Patience is a virtue

(JNS) — The recent ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas are just the latest chapter in a series of high-stakes decisions with unpredictable outcomes. The hostage deal has been a source of both intense joy and extreme apprehension. There have been countless times in the last 16 months that tragedy was supplanted by triumph.

The notion that patience is a virtue has never been truer. There is a tendency to jump to conclusions and allow emotions to dominate opinion. The complexities of the situation, including many factors unknown to the public, demand restraint from jumping to conclusions.

In the aftermath of the Hamas terrorist attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, Israel faced intense scrutiny over its immediate responses. Questions arose as to why Israel didn’t enter Gaza right away, why it refrained from retaliating against Lebanon or even Iran, and whether earlier ceasefire agreements with Hamas should have been pursued. Debates swirled over whether Israel should confront Hezbollah directly or if it could afford to assassinate its then-leader, Hassan Nasrallah. There were also uncertainties about whether Israel could even strike Iran successfully.

Many questioned whether Israel could withstand mounting pressure from the worldwide community and the Biden administration. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s motivations were heavily scrutinized. People questioned whether his actions prioritized the best interests of the people or his own political survival.

Tal Becker, a senior Israeli diplomat, was interviewed on a recent podcast, and the topic of conventionally held beliefs was discussed, particularly, those held by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. It was suggested that Nasrallah believed Israel would not escalate against Hezbollah because of what he perceived as diminished U.S. support under the Biden administration. Had there been no perceived daylight between the United States and Israel, Nasrallah’s calculations might have been different. It was this misconception that persuaded Nasrallah not to take more prudent security arrangements, and, as a result, Israel had the opportunity to attack and kill him. This event was a watershed moment that has had drastic implications that have been realized already. The long-term implications of the assassination will continue to reveal itself over time.

Ironically, it was the stop-and-go support from the Biden administration that elongated the war and provided time for things to play out as they did. For instance, some argue that if former President Donald Trump had been in power when Hamas attacked on Oct. 7, Israel might have acted more decisively, potentially neutralizing Hamas within three months. This, they argue, would have precluded the recent battles involving Lebanon, Syria and Iran.

There are so many factors unknown to the public, and to jump to conclusions is unwise and irresponsible. In many cases, the seemingly obvious and conventional answers are eventually proven wrong.

Confucius is credited with saying, “He who knows that he knows not is wise. He who knows not that he knows not is a fool.” This is not a sporting event or a talk show, therefore people who sit in positions of influence have a responsibility to be extremely thoughtful about the things that they opine about. Only a fraction of the facts are evident, and we ought to cautiously trust that those in positions of leadership are acting in the best interest of the people they serve.