Israel, Democracy and the Defense of the Free World

The recent regrettable comment by the President of the Republic, suggesting that Israel's attacks on Iran were intended to divert attention from Gaza, has sparked outrage among many who see Israel as a bastion of democracy and the free world. This view, fortunately shared by many Portuguese, reflects the conviction that Israel not only defends itself, but also protects fundamental values ​​against existential threats, such as those repeatedly repeated by Iran. This article explores why Israel, by acting against Iran's nuclear program, represents the interests of democrats and defenders of freedom, in contrast to narratives that portray it as an aggressor, which are nothing more than old ideological stances that resurface from time to time, since for them the Jews (the majority of Israel's inhabitants) can only be in the role of victims of history.

Israel and the Iranian Threat

Iran, a theocratic regime that has repeatedly threatened to “wipe Israel off the map,” has invested decades in developing offensive nuclear technology. Experts say the country is close to achieving the capability to produce nuclear weapons, which would pose a threat not only to Israel but to global stability. If Iran has nuclear weapons, countries like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt will soon have nuclear weapons as well. The world will certainly become much more dangerous.

Unlike the comfort of the West, Iran represses dissidents, women and minorities with torture, life sentences and death, promoting a truly repressive, murderous and expansionist vision of its state philosophy.

By attacking Iranian nuclear facilities, Israel is acting to prevent a catastrophic scenario. Thus, a theocratic regime with Mahdist, apocalyptic state philosophies of Good versus Evil in a final battle could not only blackmail the world with nuclear weapons, as seen in conflicts such as Ukraine and Korea, where nuclear powers act with impunity, but (unlike these examples) would certainly use them, in line with what they have been preaching for decades, which is the destruction of Israel.

Israel as Bastion of the Free World

Israel, a vibrant and unique democracy in the Middle East, faces constant threats from groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, supported by Iran, who reject peaceful coexistence and promote bloodthirsty theocracies and medieval ways of life. For many Portuguese, Israel represents the front line against barbarism, defending values ​​such as freedom, equality, democracy and pluralism. Its resilience is a reminder that democracy requires vigilance and, at times, preventive defensive action. To thank Israel is not to glorify war, but to recognize its role in protecting the free world from threats that Portugal, in its European security, may not fully understand.

The Victim Role and Reality

There are those in certain ideological circles who can only see the Jews as perpetual victims, ignoring their eternal need to prevent their own extinction, which finally, in the post-war period of the last century, gave them the ability to defend themselves from extermination through difficult military victories that forced neighbors such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon to create “peace”. This simplistic narrative of only accepting the Jews as victims devalues ​​Israel’s courage in facing adversaries that do not hesitate to use terror against civilians and does not authorize Israel to behave like any other people, that is, to defend itself. Israel bears a burden for these people that no other country does. This is nothing new, history repeats itself. The difference is that now Israel can defend itself, and this confuses many.

On the other hand, the crisis in Ukraine demonstrates how an authoritarian, nuclear-armed power exploits the West’s hesitation and inability to act. Israel, on the other hand, does not wait for global approval to act, but takes on the burden of difficult decisions in the name of the survival and collective security of the free world. It is a pity that the President of the Republic cannot see this.

In conclusion

The criticisms made by the President of the Republic do not reflect the feelings of all Portuguese people, especially those who see Israel as an ally in the fight for freedom and against extremism. This President does not represent us and at times he is an embarrassment, as is the case here. No, Mr President, Israel does not act to divert attention, but rather to prevent its destruction, protecting the world from regimes that disregard democratic values ​​as a bonus. We thank Israel for being at the forefront of this battle, ensuring that the free world does not become a de facto victim of reality. It is up to democrats to recognize this effort and support those who courageously defend freedom, because the West, unlike Israel, seems to have forgotten this lesson of history.