Letter writer C.A. Manthous, “The U.S. can and should lead,” (March 4), misunderstands Israel’s need to continue fighting in Gaza and also makes a dangerous recommendation.

Manthous refers to “vengeance” as Israel’s motivation. That is not correct. While Israel is entitled to avenge Hamas’ heinous and brutal massacre of 1,200 Israelis Oct. 7, and its kidnapping of 240 hostages, it has a more compelling reason to fight and to drive Hamas from Rafah. Hamas threatened in November to repeat the Oct. 7 massacre “again and again,” until Israel is annihilated. The only way Israel can survive and protect itself and its civilian population is to completely eliminate Hamas from Gaza. If any remnant of Hamas remains, then Hamas will rebuild itself and Israel will never again live in peace.

Israel did not want this war, does not want this war, but has no choice. Manthous also wants the U.S. to lead an international peacekeeping force; however, we should not endanger American military members in that way. Israel has the misfortune of living next to Hamas. We do not and should not voluntarily and unnecessarily subject our brave military to the dangers of Gaza and Hamas.

Mark Fishman

New Haven