Logical fallacies are one of the best ways to deflate bad arguments. However, I have found that few people understand them, and even fewer pay heed to their own faulty arguments. At the core of staunch and unyielding opinions is a need to be right; and righteous indignation is immune to good logic.
I have studied the Israeli situation for decades, as well as the politics and demographics of the land that is now Israel. When others have not done their due diligence they can easily be swayed by logical fallacies and outright fabrications.
Like all countries and their governments, Israel is not perfect by any means. But to ignore the plight of its citizens who have been captured, taken hostage, abused, and violated, would be a great crime in itself. If you know anything in depth about the region then you also know that over and over and over again throughout the decades there have been terrorist acts and atrocities against the Israelis and in response to pending peace treaties. And each time Israel's neighbors have waged war they have cried to the United Nations to stop Israel from defending itself. Read the history and this is a clear fact that anyone can find. But if you just want to hate Israel then you will ignore the facts, because it suits your worldview.
I would also state, as a sidebar, that so many of the protestors on the left are the same people who protest against misogyny, unequal rights, gun violence, rape, and state violence — all of which are endemic to the Arab world. So we have a massive hypocrisy on display.
In the same situation the US would be at the enemy's door with warships and the military as well, and many innocent lives would be lost. In fact, Israel, Japan, and India are currently at war in the Middle East against Yemen, firing on their ships and installations. Do you think that no innocent people have been killed or injured in this attempt to keep shipping lanes open?
Pointing fingers at a country for defending itself and trying to release its citizens is an absurdity. Is Israel doing things the right way? Maybe and maybe not, but the facts need to be admitted on both sides or we have no chance of any understanding, reconciliation, or lasting peace.
One of the most problematic truths about the region is that Israel's Muslim neighbors have repeatedly promised to annihilate all the Jews if given the chance. How can any nation begin to cede an inch as long as this is the prerequisite? If we take this to a personal analogy, and a person promised he would try to murder you if you allowed him to move next door, what would you think and do? The promise of annihilation must stop.
