In an interview on Israel Now News on Sep. 10, 2024, Dr. Dan Diker, President of the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs, sat down with host Josh Reinstein to discuss the ongoing war against Hamas and its far-reaching implications. The conversation shed light on Israel’s struggle and its connection to the global fight against terrorism, with particular emphasis on its significance for the United States.
The Jerusalem Center for Foreign Affairs: Strengthening Israel’s International Status
Diker began by introducing the Jerusalem Center for Foreign Affairs, formerly the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. “We’re the only foreign affairs center in Israel that strengthens Israel’s security and enhances its safety by elevating its international status,” he explained. This foundation of Israel’s international advocacy has been critical as the country navigates the complex diplomatic and security challenges posed by the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
The U.S. Perspective: A Call for Ceasefire amid Political Concerns
Reinstein steered the conversation toward the U.S. administration’s pressure on Israel to halt military operations and seek a ceasefire. Diker acknowledged that the Biden administration, especially during an election year, is keen on achieving peace and quiet in Gaza at nearly any cost.
“They want industrial quiet in Gaza, and they want Hizbullah in the north to cease its attacks at Iran’s behest,” he said, referring to the daily attacks since the October 7th Hamas assault. “The U.S. has a profound interest in a ceasefire, and possibly a minor hostage deal, but at a heavy price for Israel.”
A Shared American-Israeli Struggle
Diker stressed that the war against Hamas is not just Israel’s fight—it’s an American issue too. This perspective was highlighted at both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, where American citizens, including parents of hostages, spoke out about the shared threat posed by Hamas.
“We’re in the midst of an international terrorist tragedy,” Diker stated, emphasizing that American citizens have been murdered, injured, or kidnapped by Hamas. Many are still held captive in Gaza’s tunnels. “This is not just an Israeli issue. It’s an American issue.”
Diker called on the U.S. to lead an international campaign against Hamas, pointing out that citizens from 23 countries are currently held hostage. He argued that the U.S. administration must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel in fighting this global menace.
A Religious War, Not a Territorial Conflict
Noting the ideological and religious roots of the conflict. Diker pointed out a longstanding misconception that the conflict between Israel and Hamas is a territorial dispute over land. “This is not about territory or land for peace. This is a religious war—an Islamic jihad against Jews and Christians alike.”
For years, Israel and many in the West have mistakenly framed the war as a political or territorial conflict, failing to grasp its true nature. Hamas, driven by radical Islamist ideology, seeks the destruction of both Israel and the broader Judeo-Christian world. “The events of October 7th proved that this is not the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. This is jihad.” The war is rooted in religious ideology, not territorial ambitions.
A Call for Unity
Diker concluded with a call for unity, urging Christians and Jews around the world to come together in solidarity, calling on the Christian community, particularly the 60 to 70 million-strong evangelical base in the United States, to rally in support of Israel.
“Our Judeo-Christian history, our current state of affairs, and our future hang in the balance,” he said. “We must stand united against Hamas, Iran, and the forces of Islamist terrorism. Together, we can defeat this evil.”
As the war against Hamas rages on, the interview serves as a sobering reminder that this conflict transcends Israel’s borders. It is a shared struggle, one that demands global attention and cooperation in the face of terrorism.
