Many people look at the U.S.–Iran deal and see an Israeli defeat. Jewish history tells a different story: The long game often belongs to those who lose the moment but win the future.
Adam, I appreciate the positive perspective in your article, and Jewish history certainly gives us many reasons to believe that setbacks are not always the end of the story.
But I have to be honest: right now, I think many of us are simply disappointed.
We are looking at a regime that openly calls for Israel's destruction, funds terror across the region, and appears determined to continue pursuing missiles, influence, and possibly nuclear capabilities. Many of us believed this was the best opportunity in decades to fundamentally change that reality. Instead, what we appear to have is a deal that leaves the regime standing and gives it another chance to survive.
That is hard to celebrate.
I understand your historical comparison, but I also think we have to be careful not to romanticize defeats. We survived the destruction of the Temple. We survived exile. We survived the Holocaust. Survival is extraordinary, but that does not make those tragedies victories. They were terrible losses, and honest people recognized them as such.
That is why I find myself torn. I appreciate the optimism and the reminder that Jewish history is measured in generations, not news cycles. But I also believe realism matters. At this moment, the situation looks disappointing, and I think that is the normal reaction for many people.
I've supported President Trump for years and watched him repeatedly criticize the Obama deal as weak and dangerous. That is why I am so shocked by what appears to be emerging now. If this deal ultimately results in a genuinely verifiable, nuclear-free Iran, I will gladly admit I was wrong. But as things stand today, it feels like a missed opportunity at a moment when the regime was under enormous pressure.
So yes, we will move forward. The Jewish people always do. But moving forward begins with honestly recognizing where we are today, not where we hope to be tomorrow.
Thanks Frederick for your rational take. I agree. Let’s remind us again that the destruction of the Temple and the Holocaust left Jewry in shambles with millions dead and millions suffering in tragedy. Yes we survived. But fighting to prevent anything resembling those atrocities must be our mission. If we don’t fight we risk Torah.
As far as Trump’s deal, it already has elements that threaten Israel even before we find out about the prospect of a nuclear weapons-free Iran beyond the JCPOA. $300 billion to Iran? $24 billion in unfrozen assets? Iran controls the Strait n charge tolls? Sanctions removed? “Some ballistic missiles” are OK? Hezbollah is part of the deal? Trump has always been about his own interests. ETTD - Everything Trump Touches Dies. Netanyahu has just found out. Like Pence, like everyone else he has left out to dry (JD Vance is next?). Trump made a catastrophic foreign policy blunder (decisions, execution, war strategy, etc.) that puts Israel and the U.S. in a much worse position than in the last several decades. Israel is about Hope. We’re going to need that and some really smart decisions and actions!
Israel can continue doing what it needs to do, without the U.S. If I were Prime Minister I would see this as an opportunity to create more independence; it's time to wean ourselves off the U.S. military industrial complex. And oh how they will cry when that happens - can't wait.
And, there are many different ways to undermine a regime, not all of them using traditional military tactics. Israel has shown great creativity in gutting the Hezbollah leadership, and eliminating scientists as well as leaders within Iran. Why not continue doing that - a lot more?
One more random thought: since Trump kept Netanyahu away from all negotiations, doesn't that give Israel the right to do whatever it wants going forward? Israel hasn't agreed to anything, so . . .
Anyway, I thought the piece gave a very useful retrospective of our history.
Whenever I’m in Rome I visit the Triumphal Arch of Titus to have a short conversation with the ghosts of Rome. It goes like this: “We’re still here, you’e not.”
Harvey, I'm not entirely sure what you mean by "if we don't fight, we risk Torah." I assume you mean that if we fail to defend ourselves, we risk our survival as a people and everything that comes with it.
As for the Trump deal, I share many of your concerns. But I'm trying to remain cautiously optimistic. We've got 60 days to see how this ultimately plays out. If, at the end of that period, Trump can secure a genuinely enforceable agreement, remove or neutralize the enriched uranium, and create a framework that truly prevents Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, then I'll consider that a success.
What makes this so shocking is that Trump spent years criticizing the Obama deal as weak and dangerous. I never expected him to be talking about sanctions relief or large financial concessions so early in the process.
That said, I think we also have to acknowledge Trump's record. Whatever anyone thinks of his personality or motivations, he has done more for Israel than any president I can remember: moving the embassy to Jerusalem, confronting antisemitism on campuses, recognizing Jerusalem, and ultimately authorizing strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.
