To the Editor:

Ross Douthat's thoughtful reflection on the challenges Israel faces today identifies a core dilemma, but he is wrong to conclude Israel's survival is threatened from within ("Israel and Outremer," June 7).

International acceptance of the inevitability of increased violence from Iran's proxies in Lebanon to the north and Gaza to the south is the real threat to Israel and undermines the longer term prospects for stability and security in the region. 

If the world truly wants to see an end to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, it is long past the time for commentators like Mr. Douthat and the international community to stop asking Israel to be the only party to take risks. 

Mr. Douthat and others should be calling on responsible leaders to find ways to bring to an end the reign of Iranian supported terror perpetrated by Hamas and Hezbollah against Israel, so that Israel and the Palestinian people can work in an atmosphere of mutual safety to achieve their long delayed goal of ending the conflict and living side by side in peace, safety and security in two neighboring states.