As you have pointed out, there are many, many aspects to be considered. Netanyahu is proving to be many things to many players in this dynamically strategic orchestration of juggling so many possibilities in the air at the same time, with one hand behind his back! I say deliberately not tied!
As a very analytically, left handed, Irish, deaf, dyslexic minded person 😂 I am always outside the square of all things considered “normal”
He Netanyahu, now that he has bitten the bullet, masterfully delivered the pager/walky-talky blow, gone on the offensive against Hezbollah, eliminated the top brass of both the proxies of Iran, doing so with precision that has given the current admin in the US no choice other than to be seen to support Israel, (while it shafts Israel and is playing both sides) He is playing the game, as delicately as possible, but now in a way that he does not cut off Israel’s nose to spite it face, having just done another offensive strike to the Head of the Terrorist Snake, reducing it’s retaliatory ability, while showing “the world” what it could’ve done but didn’t, but as a warning to Iran that if push comes to shove, he most certainly will do whatever ever is proportionally necessary to hit, the oil fields & or the nuke facilities, anytime it chooses. No matter what the US says. He is not going to pussyfoot around but on the contrary has & is showing he is a Lion to be taken seriously… So, to all the international players that think they can coerce Netanyahu to comply with all their interfering whatever’s…. just remember the hand that he has behind his back, is Not tied at all, Ultimately to all the political whims and wimps he has to juggle with, it is there and ready to deliver whatever he has at his disposal, defend and deliver His People, in a flash! Like a Tyson uppercut 💪
Plus, doing whatever is necessary until Trump returns to power, will pay off. But still, with or without Trump in the Oval Office, He, Bibi is a remarkable leader, all things considered.
Then who else is there? He’s not perfect by any means. That’s Why I said “ All Things Considered” and in context with the precarious situation He & Israel are in.
No matter what he does, He like any other leader, will make mistakes, and inevitably never be able to please all of the people, all of the time…. Some will say, he’s not doing enough on the warpath, some will say he’s gone too far. It’s easy for anyone to evaluate & criticise from the sidelines as a spectator, when they’re not in the Hot-seat and have to “Juggle” it all, while under the threat, of a sworn enemy’s proclaimed intent to annihilate you, your people, your country!
Like it or Not.
Like Him or Not.
He is the One, in the driver’s seat right now. As such I believe he is leading remarkably well. I repeat, All Things Considered. 🤔
I suppose the real question is how much of the "precarious situation" is a result of his poor leadership and his coalition with the radical far right? A reckoning is likely in his future.
No matter who’s in the driver’s at any given time. None are going to get it right, according to the spectators, from wherever they are sitting. And All, whoever they’ve been, are now, or will be, in the future, will have their, own “precarious situations” to give a “reckoning” account for, just as Bibi will. As none, are perfect, none are immune to making mistakes. Past, Present or Future. All of which were, are or will be faced with their own “precarious situations” pertinent to whatever is on the table, at any given time in the “war room” which You & I & the spectator world, are not privy to, and simply would not have a clue, as to why, those who do, have to make the decisions, and call the shots, according to all the intel that is known only to them. Regardless.
"But most Israelis also agree with Schumer that there should be early elections in Israel. And just because Israelis back the overarching goals Netanyahu has set in Gaza doesn’t mean they back him: Netanyahu’s approval rating in Israel has plummeted and polls have consistently shown that if early elections were to be held, his party would lose seats in the Knesset and his coalition would be soundly defeated.
In addition, polls show that Israelis don’t necessarily agree with the way Netanyahu is pursuing victory in Gaza — or trust him to be a steward of the national interest."
Once again, we were shown how America got way too involved in our national security affairs and this was the result…. A “win” for Washington, not sure about a win for Jerusalem. Any time we did things without America’s consent it was a big win for us and every time we listened and caved to America’s demands it was at best a tie if not a loss. Like April’s “take the win”. I think it is clear that we have to lessen our dependency on America as quickly as possible and regardless which party is in power in America. We will not be able to win wars (aka survive) in this region if we don’t become less dependent on America. We obviously can’t be completely independent from America nor am I sure we want that but less dependent on them as we are today would be a good place to start.
The NYT condemning Israel was as predictable as the next day’s sunrise. That despicable publication won’t be happy until/unless Israel no longer exists.
And when you consider how many of The NYT’s staff is Jewish (columnists, editorial writers, etc) makes it doubly disturbing. Sadly, however, I’m not surprised.
Despite what the article says the opinion section of the Wall Street Journal is very supportive of Israel, including in this case. The news section, under different management, increasingly is just like the Times.
Many American "Jews" are ex-Jews who have converted to the progressive religion. Reform temples have spawned a generation of Hamas-loving progressives who know nothing and care nothing about the Jewish People.
And yet I have read reports from Free Press and elsewhere of folks resigning from a long membership in a reform temple due to anti-Israelism, and laments from a reform rabbi that his congregation's youth have become Israel-hating and Hamas-loving activists who have no sense of the Jewish people.
The Times has an article on the hardships of cancer patients in Gaza. At no point do they ask what sort medical care Gazans would have if Hamas diverted funds from weapons and elaborate tunnels into hospitals.
I don’t think it’s unfair to characterize the Biden Administration’s daily position as “can you guys keep it down please? We’re trying to negotiate with terrorists”.
America is nuts. Why would you not want Iran’s nuclear sites destroyed? Stupidity is too kind a word for Obama-Biden. Trump will be stuck with a nuclear Iran.
The goal should be to be to anger the Iranians people against their foolish, cowardly government. What bully fights his own fights? NONE.
The USA should stay out of the WAY. Israel needs the IRANIAN people to send a message to the religious fanatics— their time is up.
IRAN promised OBAMA peace. Many in the US suspected this was peace until IRAN could blow ISRAEL off the face of the EARTH. Now we see, that is the plan, not just in words, but in deeds.
The IRANIAN REGIME wants a worldwide Islamic caliphate. That includes death to all non-Sharia in Israel, Europe, America.
This is much more than just Israel, but Israel is the hero. Finish the job. Blow up the transport, oil, depots. Let the Iranian people beg for peace or blow up every Sharia mosque in the country.
This is not a proper war for ALLAH. This war SHAMES ALLAH.
Destroying Iran's defensive and offensive weapons is much more than theatre. It is effective preparation for a more deadly strike. Israel is waiting to see what a Trump admin would bring to the table. US bombers and bunker-busters would help.
The IDF, Mossad and Shin Bet are methodically destroying the military capabilities of Iran and its terror proxies. There are no short cuts and there is no way back. The Rubicon was crossed by Iran on October 7; beginning the end of the Iranian reign of terror.
" many Israelis will likely feel that a unique opportunity has been missed. The Iranian nuclear threat still looms existentially over our heads and the Ayatollahs continue to vow daily to annihilate us. "
No. It has not. You can't take out the Nuclear facilities until you destroy Iran's air defense system. That requires destruction of the bases, the radars, the communications towers, and the power grid. That is months worth of work. Then you get to blow up the nuclear facilities, if you can drop 15,000 lbs bunker busters on them. that is work for multi engine bombers. I don't think Israel has them.
Israel needs the US to join in the mission. The Biden -Harris Administration is chicken$#;+, and won't. Pray that Trump wins.
No. Not a game ender. The end will come when the United States enters the fray. Only the power of the U.S. can bring together the Suni Arab states in the effort to change the regime in Iran. The answer is simple but the means may take strength and commitment. It will be a game changer if it secures this commitment.
I always enjoy reading your essays because of what I learn about diplomacy and your approach to an American government that is so captured by the political process that it cannot properly act to defend it’s ally - Israel. I applaud the restraint with which you engage in this discourse, which I could never do.
From the beginning, it seemed to me that the Biden Administration was determined not to let the crisis created by October 7 go to waste in their long campaign (going back to Obama) to undermine and unseat Netanyahu. From what I understand in the polls, their efforts have been in vain as Likud has more than recovered its losses.
Once the war is concluded, I suspect Netanyahu will step down, a commission will conclude what’s already been suggested in the press, that Hamas’ plan of attack never made its way to the Prime Minister’s Office and, in any event, were later greatly pared down at the time of the final meeting among Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran in Beirut. He will be held responsible, as he should, on the “captain of the ship” principle but the criticisms will be balanced by his adroit conduct of the war against Iran - for that is really what’s been going on. At some time after the commission’s report comes out, look for Netanyahu to be appointed Israel’s first ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
As everyone knows what my predictions are worth ….