One of the reasons I've always been more confident about Trump than many others is because of his ego. Strange as it sounds, I viewed it the same way I view capitalism. Capitalism works not because people are saints, but because it channels self-interest, ambition, and even greed into productive outcomes. With Trump, I've often felt that his desire to be seen as the greatest dealmaker, the strongest leader, and the man who made history worked to Israel's benefit. He wants to be remembered as the president who accomplished what others could not.
That's why this deal has been such a shock to me. It doesn't fit the pattern we've seen for years. But because Trump is Trump, I'm not ready to write the final chapter yet. If his goal is still to be remembered as the man who permanently stopped Iran's nuclear ambitions, then these next 60 days are going to matter a great deal.
Like you, I'm concerned. But I'm willing to wait and see how this unfolds before rendering a final verdict.
You finally discovered that Trump is loyal to himself and family and no one else. He sidelined PM Netanyahu early in the negotiations and ignored Israel and its concerns with Iran entirely. Missles, nuclear enrichment and proxies, nary a mention.
That was a WOW! A cracker of analysis and comparison to our ancient time and ancestors. Thank you. We need to remember history, wins and losses and see the parallels because history always repeats itself. While Jew-hate is not new, the last 10 years have shown a clear path to where we are now. Many poo-poo'd it when brought up and now are on the frontlines of sharing information. Those who never participated in anything Jewish outside of family dinners are now going to events, etc. Including those close to me.
I hate to say it but we Jews are not going to make it. 10/7/2023 was the start of the second Holocaust. We are arrayed against all of Islam and the left who are attacking us everywhere. 10/7 was not just coordinated with Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah; it was Coordinated with the UN, leftist media and leftist political parties.
All Israel can do is get her nukes, her missiles and her bombers ready and take down as many enemies as she can when the Third Temple falls. That means from Madrid to Moscow, from the Thames to Tehran. It would also include Mecca (no more Hajj) and the Persian Gulf oil and gas; which would collapse the world economy for decades.
There are too many of them and too few of us. But we can deliver Armageddon.
As a non-Jew in Australia, I’ve felt distraught every day since Oct 7 at our govt and progressive media’s response to the atrocities committed against Israelis. My world view has permanently altered — I’ll never vote ‘left’ again or tolerate the left’s hateful propaganda as mere ‘diversity of opinion’. Your words are accurate and understandable but I pray (despite current appearances) not prophetic. It does feel that the spirit of the Holocaust has been reignited — I’m appalled at the rhetoric of many public figures on the left who I previously thought were decent and humane. When it comes to Israel, no libel or insane conspiracy is out of bounds. I pray that Israel will continue to ‘prevail’ over the forces arrayed against it — despite the disparity in numbers, Israel’s spiritual and moral power is qualitatively greater than the evil impulses of its enemies.
Not at all what I am advocating. No passiveness or being docile. No more “oven Jews”. No… we all understand that we are in an existential war. As Golda said to then Senator Joe Biden… “let me tell you Israel’s secret weapon: we have no place else to go”.
Fight until there’s no fight left.
But to Nuke just because? Yes, it kills all of your enemies but kills you also. Like a suicide bomber. That’s all I’m saying.
The battle is not only Islam v Israel, it is Islam v all non-muslim people. Bit by bit the Muslims are winning, they are relentless in pursuing their goal of world domination. When will complacent people wake up and see what they are doing?
If the very act of survival can be seen as a victory by the Jews, I get why Iran and the leftist have declared victory in this latest conflict. If the terrorists continue to attack Israel, perhaps the same declarations of victory will not be available to them after the next round of battles. Hopefully Israel will have its hands untied by our allies.
Israel will make that decision. As Netanyahu said several days ago if Israel has to do it alone, Israel will do it alone. When has any other army put troops on the ground to help Israel? Never.
Absolutely. As if Vance knows what the neighborhood is like. All his comments did was to foster more hate for the Jewish people. Hazak Hazak Ve Nit Hazek!
