History shows no alternative for Israel but decisive victory

As Henry Ergas, supported by history, has shown, if enduring peace is to be secured in conflict there is no alternative to victory (“Labor calls for ceasefire mask its contempt for Israel”, 11/10). That lesson was made plain last century by World War II and still holds sway today. If an enduring peace is to be secured in the Middle East there is no alternative to Israel prosecuting the conflict until its enemy, for whom peace is not a virtue but a vice, has been comprehensively defeated. A ceasefire simply will allow that enemy to regather its forces and continue the conflict. Thank you, Henry Ergas, for that clarity.

Ian Dunlop, Hawks Nest, NSW

Henry Ergas makes a compelling argument that the Albanese government’s call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict aligns it with groups such as Iran and Hezbollah, whose goal is not peace but the continuation of violence. He draws an apt parallel with World War II, where the Allies had to pursue victory relentlessly, despite the tragic loss of innocent lives, to defeat the Nazi and Japanese regimes. Ergas underscores that ceasefires, as seen in Rwanda and Srebrenica, often lead to more prolonged and brutal conflicts. The key takeaway is that the moral responsibility for civilian casualties lies with regimes that use these deaths to further their own goals. Ceasefires can provide militant groups with the opportunity to regroup and continue their violence. Like the Allies, Israel faces an enemy for whom peace is not an option, and making concessions could endanger its security and citizens. Thus Israel must be allowed to decisively defeat the forces that threaten its existence, rather than be pressured into ineffective ceasefires that may lead only to more bloodshed.

John Kempler, Rose Bay, NSW

Beattie’s clarion call

The words of Peter Beattie about public policy cowardice have much force coming from a former successful Labor premier and someone who practised what he preached as a leader by admitting error in policy and rectifying it in (“Mid-East debate stymied by weak leaders, activists”, 11/10). Beattie was an exemplar of leadership by setting the public policy agenda and leading from the front, recognising realities.

He rightly calls out the two-state solution as a daydream unless all parties accept Israel’s right to exist. His condemnation of the Sydney Opera House protest for its anti-Semitism is compelling as he was a lead protester against apartheid in Queensland, so he understands the right to protest, but not to vilify. His proposals for constitutional reform of federal-state responsibilities, four-year fixed parliamentary terms and breaking the nexus with the Senate example leadership that would bring significant economic and social benefit to the nation. Beattie’s words are a clarion call for the Albanese government to change course on Middle East policy, recognising that Israel has a right to exist and to be safe, as well as to project a vision for a better future for Australia through reform.

David Muir, Indooroopilly, Qld

Peter Beattie offers sound advice and lands some home truths His no-nonsense commentary is a breath of fresh air and anathema to the equivocation and pusillanimity that is emanating from the Prime Minister and federal Labor right now.

Beattie was a very successful Queensland premier. He mirrored Bob Hawke by anchoring his Labor government to the centre and, like Hawke, was rewarded with four consecutive election victories. Neither man contemplated selling their souls to the Greens for political gain, or to any section of the community for that matter. In essence, they governed for the majority. It is the template for success that the Albanese government ignores at its peril.

Kim Keogh, Claremont, WA

Cost of business

It is of little wonder that small business is struggling in the current environment. At present ideologies and politics are overriding good economic policy. Small and medium businesses are being hurt by a complete lack of understanding of their operations. Interest rates are being forced far higher than they would be if government were more responsible with its fiscal policy. Similarly, government support for the unprecedented and unreasonable over 10 per cent wage and superannuation increases across the past two years by the Fair Work Commission is illogical when it is acknowledged that there have been zero productivity gains. To boot, this is followed up with huge IR changes that challenge businesses further. Sadly, it seems the government does not recognise that it is nearly impossible for business to recover these cost increases in the marketplace. It can only follow that the level of investment will fall due to any lack of incentive. On top of this, businesses have seen insurance costs increase by up to 40 per cent across the past year to the point where some businesses are not insuring due to the cost – a dangerous precedent. It is time to make changes before we lose more small businesses that are the backbone of the economy.

David Gray, Peppermint Grove, WA