Is Israel now fighting for its survival? That seems to be the common refrain of Israeli politicians in the midst of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. But, it it really? Is a military superpower in the Middle East fighting for its survival? Or is it fighting to establish hegemony over the region? Are the Palestinians fighting for their survival? Remember what US president Ronald Reagan said on 21 Sept 1987 at the 42nd session of the UN General Assembly? "Cannot swords be turned to plowshares? Can we and all nations not live in peace? "And yet, I ask you, is not an alien force already among us? What could be more alien than war and the threat of war?"