Forget the media. Read the MOU. Is it a good deal for the U.S. or Israel? . $300 billion to Iran? $24 billion in unfrozen assets? Iran controls the Strait n charge tolls? Sanctions removed? “Some ballistic missiles” are OK? Hezbollah is part of the deal? And we still don’t know what will happen the Nukes! AND Trump told the world we had to make the deal bc the world’s oil reserves were about to run out and he didn’t want to be the next Herbert Hoover! Doesn’t that mean that Iran had “the cards” or “had Trump over a barrel” implying both that Iran won this war and Trump had to give them what THEY wanted?
You could be right, it could be a complete suck fest of a deal that hurts Israel and weakens the U.S reputation in the process. And I don't understand how Iran would be allowed to charge any tolls for free international waters, that seems insane, but according to other sources we really don't know every aspect of this deal or what is happeing behind the scenes as JNS TV, Pinchas Taylor, and YishaiFleisher have reported to make a total judgment call about this deal yet.
Internal political discord nearly jeopardized the Temple's security on October 7th, 2023. Such internal strife significantly undermines our collective strength and resilience. Addressing these divisive elements is paramount to preserving our nation.
A unified front is essential to counter external threats effectively. Therefore, immediate efforts toward reconciliation and cohesive action are imperative.
Goodness, Adam Hummel, it's a long time since I've read words that affected me with as much inner recognition and consequent vigour as these. Thank you for an inspiring read. Despite the current ugliness, chaos, demonisation, untruths and the turbulence this engenders, we can, for sure, reflect on the knowledge of who we are, who we have been and who we will be in the future. Thank you. Personally, I do tend to historicise everything bad that happens in my life, thus allowing a measure of calm and hope to abide, so the kind of reckoning you provide here does suit me. Frederick Tatala thinks we should not romanticise defeats. I don't think we should romanticise anything. I don't believe that's what you do in your discussion; what you say is pertinent in that within we should be patient, not despairing, for nothing can be forecast adequately and humans often turn the tables in ways that are surprising. In order to do that we must maintain an inner fundamental strength that rests on the sustenance of the past while perhaps suffering disappointment. Yes, reality matters, but it is the mind, after all, that sees and processes that reality, and how that is done is with each of us.
Frederick, I appreciate your response and agree with Trump’s positive actions for Israel’s benefit, especially the Abraham accords. That said, I don’t share your optimism that he can find success within the hole that I think he is in. From what we can see, Iran appears to have the leverage to create an economic oil catastrophe before the West could do anything about it. But as you said, let’s wait and see
And, interesting that Moshe Dayan told the soldiers that captured the Temple Mount to take down the Israeli flag, not wanting to cause trouble too soon with the Muslims who had built a mosque there. I don't know if he was among those who almost immediately warned their countrymen to give back the West Bank to Jordan, but it sure would have been a good idea and would have avoided a lot of pain for both Israelis and Arabs had that happened.
Everyone thought Dayan was the hero who was larger than life - mythic almost. But upon learning of his directive to allow the Waqf to control the Temple Mount which then in term blocked Jews from praying on their holy site, I lost all respect. His depiction in the movie Golda solidified my opinion as well. He gave back a vital piece of our heritage as a misguided offering to peace. Arabs don't respect this kind of mentality. That has been proven over and over again. Too many of our holy sites or those that we should have the right to visit have been usurped. Thank Hashem I was able to visit some of those now verboten areas before Israel gave up control...
Thanks for bringing it up. I believe the idea of withdrawal from West Bank was quietly discussed by Israeli governments of Levi Eshkol and Golda Meir . Perhaps they thought that king Hussein's Bedouins are better equipped to rule over all of Jordan's population, including Palestinians as proven during Black September events . Then again, withdrawing from Gaza proved to be big mistake turned into disaster .
Why would giving back the West Bank been a good idea in 1967 when the month before Israel captured it the Arab governments that controlled it were threatening to wipe Israel off the map and exterminate its population?
See Ahmed Shukeiri, then head of the PLO, declarations at that time.
Adam, I appreciate the positive perspective in your article, and Jewish history certainly gives us many reasons to believe that setbacks are not always the end of the story.
But I have to be honest: right now, I think many of us are simply disappointed.
We are looking at a regime that openly calls for Israel's destruction, funds terror across the region, and appears determined to continue pursuing missiles, influence, and possibly nuclear capabilities. Many of us believed this was the best opportunity in decades to fundamentally change that reality. Instead, what we appear to have is a deal that leaves the regime standing and gives it another chance to survive.
