The resilient jewish state: Time favors israel

The Jewish state has always attracted the attention of pundits and prognosticators. In recent years, a burgeoning literature of gloom that highlights Israel's imaginary or real flaws, and even questions its future, has emerged both within and outside the country. Most concerned is the radical Israeli Left, which argues that there is great urgency in solving the Arab-Israeli conflict and that in the absence of a peaceful solution, the Jewish state is doomed to disappear.1 Moreover, Israel's democratic character, its international legitimacy, and its ability to withstand protracted conflict are questioned. Israel is a small state, and historically, such states have had a precarious existence.2 Indeed, Israel has faced existential threats from its neighbors since its inception. The memory of a Jewish state twice destroyed by powerful empires and the more recent catastrophe of the Holocaust hovers over the policy debates of contemporary Jews. Losing the Jewish commonwealth for a third time is a historic possibility for those who do not adhere to a messianic ideology. But while continuous political prudence is recommended, Israel has so far been a great success story, and time seems to be on its side. A review of the balance of power between Israel and its foes, of the domestic characteristics affecting its national power-such as its economy, social cohesion, and political system-as well as its standing in the international community, validates this assessment. After celebrating sixty-five years of existence, Israel can confidently expect to overcome the challenges ahead.