On the 7th of October 2023, Israel found itself grappling with a level of violence unprecedented since the Yom Kippur War of 1973, marking a devastating milestone in the country’s history. The Palestinian extremist organisation Hamas launched a relentless assault, firing a staggering 4,500 rockets and missiles, with hundreds of its fighters breaching the Israeli border to engage in combat on the Israeli soil for the very first time. The toll has been nothing short of catastrophic, with thousands of lives lost, countless wounded, and taken hostage. Regrettably, this harrowing chapter has only just begun.

Israel’s resolute counter-offensive has commenced, yet regardless of the outcome, humanity is the ultimate loser. Thousands have perished on both sides, and thousands more are grappling with injuries, while millions endure lives marred by deprivation, displacement from their homes, and the destruction of infrastructure worth millions. War, as history underscores, is a costly and tragic affair, and it remains disheartening that certain organisations, driven by radical ideologies, perceive it as the only path to resolution. Terrorism, it must be underscored, is never a solution; it is, in essence, a problem unto itself. The global community has come to understand this grim reality, and it remains hopeful in its quest to discover enduring pathways to peace.

Similarities between Israel and India

India and Israel share striking parallels. It is worth taking note of these shared facets:

• Both nations embarked on their journey as sovereign states in the vicinity of 1947-48.
• Both were born into existence burdened by enduring conflicts: Palestine for Israel and Kashmir for India, both remaining unresolved to this day.
• Both have endured the crucible of four major wars, all rooted in these persistent disputes, with no lasting solutions in sight.
• Both countries have wrestled with the scourge of terrorism for decades, resulting in profound sacrifices, with lives, limbs, and property bearing the brunt of this relentless strife.

Nonetheless, one glaring disparity distinguishes these commonalities: India contends with a significant number of sympathisers for extremist ideologies, whereas Israel unites as a nation against such threats.

Lessons for India from Israel War

Each geopolitical event proffers lessons, and it behoves other nations facing similar challenges to glean insights from such occurrences and take remedial measures. India must internalise several important lessons drawn from the recent Hamas attack on Israel to forestall future calamities. The major lessons for India are enumerated below:

Never Let Your Guard Down

Israel, its military forces, and intelligence apparatus were caught off guard, a consequence of four decades of prevailing peace since the 1983 war. It was a period of tranquillity in Israel, and understandably, vigilance had waned. India, in a similar vein, must absorb the crucial lesson of perpetual preparedness. The nation should never let down its guard, maintaining unwavering vigilance, an unyielding intelligence network, and an unflagging response to even the faintest warning signals.

Both India and Israel have wrestled with the scourge of terrorism for decades, resulting in profound sacrifices, with lives, limbs, and property bearing the brunt of this relentless strife. Nonetheless, one glaring disparity distinguishes these commonalities: India contends with a significant number of sympathisers for extremist ideologies, whereas Israel unites as a nation against such threats

War Will NOT End Even If You Give Kashmir

The notion that granting disputed regions, such as Kashmir, could pave the way for peace is a fallacy. It is imperative not to delude ourselves into thinking that a concession of this nature will usher in lasting tranquillity. Palestine and the two-nation theory, for instance, have been offered multiple times in history, both before and after the establishment of Israel, only to be repeatedly rejected by extremists keen on prolonging the conflict. Analogously, the resolution of Kashmir may well trigger new demands, like Khalistan and Saurashtra, feeding the flames of terrorism.

Nation First

Israel’s indomitable national character, perhaps fuelled by existential fear, unifies the nation, especially during moments of national crisis. Following the attack on October 7, there was no clamour for accountability, resignations, protests, or blockades. The government’s foreign policy decisions and military responses remained unchallenged. Citizens across the spectrum rallied to their duty, with even the leader of the opposition and a former Prime Minister joining the ranks. Remarkably, Israeli tourists in India hastened to return to their homeland to contribute to the defence effort. This brand of resolute national character is indeed a utopia in the Indian context. There is much to learn from Israel’s ability to face national emergencies with a ‘Nation First’ perspective.

Democracy and Appeasement

India takes immense pride in being the world’s oldest, largest, and most robust democracy. However, our political discourse has descended to such depths that constructive criticism has all but disappeared. The prevailing objective seems to be the acquisition of power at any cost, which has given rise to a perilous culture of appeasement politics. National interests are too often sacrificed on the altar of political ambition. There exists, regrettably, a growing number of adversaries within the nation who seek a weakened India, as it paves the way for divisive politics to thrive. The time has come to transcend these divisive impulses, especially during moments of national crisis, relegating politics to its rightful place.

