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I think premise is the wrong word; weaponising it is more apt, as they’re justifying their action by using their historic record of Jewish people for being persecuted for thousand of years.
I’d argue that it’s anti-Semitic to claim that’s they’re fighting for Jewish people, linking them to the Israel’s government genocidal action toward the Palestinians.
The Israel (and our government) pretty much made sure antisemitism will happen toward those who are not Zionist.
edscoble-
Yeah first para is not an unreasonable description. I think justified makes it sound cynical though - whereas the sense I get from Jewish friends is that it isn't cynical, they feel genuinely at threat - understandably so given the history.
Not that that excuses all the ways in which the Israeli state does unforgivable stuff, but I don't really feel I'm in much of a position to tell people whose families were killed a couple of generations ago just to get over it - and the issue is that the Oct 7 attacks just reinforce the fear that many Israelis feel they need to use force to protect themselves.
Sadly I think "provoke a reaction" was exactly what those planning the Oct 7 attacks probably wanted, and it's what they're getting
andyfallsoff
How does that mean it's "the whole premise" of the Israeli state, or that it is a "reason" for their action?