Eleven days in Israel history

History will remember these eleven days as one of the greatest diplomatic and military achievements in Israel’s history.

This morning’s murder of the four civilians in Be’er Sheva leaves a bitter taste in the mouth, just as the murder of 25 peaceful civilians who paid with their lives, and the thousands left homeless or severely affected, does.

But in terms of results, the nuclear threat that loomed over Israel — one that would have certainly led to the Jewish state’s destruction — has been eliminated.

Because a regime willing to target civilians with conventional explosives would have done so without hesitation using a nuclear missile. And it was accomplished without a single aircraft being downed, with all our planes returning safely to base — contrary to all forecasts.

The number of casualties on the home front was 97% lower than initial estimates, thanks to the practical dismantling of the ballistic missile system, which will take years to rebuild.

Those who experience a miracle don’t always recognize it as such, especially not in the hours when survivors are still being searched for under the rubble. But with time, the historical significance of what happened here will become clear. And so will the fact that Israel stood firm on the Begin Doctrine: never to allow any country to acquire nuclear weapons — even if it’s a regional power brought to its knees.

In Lebanon, I held the same view. Back then too, there was bitterness and resentment — stemming from ceasefires in the past that served only to strengthen the enemy and close our eyes to reality.

It took a month for everyone to understand.

This time, I believe it won’t take that long.