisemitism is a shared responsibility of all humanity. Yet this struggle cannot be waged by turning a blind eye to the suffering of civilians who have lost their lives in Gaza. Defending the security of one people cannot mean denying another people's right to live.

Mr. Eisenkot, this is precisely where the weight of your political responsibility becomes evident. You must contribute to the emergence of a democratic and political alternative to Netanyahu’s government, enable Israeli society to reconsider its future, and assume responsibility for rebuilding your country’s relationship of trust with the international community. The end of Netanyahu’s political rule and the emergence of a democratic will for a change in existing policies could mark a major turning point for Israel’s future. Do not allow this historic opportunity to be squandered because of personal calculations, political positions or internal party struggles.

One point must also be stated clearly: Combating antisemitism is not merely an issue for Jewish communities; it is an issue for all humanity. However, one of the greatest responsibilities in this struggle is to prevent the identity of the Jewish people from being equated with the policies of any government. It is unacceptable for Jews living in different countries around the world to be targeted because of Netanyahu’s decisions. Equally unacceptable is the automatic accusation of antisemitism against those who speak out about the suffering of Palestinian civilians. Universal justice cannot be defended through selective conscience. Human rights do not change according to identity, religion, nationality or political affiliation.

Israel’s security, the future of the Palestinian people, and the safety of Jewish communities around the world are not separate issues. Wrong decisions taken today may deepen the hostilities of tomorrow; responsible decisions made today, however, may open the door to a new political and diplomatic era. The Middle East must not be allowed to descend further into a cycle of bloodshed, tears and revenge. Security can only be lasting within an order in which justice and the mutual right to life are guaranteed.

Mr. Gadi Eisenkot, do not regard this appeal as an ordinary political criticism. You face a historic responsibility. Take a clear position in the democratic process of accountability concerning Netanyahu’s political rule. Do not condemn Israel’s future to the political survival of a single leader. Help pave the way for political change that safeguards the security of the Jewish people, the right to life of Palestinian civilians, and the common conscience of humanity at the same time.

History will remember both those who remained silent to protect their positions and those who assumed responsibility in the name of humanity. No one can know in advance how the decisions taken today will be remembered tomorrow. But one truth remains: Defending human life, the rule of law and justice is not a responsibility that can be postponed.

Do not allow the future of the Jewish people to be identified with Netanyahu’s policies. Do not remain silent in the face of rising antisemitism. Fulfil your historic responsibility by helping bring the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza to an end and strengthening democratic accountability in Israel.

DO NOT MISS THIS HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY!