Israel is portrayed as a small yet significant player on the global stage, with Rabbi David Solomon Eibenschutz emphasizing its role as a spiritual and moral crossroads for humanity, where the unity of the Jewish people is seen as essential for global harmony. In contrast, the rhetoric surrounding Israel's self-defense following the October 7, 2023, attacks has drawn condemnation from some quarters, with critics labeling it as victim-blaming while also highlighting the rise of antisemitism in the West. As Israel reflects on its independence, the historical support from Latin American nations is acknowledged, though current global support appears waning, evidenced by recent UN votes favoring Palestine. Meanwhile, Gideon Levy critiques Israel's Gaza strategy, suggesting a bleak future where the two-state solution is no longer feasible, advocating instead for a single democratic state amidst ongoing violence and ethnic cleansing. Levy also argues that Israel's aggressive tactics towards Gaza and Lebanon indicate a troubling reliance on military force rather than diplomatic resolutions, complicating its relationship with the U.S. and global expectations for peace.