That is hard to celebrate.
I understand your historical comparison, but I also think we have to be careful not to romanticize defeats. We survived the destruction of the Temple. We survived exile. We survived the Holocaust. Survival is extraordinary, but that does not make those tragedies victories. They were terrible losses, and honest people recognized them as such.
That is why I find myself torn. I appreciate the optimism and the reminder that Jewish history is measured in generations, not news cycles. But I also believe realism matters. At this moment, the situation looks disappointing, and I think that is the normal reaction for many people.
I've supported President Trump for years and watched him repeatedly criticize the Obama deal as weak and dangerous. That is why I am so shocked by what appears to be emerging now. If this deal ultimately results in a genuinely verifiable, nuclear-free Iran, I will gladly admit I was wrong. But as things stand today, it feels like a missed opportunity at a moment when the regime was under enormous pressure.
So yes, we will move forward. The Jewish people always do. But moving forward begins with honestly recognizing where we are today, not where we hope to be tomorrow.
Thanks Frederick for your rational take. I agree. Let’s remind us again that the destruction of the Temple and the Holocaust left Jewry in shambles with millions dead and millions suffering in tragedy. Yes we survived. But fighting to prevent anything resembling those atrocities must be our mission. If we don’t fight we risk Torah.
As far as Trump’s deal, it already has elements that threaten Israel even before we find out about the prospect of a nuclear weapons-free Iran beyond the JCPOA. $300 billion to Iran? $24 billion in unfrozen assets? Iran controls the Strait n charge tolls? Sanctions removed? “Some ballistic missiles” are OK? Hezbollah is part of the deal? Trump has always been about his own interests. ETTD - Everything Trump Touches Dies. Netanyahu has just found out. Like Pence, like everyone else he has left out to dry (JD Vance is next?). Trump made a catastrophic foreign policy blunder (decisions, execution, war strategy, etc.) that puts Israel and the U.S. in a much worse position than in the last several decades. Israel is about Hope. We’re going to need that and some really smart decisions and actions!
Israel can continue doing what it needs to do, without the U.S. If I were Prime Minister I would see this as an opportunity to create more independence; it's time to wean ourselves off the U.S. military industrial complex. And oh how they will cry when that happens - can't wait.
And, there are many different ways to undermine a regime, not all of them using traditional military tactics. Israel has shown great creativity in gutting the Hezbollah leadership, and eliminating scientists as well as leaders within Iran. Why not continue doing that - a lot more?
One more random thought: since Trump kept Netanyahu away from all negotiations, doesn't that give Israel the right to do whatever it wants going forward? Israel hasn't agreed to anything, so . . .
Anyway, I thought the piece gave a very useful retrospective of our history.
Whenever I’m in Rome I visit the Triumphal Arch of Titus to have a short conversation with the ghosts of Rome. It goes like this: “We’re still here, you’e not.”
Harvey, I'm not entirely sure what you mean by "if we don't fight, we risk Torah." I assume you mean that if we fail to defend ourselves, we risk our survival as a people and everything that comes with it.
As for the Trump deal, I share many of your concerns. But I'm trying to remain cautiously optimistic. We've got 60 days to see how this ultimately plays out. If, at the end of that period, Trump can secure a genuinely enforceable agreement, remove or neutralize the enriched uranium, and create a framework that truly prevents Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, then I'll consider that a success.
What makes this so shocking is that Trump spent years criticizing the Obama deal as weak and dangerous. I never expected him to be talking about sanctions relief or large financial concessions so early in the process.
That said, I think we also have to acknowledge Trump's record. Whatever anyone thinks of his personality or motivations, he has done more for Israel than any president I can remember: moving the embassy to Jerusalem, confronting antisemitism on campuses, recognizing Jerusalem, and ultimately authorizing strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.
One of the reasons I've always been more confident about Trump than many others is because of his ego. Strange as it sounds, I viewed it the same way I view capitalism. Capitalism works not because people are saints, but because it channels self-interest, ambition, and even greed into productive outcomes. With Trump, I've often felt that his desire to be seen as the greatest dealmaker, the strongest leader, and the man who made history worked to Israel's benefit. He wants to be remembered as the president who accomplished what others could not.
