“Total victory” was not a dirty phrase in the 20th century. During World War II, the Allies understood something fundamental: half-measures prolong suffering. By insisting on unconditional surrender, they dismantled destructive ideologies at their core. The result was not endless revenge, but the most remarkable era of global growth and stability in human history — even for the defeated nations.

Somehow, that lesson has been unlearned.

Israel’s stunning triumph in the Six-Day War should have secured decades of deterrence. Instead, Israel hesitated, apologized for winning, and failed to impose decisive political outcomes. The price was paid six years later, in blood, during the Yom Kippur War, when enemies mistook restraint for weakness.