Troubles of a Jewish Conscience

June 12, 1967

I have talked to a number of citizens of Jewish descent —some of whom have relatives in Israel or have lived there—who, like me, have been troubled by the ruthless actions of the Tel Aviv government in the recent conflict. While we hold no brief for Arab provocations and fully understand Israel’s right to self-defense, we are deeply disturbed by General Dayan’s independence in the execution of his assignment. By proclaiming the Army’s determination to keep the Old City of Jerusalem, he contradicted the words of his Foreign Minister who—almost at the same time—promised the United Nations Security Council that Israel would annex no territory.

By pursuing the Egyptians until his troops h...