On the more pertinent issues in this article, we will only know if Iran is deterred, as opposed to simply biding its time, if it formally walks back its goal of destroying the “little Satan”. That will never happen so long as this self-styled revolutionary Islamic regime is in power as putting the Jews back in their place is a fundamental tenet of the Ayatollah’s legitimacy.
There’s a reason for the existence of a huge “black box” in the middle of a U.S. diplomatic outreach whose presumed goal is to remove Hamas from Gaza and Hezbollah north of the Litani (as well as disarm it).
Short of violent coercion of a kind the U.S. is now loathe to engage in, it would require “convincing” Iran to abandon its proxies and accept a fatal humiliation. And there’s simply no way that I see that being accomplished through polite discussion around the negotiating table.
For Israel, as another commenter pointed out, the relevant calendar is that from the U.S. election to inauguration. Iran can assume that Israel’s next strike might finish off its ballistic missile stockpiles, then move on to threaten its oil infrastructure - with a view toward bringing Chinese pressure to bear along with a fear of internal unrest. The price for Iran will be the dismantling of its nuclear program and its replacement with a closely monitored civilian program, above ground and transparent.
1. The relationship has not been strengthened. Next time, the exact same thing will happen. ISrael will be supported to survive but not to win and end the threat.
2. The NY Times is no different than Al Jazeera. It will NEVER accept that anythibng Israel does that is not a concession or act of weakness is legitimate.
3. Iran is NOT deterred. Certainly not in the long run. It will still believe that American pressure can and always will restrain Israel from doing what it is truly capable of to end the Mullah threat.
4. Israel MUST separate itself from dependence on the United States. It MUST. Surival requires it. At the very least no Democratic administration will ever stand up to the threat of Iran or truly defend Israel. Only when the Mullahs and other enemies truly believe that Israel will not be constrained by American weakness will they be deterred.
As you have pointed out, there are many, many aspects to be considered. Netanyahu is proving to be many things to many players in this dynamically strategic orchestration of juggling so many possibilities in the air at the same time, with one hand behind his back! I say deliberately not tied!
As a very analytically, left handed, Irish, deaf, dyslexic minded person 😂 I am always outside the square of all things considered “normal”
He Netanyahu, now that he has bitten the bullet, masterfully delivered the pager/walky-talky blow, gone on the offensive against Hezbollah, eliminated the top brass of both the proxies of Iran, doing so with precision that has given the current admin in the US no choice other than to be seen to support Israel, (while it shafts Israel and is playing both sides) He is playing the game, as delicately as possible, but now in a way that he does not cut off Israel’s nose to spite it face, having just done another offensive strike to the Head of the Terrorist Snake, reducing it’s retaliatory ability, while showing “the world” what it could’ve done but didn’t, but as a warning to Iran that if push comes to shove, he most certainly will do whatever ever is proportionally necessary to hit, the oil fields & or the nuke facilities, anytime it chooses. No matter what the US says. He is not going to pussyfoot around but on the contrary has & is showing he is a Lion to be taken seriously… So, to all the international players that think they can coerce Netanyahu to comply with all their interfering whatever’s…. just remember the hand that he has behind his back, is Not tied at all, Ultimately to all the political whims and wimps he has to juggle with, it is there and ready to deliver whatever he has at his disposal, defend and deliver His People, in a flash! Like a Tyson uppercut 💪
Plus, doing whatever is necessary until Trump returns to power, will pay off. But still, with or without Trump in the Oval Office, He, Bibi is a remarkable leader, all things considered.
I might add that His Brother Jonathan would be very proud of him…..
It seems a sizable portion of the Israeli public beg to differ with your assessment of Bibi's leadership skills.
Where do you get that information from? I follow Israel more than the average US news consumer and I find just the opposite to be true.
Then who else is there? He’s not perfect by any means. That’s Why I said “ All Things Considered” and in context with the precarious situation He & Israel are in.
No matter what he does, He like any other leader, will make mistakes, and inevitably never be able to please all of the people, all of the time…. Some will say, he’s not doing enough on the warpath, some will say he’s gone too far. It’s easy for anyone to evaluate & criticise from the sidelines as a spectator, when they’re not in the Hot-seat and have to “Juggle” it all, while under the threat, of a sworn enemy’s proclaimed intent to annihilate you, your people, your country!
