Israeli Author Reveals Public Calm Amid Iran-Israel Tensions
In a recent address at Beth Sholom Synagogue, Michael Bauer, a former IDF commander and bestselling author, provided a unique perspective on the looming military confrontation between Israel, Iran, and the United States. Bauer, who teaches Middle East history through wilderness hikes, captivated a sold-out crowd with anecdotes and analysis that shed light on the current Israeli mindset.
Everyday Concerns Amidst Geopolitical Tensions
Bauer opened his talk with a humorous yet telling story about his two sons arguing over who would use the family car on Friday. "I need the car on Friday," said the eldest, to which the younger replied, "No, I'll need the car on Friday, unless there'll be a war, and then I won't need the car." The older brother agreed, noting that a war with Iran would render the car unnecessary. This exchange, Bauer explained, reflects how many Israelis view the potential conflict—as a technical issue rather than an existential crisis.
Bauer emphasized that this calm stems from deep trust in Israel's military systems, particularly the Iron Dome technology. He pointed out that over the past two years, Israel has decisively defeated adversaries like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, bolstering public confidence. "There is a lot of trust in our systems and technology. That's a lot of strength," he stated, adding that Israelis are not worried about the possible military confrontation.
Shifts in Regional Dynamics and Challenges
However, Bauer did express concern about one critical battlefield: the hearts and minds of young people globally. As the author of The Hidden Hand, a book on this subject, he noted that Israel has lost ground in this arena, despite its military successes. Apart from this grim reality, Bauer highlighted dramatic changes in the Middle East since his last visit to Canada, where he spoke for the One Family Fund, a charity supporting terror attack victims in Israel.
He described Israel as having grown stronger militarily and regionally, contributing to the relative calm. "Israel is a military superpower now," Bauer said, "and that is part of the reason for the relative calm there." Another factor, he noted, is Iran's weakened state. "The dictatorial Islamic state is a shadow of its former self," he explained, "a struggling, weak entity on the other side of the Persian Gulf." Bauer expressed hope for the Iranian people to achieve a successful democracy or system that works for them.
Uncertain Future and Strategic Objectives
When pressed about predictions for the immediate future, Bauer declined to speculate, though his demeanor suggested he had insights. "I have no idea," he said, "I don't know." Despite his recent call-up for IDF deployment, he remained cautious. Instead, he focused on Iran's objectives, clarifying that while the ayatollahs desire the destruction of Israel, their primary goal is establishing a caliphate—an Islamic dictatorship based on Sharia law, with no democracy or equality for women, LGBTQ individuals, or others.
Bauer concluded by summarizing the current Israeli focus: "Are they going to attack? Are we? The Iranian response depends on what will allow them to keep power and then establish regional hegemony and nuclear power. That's what we're all thinking about now in Israel." And, as his sons' argument illustrates, also about who gets the car on Friday night.
