Paradise Found: How War Gives Israel Purpose

Although Israel justifies the mass violence it unleashed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, as necessary for ensuring the security of its citizens, a closer examination of Israeli society reveals a mindset that extends beyond the desire for safety—one that might be characterized as genuine excitement and elation. This indicates that Israel’s significant casualties have not prompted a renewed appreciation for the value of life, but rather enthusiasm for war. In attributing value to that which transcends life, this mindset embodies a distinct theological dimension. In this article, I argue that the political theology characterizing a significant part of Israeli society views war not only as a means to an external end that follow total victory, but as a good in itself. I show that for many Israelis victory is not a goal to be achieved through war—rather, war itself is the goal, war is the ultimate victory.