Like it or Not.
Like Him or Not.
He is the One, in the driver’s seat right now. As such I believe he is leading remarkably well. I repeat, All Things Considered. 🤔
I suppose the real question is how much of the "precarious situation" is a result of his poor leadership and his coalition with the radical far right? A reckoning is likely in his future.
No matter who’s in the driver’s at any given time. None are going to get it right, according to the spectators, from wherever they are sitting. And All, whoever they’ve been, are now, or will be, in the future, will have their, own “precarious situations” to give a “reckoning” account for, just as Bibi will. As none, are perfect, none are immune to making mistakes. Past, Present or Future. All of which were, are or will be faced with their own “precarious situations” pertinent to whatever is on the table, at any given time in the “war room” which You & I & the spectator world, are not privy to, and simply would not have a clue, as to why, those who do, have to make the decisions, and call the shots, according to all the intel that is known only to them. Regardless.
That's a cheap shot. Luckily for us, it also blows your credibility.
I doubt history will be kind to Netanyahu...
"But most Israelis also agree with Schumer that there should be early elections in Israel. And just because Israelis back the overarching goals Netanyahu has set in Gaza doesn’t mean they back him: Netanyahu’s approval rating in Israel has plummeted and polls have consistently shown that if early elections were to be held, his party would lose seats in the Knesset and his coalition would be soundly defeated.
In addition, polls show that Israelis don’t necessarily agree with the way Netanyahu is pursuing victory in Gaza — or trust him to be a steward of the national interest."
https://www.jta.org/2024/03/21/politics/netanyahu-is-unpopular-in-israel-but-not-for-the-reasons-us-lawmakers-are-turning-on-him
Once again, we were shown how America got way too involved in our national security affairs and this was the result…. A “win” for Washington, not sure about a win for Jerusalem. Any time we did things without America’s consent it was a big win for us and every time we listened and caved to America’s demands it was at best a tie if not a loss. Like April’s “take the win”. I think it is clear that we have to lessen our dependency on America as quickly as possible and regardless which party is in power in America. We will not be able to win wars (aka survive) in this region if we don’t become less dependent on America. We obviously can’t be completely independent from America nor am I sure we want that but less dependent on them as we are today would be a good place to start.
A win for the Biden bunch., Not a win for the U.S.
A win for the Obama anti-American internationalists and socialists.
The NYT condemning Israel was as predictable as the next day’s sunrise. That despicable publication won’t be happy until/unless Israel no longer exists.
And when you consider how many of The NYT’s staff is Jewish (columnists, editorial writers, etc) makes it doubly disturbing. Sadly, however, I’m not surprised.
Despite what the article says the opinion section of the Wall Street Journal is very supportive of Israel, including in this case. The news section, under different management, increasingly is just like the Times.
Many American "Jews" are ex-Jews who have converted to the progressive religion. Reform temples have spawned a generation of Hamas-loving progressives who know nothing and care nothing about the Jewish People.
I respectfully disagree. I belong to a Reform Synagogue, and what you are describing simply doesn't exist there.
And yet I have read reports from Free Press and elsewhere of folks resigning from a long membership in a reform temple due to anti-Israelism, and laments from a reform rabbi that his congregation's youth have become Israel-hating and Hamas-loving activists who have no sense of the Jewish people.
The Times has an article on the hardships of cancer patients in Gaza. At no point do they ask what sort medical care Gazans would have if Hamas diverted funds from weapons and elaborate tunnels into hospitals.
I don’t think it’s unfair to characterize the Biden Administration’s daily position as “can you guys keep it down please? We’re trying to negotiate with terrorists”.
In regard to Iran, the Biden admin is trying to placate and ally with terrorists.
Yes, Bibi is a remarkable leader who, when truly push comes to shove, will do what HE thinks needs to be done to keep his country safe!
America is nuts. Why would you not want Iran’s nuclear sites destroyed? Stupidity is too kind a word for Obama-Biden. Trump will be stuck with a nuclear Iran.
No the Biden Bunch are nuts. A majority of AMericans support Israel.
