Justice exists on the domestic level only. We can only single out criminals and other offenders of peace in our own society, because police enjoy sweeping powers domestically but none internationally. On the national level, offenses go unpunished—and Israel talks to Fatah terrorists. The difference is simple: a society can afford to root out its own criminals, but the cost of exacting justice on foreign offenders can be prohibitive. In fact, an attempt to exact justice may result in more domestic casualties.

Justice is only applicable domestically because it presumes a shared system of values. A thief and his victim share the same values; the thief betrayed them knowingly and intentionally, thus there is a moral ground for punishing him. International and civil clashes presume a different system of values. Both peoples consider the land theirs; who is to blame for the casualties? Thus, international justice is always sacrificed to peace, or perhaps expediency. An alliance with the devil may be short-lived, but it offers a respite nonetheless.

The Torah deals with such a scenario of inherent injustice when describing an out-of-town rape which left the woman incapable of finding a spouse. It is called “as if one man arises against another.” No amount of compensation or retaliation resurrects the victim, thus justice cannot be restored.

Absolutes are never attainable, and absolute justice is a myth. Sometimes we have to abandon justice for the sake of peace.

But a treaty with Arabs leaves Israel about as peaceful as Northern Ireland.