The original version of this document was a speech that President George W. Bush gave to the American public after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This speech was not only meant to console America, but also set the tone for how the country would respond to the horrible attack on American land. George Bush’s speech, which was akin to that of certain Israelis on the right (but not exclusively), concludes quickly with his short condolences addressed to the American public: “We must stand together in the fight against terrorism”. George Bush was of the opinion that the correct response to 9/11 is not to accept tragedy or show solidarity with victims, but to act to bring “those who are responsible” to justice.
The language used in President Bush’s speech is largely nationalistic and ideological. Bush tries to unite the American people in their sadness by urging them to fight together against the evil forces. Bush says that Americans should feel proud of themselves for having endured terrorist attacks. The message is vague and nationalistic, but it allows all Americans to feel comfort and universality. Bush cites Psalm 23 from the Old Testament, in which God was described as walking with the man “through the valley shadow of death”. President Bush hopes that all Americans will hold to these values regardless of religion so that they can get through this difficult time. The address is not just a way to express the grief of so many people but also a concrete promise that justice would be done. Bush did not give any specifics on how it will happen. However, he said that there would be “no difference between terrorists and those who harbored them.”
This response is similar to that of Benjamin Netanyahu or Naftali Bennet, who believe the only way to stop Palestinian terrorist attacks would be to either go to war, or to annex all of Palestine. Naftali is less of a war monger than Netanyahu. He supports the annexation of Area C in Judea-Samaria and does not ignore Palestinian negotiations or let people die like Netanyahu. In both instances, George Bush’s reaction to 9/11 was a call to action, while Netanyahu’s violence never stopped. George Bush was able to do what he wanted in the Middle East, including entering Iraq. The Americans were determined to bring those responsible to justice. Netanyahu also has the right to defend Israel, but many critics have questioned his tactics. Israel is under constant threat of attack and terror, with several incidents occurring each year. Israel’s aggressions can be over-emphasized by the international media. This leads to the impression that Israelis will kill for no reason. Israelis have a tendency to defend their nation with violence when threatened as they constantly live in the shoes of Americans right after 9/11. Israelis live a life of constant fear. They’re torn whether to show solidarity with the community and grieve together in unity, or call for arms to fight against the injustices. Israel is in a constant state of recovery and under threat from terrorist attacks. Like America after 9/11 it must find a group to fight and justify the injustices against Israelis. George Bush’s post-9/11 views justify Israeli militarism because Israel’s responses to direct terrorist threat are more minimal than America. George Bush is not justifying Israeli aggression. However, he does prove that America cannot be judged.
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