Middle East

Preventing tragedy

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has exhibited responsible leadership. On one hand he has ordered the IDF and police to maintain order. At the same time, the prime minister has not allowed ministers of his cabinet to push him into reacting irresponsibly. Many of these ministers seem more interested in exploiting populist sentiment to increase their popularity than by a true desire to calm emotions and save lives on both sides. Despite claims to the contrary from within the cabinet, the IDF’s hands are not tied. Military force has so far been used judiciously.