Jews of Silence

In the long history of tension between Israeli and American leaders — from Rabin and William Rogers to Shamir and George Bush, and on to Netanyahu’s own run-ins with Obama — this is the worst, by a long mile. How did Israel end up in the nightmare scenario of choosing between capitulation to Hamas and near-rupture with its closest ally?

Joe Biden’s decision to sacrifice Israel’s security on the altar of his electoral coalition is the most important trigger. Biden’s heart is in the right place when it comes to Israel — unfortunately, his spine isn’t. The hard line taken to placate progressives is grubby and unprincipled, making a mockery of the president’s repeated declarations of unconditional support for Israel.

So, too, the attempt to twist Israel’s arm by suddenly offering intel on the hostages is just plain weird. The White House wouldn’t use this type of leverage on Putin — why is it kosher when it comes to Israel?

But the road to rupture doesn’t just run through Washington; Jews and Israel-supporters bear responsibility for their silence, keeping quiet on a range of questions that underlie the current standoff.