Back in 2007, after the Israeli Mossad discovered that Syria had developed a nuclear reactor, then Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert knew he had only one option: to destroy it quickly and quietly. The only questions that remained were who would do it, how they would do it, and what Syria’s response would be.
Big Ideas
- Jewish history has taught the Jewish people to believe their enemies when they say they want to destroy them.
- “Never again” is not just a Jewish slogan but an Israeli promise to protect the Jewish people.
- Foreign policy involves a combination of clever diplomacy and military might.
Essential Questions
- What external factors should be taken into consideration when making decisions to protect one’s country?
- What are the most important responsibilities of a country’s leader?
- In what circumstances should military action be prioritized over diplomatic negotiations?
