An undiminished sense

Herb Keinon makes a strong case and brings much evidence to prove that Israel is far less isolated diplomatically than it has ever been, and that its people feel this (“A nation that dwells alone?” Frontlines, December 1). But he does not bring what I suggest is the decisive feeling for our continual sense of isolation – the fact that Israel is the only country in the world whose very existence is threatened by a major and growing power: Iran and its surrogates.

While noting our isolation in self-defense on the battlefield in the past, Keinon does not consider the real possibility that Israel will alone have to confront the Iranians on the battlefield. Here I would argue against reliance on our greatest friend, the United States, considering the Trump administration’s general reluctance to openly confront the Iranians or merely its failure to help the Kurds. Nor can we be encouraged by the silence of the world and even our friends when threats are openly proclaimed against our very existence.

So while we are in a far better position diplomatically than we have perhaps ever been, our sense of threat and isolation in this realm is not really diminished. SHALOM FREEDMAN Jerusalem

A nation that dwells alone? Not so! There is God! Have we forgotten the Bible, His promises fulfilled and those to come? I. KEMP Nahariya