It's time to cast doubt
Dr. Michael Milshtein argues that Israeli discourse since October 7 is based on flawed assumptions imposed from above, including the claim of a "new Sunni axis" led by Turkey. He questions the existence of such an axis and warns against a national discourse focused on identifying enemies and framing war as an eternal reality, while fostering contempt for criticism. Milshtein calls for questioning the political motives behind moves presented as purely professional.
Dr. Michael Milshtein, a senior researcher at the Dayan Center at Tel Aviv University, analyzes in an opinion piece the Israeli discourse since October 7. He argues that fundamental assumptions are imposed from above and embedded as "facts" in the collective consciousness, without encountering questions from the media. As a central example, he cites the prevailing ruling regarding the formation of a "new Sunni axis" and a threat led by Turkey, allegedly including Qatar, Syria, and Hamas. Milshtein questions the existence of such an axis, as it requires a shared vision and goals, close military cooperation, and joint decision-making frameworks – foundations he says do not exist. He warns against a national discourse focused on an obsessive search for enemies and framing war as an eternal reality, while fostering contempt for criticism and suspicion towards the world. Milshtein calls for questioning the political motives behind moves presented as purely professional, especially ahead of elections.