Foreign Policy Of Israel About Security And Stronger Security
The small nation of Israel established as a Jewish state after World War II, abounds in conflict. Located in a tough neighborhood, surrounded by hostile Arab countries, the foreign policy of Israel has to be predominantly about security. With new threats hurtled at them, the Jews do not take vigilance lightly.
Israeli policy is to contain the local threat first, deal with the immediate region second and third, keep the United States in its corner. Meanwhile, trade and economic growth have to be given their due and good world citizenship practices maintained.The Jewish state is criticized for its isolationism. It is not an open society nor one that embraces a multi-cultural dialectic. This stance is roundly condemned by many but the Jews feel that to maintain their identity and sovereignty, which has historically been the target of genocide, they are playing the offensive for now.There are some who disapprove of this stand. Some would like a more progressive policy. But whenever efforts have been put forth to make peace with the Palestinians they are only met with more violence. At the present time, a stalemate is the order of the day. Neither side is willing to negotiate and the U. S. Has no desire to intrude on the policies necessary to maintain security.The Jewish state maintains a strong military force and often does what it feels is necessary despite condemnation from the Arab world and the United Nations. Its many acts in defense of its borders are often criticized but they know from history that if they are to have a state to call their own, they alone will have to fight for it. With most Arab nations working against them, a strong armed force is what keeps them from destruction.Most Muslim countries maintain no diplomatic ties with the state of Israel. Some are avowed enemies, others apathetic, still others play politics that change with the wind. After 1967, Egypt and Jordan have established ties. Iran, once an ally, is its enemy, threatening to wipe it off the map. Iraq is yet to decide, Syria playing whatever hand is necessary and Lebanon rife with terrorist organizations threatening to drive the Jewish state into the sea.Since forging diplomatic ties with Jordan and Egypt after the Six-Day War in 1967, the Palestinian question is the preeminent conflict for the government. The number of accords, agreements and talks is long. The actual working solutions short. The continual battle over its territory is the thrust of Israeli foreign policy.The best friend to the Israelis is the United States. The U. S. Is generous with aid to the Jewish state and fights for its need to defend itself. When it comes under attack at the United Nations, the U. S. Blocks the resolutions, believing wholly in the right to self defense. And equally so, the right to fight terrorism wherever and with whatever means necessary. Without this support, it would have a much harder time surviving in the Middle East. Nevertheless, as a strong nation of people used to discrimination, Israel defends itself forcefully without backing from anyone else. In time, maybe policies can reflect a nation at peace. For now, security is the name of the foreign policy of Israel.