That's why this deal has been such a shock to me. It doesn't fit the pattern we've seen for years. But because Trump is Trump, I'm not ready to write the final chapter yet. If his goal is still to be remembered as the man who permanently stopped Iran's nuclear ambitions, then these next 60 days are going to matter a great deal.
Like you, I'm concerned. But I'm willing to wait and see how this unfolds before rendering a final verdict.
You finally discovered that Trump is loyal to himself and family and no one else. He sidelined PM Netanyahu early in the negotiations and ignored Israel and its concerns with Iran entirely. Missles, nuclear enrichment and proxies, nary a mention.
That was a WOW! A cracker of analysis and comparison to our ancient time and ancestors. Thank you. We need to remember history, wins and losses and see the parallels because history always repeats itself. While Jew-hate is not new, the last 10 years have shown a clear path to where we are now. Many poo-poo'd it when brought up and now are on the frontlines of sharing information. Those who never participated in anything Jewish outside of family dinners are now going to events, etc. Including those close to me.
I hate to say it but we Jews are not going to make it. 10/7/2023 was the start of the second Holocaust. We are arrayed against all of Islam and the left who are attacking us everywhere. 10/7 was not just coordinated with Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah; it was Coordinated with the UN, leftist media and leftist political parties.
All Israel can do is get her nukes, her missiles and her bombers ready and take down as many enemies as she can when the Third Temple falls. That means from Madrid to Moscow, from the Thames to Tehran. It would also include Mecca (no more Hajj) and the Persian Gulf oil and gas; which would collapse the world economy for decades.
There are too many of them and too few of us. But we can deliver Armageddon.
As a non-Jew in Australia, I’ve felt distraught every day since Oct 7 at our govt and progressive media’s response to the atrocities committed against Israelis. My world view has permanently altered — I’ll never vote ‘left’ again or tolerate the left’s hateful propaganda as mere ‘diversity of opinion’. Your words are accurate and understandable but I pray (despite current appearances) not prophetic. It does feel that the spirit of the Holocaust has been reignited — I’m appalled at the rhetoric of many public figures on the left who I previously thought were decent and humane. When it comes to Israel, no libel or insane conspiracy is out of bounds. I pray that Israel will continue to ‘prevail’ over the forces arrayed against it — despite the disparity in numbers, Israel’s spiritual and moral power is qualitatively greater than the evil impulses of its enemies.
thank you so much for your support!!!
Unlike most people on Substack, I was never on the left
Why would you wish Armageddon on the world? Good Lord. Is there no middle road? Is there no sanity?
If there is a second Holocaust, why should Jews go quietly?
Not at all what I am advocating. No passiveness or being docile. No more “oven Jews”. No… we all understand that we are in an existential war. As Golda said to then Senator Joe Biden… “let me tell you Israel’s secret weapon: we have no place else to go”.
Fight until there’s no fight left.
But to Nuke just because? Yes, it kills all of your enemies but kills you also. Like a suicide bomber. That’s all I’m saying.
No, this isn’t passivity or being docile. But, for Israel to nuke the world and itself is morally wrong and, frankly, is an Islamist mindset.
Not a Jewish ideal.
So you want the Jews of Israel to go quietly into the nuclear ovens.
Sorry bud, they ain’t doing that
And, why would we do that? What good does it do? That is self defeating.
If you believe in being that passive and docile then I can’t help you
The battle is not only Islam v Israel, it is Islam v all non-muslim people. Bit by bit the Muslims are winning, they are relentless in pursuing their goal of world domination. When will complacent people wake up and see what they are doing?
If the very act of survival can be seen as a victory by the Jews, I get why Iran and the leftist have declared victory in this latest conflict. If the terrorists continue to attack Israel, perhaps the same declarations of victory will not be available to them after the next round of battles. Hopefully Israel will have its hands untied by our allies.
Israel will make that decision. As Netanyahu said several days ago if Israel has to do it alone, Israel will do it alone. When has any other army put troops on the ground to help Israel? Never.
Exactly. Israel CAN and MUST do it alone. Better not to depend on anyone.
Absolutely. As if Vance knows what the neighborhood is like. All his comments did was to foster more hate for the Jewish people. Hazak Hazak Ve Nit Hazek!
GOD BLESS ISRAEL AND ITS PEOPLE
Wonderful article. One small correction: HaShem held you together.
