Shall the sword devour forever? Israel’s eternal struggle for security

“Shall the sword devour forever?”— is not only rhetorical but chillingly prescient. For Israel, the answer is a resounding yes. This assertion is rooted in the religious, national, and historical dimensions of its existence, underscoring the inevitability of perpetual conflict as a means of survival. While unsettling, recognizing this reality is crucial for Israel to navigate its security challenges effectively.

Religious hostility toward Israel in the Middle East is neither new nor fleeting. It stems from a doctrinal clash between Islamic principles and the very existence of a Jewish state. According to Islamic jurisprudence, the world is divided into “Dar Al-Islam” (the house of Islam) and “Dar Al-Harb” (the house of war). Territories once under Islamic rule, such as Israel, fall under Dar Al-Islam and must be reclaimed by any means necessary. This theological imperative fuels the ongoing conflict, framing it as a political struggle and a religious obligation.

The October 7 Hamas-led massacre, branded “The Al-Aqsa Flood,” exemplifies this ideology. It drew support from Muslims worldwide, including from regions as far-flung as Indonesia and Afghanistan. The pervasive belief that Israel must be “liberated” underscores why peace agreements, even with pragmatic Arab states, remain tenuous. This religious dimension guarantees that Israel will remain a focal point for jihadist aspirations, rendering any hope for lasting peace illusory.

While peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan are often touted as successes, they are built on precarious foundations. In Islamic thought, peace with an enemy is permissible only when Muslims are at a disadvantage, as demonstrated by the Prophet Muhammad’s own actions. This explains why these treaties coexist with Egypt’s significant military buildup in the Sinai Peninsula and its expansive infrastructure projects under the Suez Canal. Such actions hint at future contingencies rather than genuine long-term peace.

Israel’s relationships with other Muslim-majority states, such as Iran and Turkey, illustrate how rapidly warm ties can devolve into hostility. These historical patterns suggest that even seemingly stable peace agreements can unravel. To ensure its survival, Israel must remain vigilant, understanding that its alliances in the region are inherently fragile.

The Palestinian issue further complicates matters. A sovereign Palestinian state has never existed, and Israel’s leadership is clear that it will not allow one to emerge—especially in light of the overwhelming support among Palestinian populations for violent resistance against Israel. The October 7 events starkly demonstrated this reality, with public opinion polls consistently showing readiness among Palestinians to engage in similar acts of violence if given the opportunity.

History serves as a grim reminder that Jewish existence has always been marked by struggle and persecution, regardless of geography or era. Whether in Europe, America, or Israel, antisemitism has persisted in various forms—from religious bigotry to xenophobic hatred. The State of Israel was born in the aftermath of the Holocaust, yet the threats to Jewish security remain as pervasive as ever.

This reality is encapsulated in the writings of Ze’ev Jabotinsky, the founder of the Revisionist Zionist movement, who argued in his 1923 essay “The Iron Wall” that Jewish survival depends on military might. The “iron wall” metaphor resonates today, emphasizing the necessity of a robust and uncompromising defense to deter external and internal threats. The resurgence of antisemitic rhetoric on university campuses worldwide further illustrates that the Jewish people remain targets, even in ostensibly progressive societies.

For Israel, the sword is not a temporary necessity but a permanent fixture. This acknowledgment does not imply a rejection of diplomatic efforts or coexistence initiatives but rather a pragmatic understanding of the region’s dynamics. The world may criticize Israel’s military actions, but history and present circumstances leave little choice.

Israel must continue to bolster its military capabilities while fostering resilience among its citizens. Education, technological innovation, and cultural identity are equally crucial in fortifying the nation against external pressures. Internationally, Israel must navigate its relationships with great powers and maintain its strategic alliances, ensuring that its sovereignty remains non-negotiable.

The sword may indeed devour forever, but Israel’s unwavering commitment to its survival ensures that it will not devour in vain. Recognizing the inevitability of perpetual conflict allows Israel to adopt a realistic and proactive approach to its security. By doing so, it honors the sacrifices of past generations and safeguards the promise of a secure homeland for future ones.