There are four different paths to peace that must be pursued simultaneously under the current circumstances. Internal Peace within the borders of Israel, such as between secular and chareidi. Peace with the Palestinian Arabs. Peace with terrorist hosting countries like Yemen. Peace with a rogue state like Iran. In an effort to help any who may feel overwhelmed that true peace may not be possible, I thought to address key points in each sphere of conflict and therefore sphere of potential peacemaking. To make aware of the hope that peace is yet obtainable.
Internal peace
Internal peace, in this case focusing in on the secular and chareidi dialectic on draft of Torah scholars. To understand this matter, one must realize the difference between what is religious and what is political. As both a rabbi and former adjunct professor of political science, perhaps I am suited to address this.
The religious law is that if there is a need for more soldiers in a war for national survival, then there is essentially no deferment of a draft possible. But if there is enough soldiers, even during a time of war for national survival, maintaining support lines for the soldiers on the front must remain a priority. From the procurement of uniforms and safety equipment and weapons, to the spiritual support of increased Torah study, all these lines of support are important in a Jewish state within the Holy Land. It was King David who first instituted that the spoils of war should be shared with those who uphold the supply lines. Such is the Jewish way.
If there is a debate amongst the rabbis as to whether there should be a draft or not, it is because either there is reason to believe there is not urgent need for more soldiers, or there is a perception of a reason to believe there is no urgent need for more soldiers. Too often I have found people willing to insult and suspect rabbinical leaders who oppose a draft, rather than attempt to communicate the precarious situation and vital need for a draft. If there is no way to communicate the vital need, that could indicate that there is insufficient need to permit a draft of full time Torah scholars under halachah (Jewish law.) This would make the entire issue a political one, not a religious debate, because the halachah is clear, if communication is there.
I think people should approach this issue as being neither for, nor against a Torah scholar draft in a time of war, but will accept what the religious leadership declares as their redline and the baseline religious law. Only to find more ideas to integrate chareidim in support of communal activities, in ways that do not violate their beliefs. Increase unity without destroying societies. If you try to force your spouse to love you, it is not love on your part.
Previously, when Israel was engaged with fewer opponents at the same time, it was clear that this conflict with the chareidim was more ideological and a political preference than based in a real national need. I wrote about that seven years ago at this link. Perhaps increasing forms of community service by chareidim may be a compromise solution. But people have to want a compromise solution, and not speak from jealousy or spite.
It is upon the secular leadership to improve communications with the religious sector. Rather than insulting all rabbis, try to get some who agree with you and quote them to those who disagree with you. Build consensus and stop blaming the chareidim and maybe they will agree with you more often. Have you already separated from the chareidim in your mind? If so, don't blame them for being separate from you. There is a diplomatic path available for you to fix this, no matter how great or small your Torah knowledge level may be. Investigate, and don't assume. The great rabbis are dedicated to the objective truth, not a political agenda. Assuming otherwise ends the diplomacy before it can begin. We are one people, so please let us act that way.
Peace with the Palestinian Arabs
The countless Arab citizens within the Green Line, who love Israel, is proof that the terroristic hatred of Israel is superimposed by Arafat, Abbas, Hamas, and those who uphold the PLO legacy, and is not an "Arab thing." Long ago I called out the concept of allowing schools in the territories to teach revisionist pro terror history and values to the youth. Going forward, this is the most important thing to do. Don't allow free speech when it is a rally for terror.
Freedom to incite terror, is the end of free speech in a society. All who disagree, are at risk of being attacked.
Neither permit the broadcast of such incitement to violence from within, or even near your borders. Not in a text book, not in an audio or visual broadcast. Allow no incitement to Jew hatred whatsoever.
Peace with terrorist hosting countries like Yemen
Hapless states, or not so hapless states, that allow terrorists to maintain bases on their soil must be held accountable. Offer help to enable them to resist the terrorist forces on their land. If they refuse to get involved, then know that they are enabling the terror bases on their soil. Warn them of increasing consequences, if they persist in hosting terror. Hold such governments accountable, whether financially or otherwise, as the case may be.
Peace with a rogue state like Iran
The successful destruction of the Iranian nuclear research centers, many terror leaders throughout the Middle East, and missile launchers in Iran, are all solid and immediately beneficial solutions, but not yet a conclusive victory.
Continue to back rebel forces that seek to restore democracy to Iran. It's not clear that there is an option for peace with Iran with anything short of regime change from their currently terror addicted leadership. And it is best to support the aspirations of the Iranian people, than attempt to control their capitol from abroad.
The current regime of Iran is at constant risk of attempting to secretly develop, and or purchase from an Eastern ally, dangerous materials. Only when Iran knows liberty from their current totalitarian leadership, is it wise to assume that the threat of a nuclear Iran is completely ended. In the meantime, reports from the Iranian opposition conference in Munich are a cause for more hope.
Peace is obtainable
A seven front war is tough to deal with, not just militarily, but psychologically as well. Yet peace is obtainable. It is the most natural state of humans. Indeed, it is guaranteed by Heaven. May it soon be so, B'Ezras HaShem Yisborach, by the grace of God.
