The holiday of Purim has arrived, and with it, a host of costumes, masks, and playing pretend. But it seems that for the Israeli communities on the Gaza perimeter, playing pretend isn’t just a holiday feature; it has been going on for far too long. What appears to the outside world as a return to normalcy, as protection, as defense—sometimes turns out to be nothing more than an illusion, a mask that hides the real lack of security.
We received a striking example of this just a month ago, when the northbound Sderot train services were resumed for the first time since the war began. There is no doubt that it was an exciting, meaningful moment, conveying civic resilience and a desire for normalcy. But when a brick wall protects the route from Gaza, it’s hard not to stop and wonder—is this the solution? Is a protective wall around the train a symbol of resilience, or a sign of surrender? Protecting the train is not a solution; it is an illusion. A mask that masquerades as security, it hides the absence of a real solution to the problem.
It begs the question—how do we ensure that the small “trickles” of rockets, accompanied by fear, will not return to the streets of Sderot and to the kibbutzim in the area? A complete solution is required, based on a complete victory. Last week, a study was published by the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center. Its conclusions suggested that Hamas clearly intended to destroy Israel on October 7 and had full belief in its ability to do so. According to the study, Hamas did not plan to strike only in a specific area; its plan was much larger and more dangerous.
Give the gift of hope
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Last night, it was reported that the IDF eliminated a terrorist cell in Beit Lahia that had operated a drone against our forces in the Gaza Strip. This audacity of the terrorist organizations in Gaza demonstrates that their appetite for harm still exists, as does their ability. If they dare in the face of armed IDF forces, it will not be long before they try to harm civilians again.
In the face of the joy of returning to normality—and this is true and legitimate joy—it is impossible and inappropriate to be satisfied with that. It is not enough to return to business-as-usual with walls around us. Protective walls are not a vision; they are a temporary, and sometimes illusory, solution. The residents of the Gaza perimeter do not demand a disguise of security—they demand real security. No more walls! We deserve a victorious security reality. There is still a long way to go until complete victory.
And now, precisely these days, with reports of Gazans returning to the northern part of the strip—an area that a few months ago was under complete Israeli control—we cannot help but ask ourselves: are we once again returning to the concept of the security illusions? Will our decision-makers once again be content with protection? With walls? With the false sense that everything is “under control”? How long will it be before we hear commentators state that “Hamas is deterred” and that “benefits and economic prosperity will bring security”?
Purim reminds us that even the most beautiful masks eventually fall off. It is time to completely remove the false representation and illusions and act to ensure real security, one that does not need walls to protect its citizens. It is time to promote the plan proposed by President Trump with all its might.
Peled Arbeli (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)