National interests are too often sacrificed on the altar of political ambition in India. There exists, regrettably, a growing number of adversaries within the nation who seek a weakened India, as it paves the way for divisive politics to thrive

Strong ‘Force of Deterrence’

Robust defence forces represent a ‘Force of Deterrence.’ Even in the absence of expansionist designs, it is imperative for India to maintain a formidable army to safeguard our borders as the nation progresses, grows, and aspires to superpower status. Recent events such as the Ukraine War and the Hamas attack on Israel underscore the importance of having ever-vigilant and combat-ready armed forces. These forces must be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, while the nation must simultaneously honour its commitment to the welfare of its soldiers, recognising that it is the men and women behind the machinery who ultimately secure victory in war.

Armed Forces as Nation’s Insurance

It is paramount that all those who habitually criticise government decisions abstain from scrutinising defence spending. The armed forces represent nothing less than insurance for the nation, and the full value of this investment becomes apparent during national crises or when our security is imperilled. Deeming the armed forces unproductive, a burden, or a drain on the country, leading to cuts in pay, status, pensions, and facilities, could have disastrous repercussions. An under-equipped, under-trained army populated by disheartened and disillusioned soldiers due to government neglect and societal apathy is a recipe for disaster. Given India’s precarious position, surrounded by a volatile and antagonistic neighbourhood, such an approach is untenable.

Fight Your Own Battles

Israel’s resolute stance underscores the necessity for each nation to be self-reliant in the face of adversity. While international support can be valuable, depending solely on others is not a sustainable strategy. The international response during the Ukraine War, for example, primarily entailed the supply of arms and aid, not direct military intervention. The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the idea that, in times of crisis, every nation must be capable of confronting its unique challenges. India, too, must heed this vital lesson from Israel.

When a superpower like China contends that “Israel has exceeded its mandate of self-defence,” one must question whether victimised states should be confined to self-defence and simply await the next round of terrorist attacks once the perpetrators regroup. Such a response from a superpower evokes indifference towards humanity

Don’t Preach ‘Non-Violence’ to a Terrorist

The principles of non-violence, secularism, and humanity are effective in dealing with rational opponents engaged in principled conflicts. Yet, these principles are woefully inadequate when confronting terrorists, whose indoctrination leaves no room for reasoned dialogue. These individuals are driven by a relentless thirst for blood, cruelty, and barbarism, firmly entrenched in a culture of violence. They recognise only the language of force. In their worldview, conformity to their belief system or death is the sole options. Their actions are justified in the name of God. Consequently, terrorists must be met with unwavering resolve, and there is no room for mercy, for they will show none.

Key Takeaways

In the face of barbaric and heinous crimes against humanity, nations must unite, irrespective of the underlying cause. Narrow, self-centred national interests should never deter countries from condemning terrorism. The only recourse is to crush such organisations through punitive responses. When a superpower like China contends that “Israel has exceeded its mandate of self-defence,” one must question whether victimised states should be confined to self-defence and simply await the next round of terrorist attacks once the perpetrators regroup. Such a response from a superpower evokes indifference towards humanity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assertion that “This is not an Era of War” is also debatable, as the relevance of war remains a stark reality, albeit manifesting in novel forms across a wider spectrum.

Given India’s political culture characterised by appeasement and divisive tendencies, heinous crimes may find supporters both domestically and among adversaries. The nation’s sense of nationalism remains fragmented, and during grave crises, it is often overshadowed by petty gains. The imperative, therefore, is to uphold a ‘Nation First’ ethos in thought and action

India must internalise that a similar act against the country under the pretext of the Kashmir cause, originating from across its western borders, remains a distinct possibility. Given India’s political culture characterised by appeasement and divisive tendencies, such heinous crimes may find supporters both domestically and among adversaries. The nation’s sense of nationalism remains fragmented, and during grave crises, it is often overshadowed by petty gains. The imperative, therefore, is to uphold a ‘Nation First’ ethos in thought and action.

Unite and fight like Israel!

-The author is a scholar soldier accredited with MA, MSc, LLB, MBA, M Phil (Def Mgt) and M Phil (International Strategic Affairs). Post retirement, he is a prolific writer, social activist, career consultant, and a motivational speaker of repute. The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda