...To clarify; neither myself, nor I imagine other advocates of engagement, are Hamas enthusiasts or sympathisers. Let’s call it the realist school of Zionism and contrast it with say, apocalyptic Zionism — characterised by scare-mongering, paranoia, and “gewalt-style” hysteria.

Zionist realism accepted the 1948-9 ceasefire lines, preferred Begin’s peace with Egypt over settlements in the Sinai, and today recognises the need for agreed secure borders for Israel that end the occupation of about four million Palestinians. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert recognises this in his current negotiations.

For apocalyptic Zionists, this is all chopped liver. Israel’s destiny for them is to live by the sword in perpetuity; generation after generation of warrior super-Jews fending off the invading hordes of Mohammedans. Great as a Hollywood epic, but less so as a lifestyle choice or an Israeli future with any hope on the horizon. For apocalyptic Zionists, settlements, occupation, economic blockade and humiliation are irrelevant. None of it matters. They will always hate us anyway. Genocide is always just around the corner. And there is never a real partner.

Feeding on fear and exploiting stereotypes, this view often finds more popularity in the diaspora than in Israel itself...

For Daniel Levy's complete response to columnist Melanie Phillips, please follow this link to The Jewish Chronicle web site.