Absolutely! The lame stream media, is always negative towards Israel and anything the Trump administration does.
Forget the media. Read the MOU. Is it a good deal for the U.S. or Israel? . $300 billion to Iran? $24 billion in unfrozen assets? Iran controls the Strait n charge tolls? Sanctions removed? “Some ballistic missiles” are OK? Hezbollah is part of the deal? And we still don’t know what will happen the Nukes! AND Trump told the world we had to make the deal bc the world’s oil reserves were about to run out and he didn’t want to be the next Herbert Hoover! Doesn’t that mean that Iran had “the cards” or “had Trump over a barrel” implying both that Iran won this war and Trump had to give them what THEY wanted?
You could be right, it could be a complete suck fest of a deal that hurts Israel and weakens the U.S reputation in the process. And I don't understand how Iran would be allowed to charge any tolls for free international waters, that seems insane, but according to other sources we really don't know every aspect of this deal or what is happeing behind the scenes as JNS TV, Pinchas Taylor, and YishaiFleisher have reported to make a total judgment call about this deal yet.
Nice perspective. I hope that the IRGC does not prevail.
Internal political discord nearly jeopardized the Temple's security on October 7th, 2023. Such internal strife significantly undermines our collective strength and resilience. Addressing these divisive elements is paramount to preserving our nation.
A unified front is essential to counter external threats effectively. Therefore, immediate efforts toward reconciliation and cohesive action are imperative.
Goodness, Adam Hummel, it's a long time since I've read words that affected me with as much inner recognition and consequent vigour as these. Thank you for an inspiring read. Despite the current ugliness, chaos, demonisation, untruths and the turbulence this engenders, we can, for sure, reflect on the knowledge of who we are, who we have been and who we will be in the future. Thank you. Personally, I do tend to historicise everything bad that happens in my life, thus allowing a measure of calm and hope to abide, so the kind of reckoning you provide here does suit me. Frederick Tatala thinks we should not romanticise defeats. I don't think we should romanticise anything. I don't believe that's what you do in your discussion; what you say is pertinent in that within we should be patient, not despairing, for nothing can be forecast adequately and humans often turn the tables in ways that are surprising. In order to do that we must maintain an inner fundamental strength that rests on the sustenance of the past while perhaps suffering disappointment. Yes, reality matters, but it is the mind, after all, that sees and processes that reality, and how that is done is with each of us.
Frederick, I appreciate your response and agree with Trump’s positive actions for Israel’s benefit, especially the Abraham accords. That said, I don’t share your optimism that he can find success within the hole that I think he is in. From what we can see, Iran appears to have the leverage to create an economic oil catastrophe before the West could do anything about it. But as you said, let’s wait and see
Beautifully written... shabbat shalom umevurach from Israel
Thank you for such an uplifting article and one that is needed at this time. Baruch Hashem.
And, interesting that Moshe Dayan told the soldiers that captured the Temple Mount to take down the Israeli flag, not wanting to cause trouble too soon with the Muslims who had built a mosque there. I don't know if he was among those who almost immediately warned their countrymen to give back the West Bank to Jordan, but it sure would have been a good idea and would have avoided a lot of pain for both Israelis and Arabs had that happened.
Everyone thought Dayan was the hero who was larger than life - mythic almost. But upon learning of his directive to allow the Waqf to control the Temple Mount which then in term blocked Jews from praying on their holy site, I lost all respect. His depiction in the movie Golda solidified my opinion as well. He gave back a vital piece of our heritage as a misguided offering to peace. Arabs don't respect this kind of mentality. That has been proven over and over again. Too many of our holy sites or those that we should have the right to visit have been usurped. Thank Hashem I was able to visit some of those now verboten areas before Israel gave up control...
Thanks for bringing it up. I believe the idea of withdrawal from West Bank was quietly discussed by Israeli governments of Levi Eshkol and Golda Meir . Perhaps they thought that king Hussein's Bedouins are better equipped to rule over all of Jordan's population, including Palestinians as proven during Black September events . Then again, withdrawing from Gaza proved to be big mistake turned into disaster .
Why would giving back the West Bank been a good idea in 1967 when the month before Israel captured it the Arab governments that controlled it were threatening to wipe Israel off the map and exterminate its population?
See Ahmed Shukeiri, then head of the PLO, declarations at that time.