Israeli minister outlines challenges for safe and just state

STEVEN GRUZD

This was the view of Dr Yoaz Hendel, Israel’s communications minister. He was speaking in a Zoom meeting on the topic, “The reality of the state of Israel in relation to its neighbours.” The event was co-hosted by the Yeshiva Mizrachi Community and the South African Zionist Federation. It was moderated by Dayan Shlomo Glicksberg.

Hendel is a military historian, a well-known media commentator, and a former spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He is now the co-leader of the newly-formed Derech Eretz faction (literally “the way of the land”, but it means “proper behaviour”) under the Kachol Lavan (Blue and White) umbrella.

“Today, we are in a different phase, and we are trying to define ourselves,” Hendel said. “What does Zionism mean today? There are huge debates about what it means to be a Jewish state, a democratic state, a safe and just state. I want to feel that what I’m doing, the choices made, and the roads taken are based on justice. The challenge is to find political common ground.

“While Israel faces no external threat, still enemies surround us. Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, and Iran – these aren’t democratic countries we are dealing with. We are on the frontline of a clash of civilisations.

“In terms of peace, I prefer to see it as ‘conservative risk management’. I don’t think I’ll see a peace agreement in my lifetime. You have to understand the limitations. Dropping back to the 1967 borders is a disaster for the state of Israel. We have to find a way with the Palestinians to live side by side, without heavy declarations. I believe in annexation of the settlements and the Jordan Valley. But if we annex any part [of the territories], those inhabitants – Arabs and Jews – would have to become full citizens.

“After 52 years, almost half a million Jews live in Judea and Samaria [the West Bank]. The settlements, the villages are there to stay. There is huge discussion about the two million Palestinians living there. We don’t want responsibility for Jenin and Ramallah; they must take care of their educational and municipal needs.”

Although not bordering on Israel, Iran is seen as its biggest enemy. “Iran is responsible for the majority of instability in the Middle East today – in Syria, Yemen, Gaza, and other places. We need to have a strong army and protect ourselves. It’s a big concern for the Israeli cabinet,” Hendel said.

“The nation is preoccupied with how to keep the economy growing in the context of coronavirus. We also had three elections in a year that were all about Netanyahu and his legal problems. I was one of those pushing for a unity government [joining the two major blocs of Likud and Kachol Lavan] for the good of Israel.”

In his portfolio of communications, Hendel is at the centre of efforts to spread information and communications technology (ICT) – including fibre and 5G – throughout the length and breadth of Israel. This will ensure that everyone is well connected even if they live on Israel’s borders. “Technology is a way to spread Zionism and values,” Hendel said. And, telemedicine has been used extensively to treat patients with COVID-19.

Hendel’s message to the South African Jewish community is to take care of one another, make aliyah if possible, and strengthen connections to Israel.