Over three thousand years ago, the spies whom Moses had sent to report on the inhabitants of the Promised Land, shared: “We were like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and so we were in theirs.”
It all begins with our own self-image. When we perceive ourselves as puny, when we cower within, it is no surprise that our enemies will act aggressively. Conversely, when we have self-respect, when we focus on our own priorities and give precedence to our own security, other nations will regard us differently.
Israel has continually chosen to worry first about what other nations will say, and second about its own priorities. Rather than focus on what is necessary for our own security, growth and development, the attitude has always been: What will the U.S say? What will the Arabs say? What will the rest of the world say?
After the Six-Day War there was a real fear of Israel and her army within the Arab world. Today, sadly, that is no longer true. Why? Because of our concessions, because of our inability to stand up and claim that the Land of Israel is rightfully ours, they perceive us as weak. And a weak enemy invites aggressiveness.
Even when we need help from other nations, we need not cower before them in fear. America considers foreign aid as an investment. And every investor will be more impressed with a prospective partner who though not boastful or arrogant knows what he needs and wants and is forthright in seeking it.
The most immediate step to solving the problem is to settle the entire land. Wherever there is open space in Judea, Samaria, Gaza, and the Golan, settlements should be established. There is no need to displace Arabs; there is ample empty land. This should not be done with fanfare but to create a reality. When the land is settled by Jews, it will become obvious to all that we consider this as Jewish land, not theoretically, but practically. The fact settlement is the issue which Arabs protest most vehemently should make it clear that it is Israel’s highest priority. It is the most pragmatic means at Israel’s disposal to change the balance of power in her favor.
Once wide settlement becomes a fact, it will be impossible to turn back the clock. There will be protests at the outset but they must be met with resolution. The Arabs and other nations will then realize: Israel is serious about defending her self-interest; this land will not be given away.
The settlement must be broad. There will be the same clamor by the Arabs whether a new home is added to a settlement, one new settlement is founded, or the entire land is settled. So why hold back?
Restrictions against settlement invite protest. It becomes obvious that restrictions are imposed because there are Israelis who feel they don’t belong there. Settling the land without restriction sends a message of confident self-esteem. It shows the world that Israel is doing everything to maintain her security and will not be halted in that endeavor.
Adapted from the teachings of the Rebbe
