Letter: Why Israel relies on military might

Sir: Alessandro Ansa writes (23 April): "Israel was created by sheer military might and has continued to exist through this power." In 1948 there was the sheer military might of the Egyptian, Jordanian, Syrian and Iraqi armies assisted by the sheer military might of the British, who had a part in arming them. When the newly created state of Israel was invaded by this sheer military might it responded through the Haganah with sheer conviction, determination and courage. Thereafter Israel understood that her survival would depend upon developing her own sheer military might.

Michael Zeffertt

Fareham, Hampshire