Israel’s military says about 1,400 people have been killed since Hamas militants mounted a surprise attack on southern Israel October 7th.  Hamas is a Palestinian Islamic political party and connected militant group that has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, Israel and other nations. Israeli forces have struck back at Hamas in Gaza with a vengeance since then. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry says the war has killed 18,000 including many civilian Palestinians.

Perhaps, no recent conflict has divided the American people and people around the world like this one has. America traditionally is Israel’s biggest ally, but many Americans are critical of Israel’s attacks on Gaza and the violence that victimizes Palestinians.

Rabbi Jack Paskoff is with Congregation Shaarai Shomayim in Lancaster and visited Tel Aviv and Haifa in Israel last week.

On The Spark Wednesday, Rabbi Paskoff talked about the attitude of the Israeli people,"I think what we're seeing now is a loss of confidence in political leadership, but not military leadership. Israel is very proud of the Israel Defense Forces. The vast majority of Israelis serve in the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) at some point. Everyone knows someone who was killed in one of Israel's conflicts. So the institution of the military is still a valued part of Israeli life. I think the loss of confidence was more in the political infrastructure and not in the military one."

Paskoff pointed out that Israelis are dissatified with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who they see as not taking responsibility for a lack of preparation for the attack and casting blame elsewhere.

He also asked Israelis what happens to Gaza after a ceasefire and added it seems President Biden is hoping the Palestinian Authority, which was set up to govern the West Bank in Gaza," It would be wonderful if the Palestinian Authority could exert control over Gaza. I think that is the greatest hope. But I don't believe it's realistic. Could Hamas stay in power in some way? Well, Israel's not even willing to engage in that conversation while there are still over 100 hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza. So that's where there's a great deal of uncertainty. Who can effectively govern and who can govern in a way that's going to protect the people of Gaza from provoking Israel? Because I do believe, honestly, that it's Hamas that's holding Palestinians hostage. And while Israel is responding, I think the true fault lies with Hamas and the way they have ruled over that territory."

The pro-Palestinian protests have centered on the Israeli response and tactics to the October 7 attack and especially the civilians that have been killed and displaced.  Paskoff addressed that,"There are a lot of innocent people in Gaza. We have heard calls for Israeli restraint. President Biden referred to indiscriminate bombing yesterday. We've heard calls to protect civilian lives. I have not heard from a military expert or a political expert how Israel does that when Hamas is using hospitals and schools (as shields and hideouts)."

"I'm just not hearing an alternative. I'm hearing the criticism, but I'm not hearing an alternative. Is it for Israel to sit by while over 100 Israelis and other foreign nationals are being held hostage? I'm just not sure what the answer is. I mourn the loss of innocent life. There's no question about that. People on both sides of the line have been in my prayers since October 7th."

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