One has to wonder why all the White House Jews are determined to see the destruction of Israel.
The goal should not be to deter Iran. The goal should be regime change in Iran. This raid was theater, not war.
The goal should be to be to anger the Iranians people against their foolish, cowardly government. What bully fights his own fights? NONE.
The USA should stay out of the WAY. Israel needs the IRANIAN people to send a message to the religious fanatics— their time is up.
IRAN promised OBAMA peace. Many in the US suspected this was peace until IRAN could blow ISRAEL off the face of the EARTH. Now we see, that is the plan, not just in words, but in deeds.
The IRANIAN REGIME wants a worldwide Islamic caliphate. That includes death to all non-Sharia in Israel, Europe, America.
This is much more than just Israel, but Israel is the hero. Finish the job. Blow up the transport, oil, depots. Let the Iranian people beg for peace or blow up every Sharia mosque in the country.
This is not a proper war for ALLAH. This war SHAMES ALLAH.
Destroying Iran's defensive and offensive weapons is much more than theatre. It is effective preparation for a more deadly strike. Israel is waiting to see what a Trump admin would bring to the table. US bombers and bunker-busters would help.
The IDF, Mossad and Shin Bet are methodically destroying the military capabilities of Iran and its terror proxies. There are no short cuts and there is no way back. The Rubicon was crossed by Iran on October 7; beginning the end of the Iranian reign of terror.
A half-step, with an eye on November 5th events and January 2025 action; at which time another shoe drops in this carefully orchestrated dance.
Thank you for everything you do for us
" many Israelis will likely feel that a unique opportunity has been missed. The Iranian nuclear threat still looms existentially over our heads and the Ayatollahs continue to vow daily to annihilate us. "
No. It has not. You can't take out the Nuclear facilities until you destroy Iran's air defense system. That requires destruction of the bases, the radars, the communications towers, and the power grid. That is months worth of work. Then you get to blow up the nuclear facilities, if you can drop 15,000 lbs bunker busters on them. that is work for multi engine bombers. I don't think Israel has them.
Israel needs the US to join in the mission. The Biden -Harris Administration is chicken$#;+, and won't. Pray that Trump wins.
No. Not a game ender. The end will come when the United States enters the fray. Only the power of the U.S. can bring together the Suni Arab states in the effort to change the regime in Iran. The answer is simple but the means may take strength and commitment. It will be a game changer if it secures this commitment.
If Harris wins the elections the Iranophile advisors of Obama/ Biden will transfer over.
I always enjoy reading your essays because of what I learn about diplomacy and your approach to an American government that is so captured by the political process that it cannot properly act to defend it’s ally - Israel. I applaud the restraint with which you engage in this discourse, which I could never do.
From the beginning, it seemed to me that the Biden Administration was determined not to let the crisis created by October 7 go to waste in their long campaign (going back to Obama) to undermine and unseat Netanyahu. From what I understand in the polls, their efforts have been in vain as Likud has more than recovered its losses.
Once the war is concluded, I suspect Netanyahu will step down, a commission will conclude what’s already been suggested in the press, that Hamas’ plan of attack never made its way to the Prime Minister’s Office and, in any event, were later greatly pared down at the time of the final meeting among Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran in Beirut. He will be held responsible, as he should, on the “captain of the ship” principle but the criticisms will be balanced by his adroit conduct of the war against Iran - for that is really what’s been going on. At some time after the commission’s report comes out, look for Netanyahu to be appointed Israel’s first ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
As everyone knows what my predictions are worth ….
On the more pertinent issues in this article, we will only know if Iran is deterred, as opposed to simply biding its time, if it formally walks back its goal of destroying the “little Satan”. That will never happen so long as this self-styled revolutionary Islamic regime is in power as putting the Jews back in their place is a fundamental tenet of the Ayatollah’s legitimacy.
There’s a reason for the existence of a huge “black box” in the middle of a U.S. diplomatic outreach whose presumed goal is to remove Hamas from Gaza and Hezbollah north of the Litani (as well as disarm it).
Short of violent coercion of a kind the U.S. is now loathe to engage in, it would require “convincing” Iran to abandon its proxies and accept a fatal humiliation. And there’s simply no way that I see that being accomplished through polite discussion around the negotiating table.
For Israel, as another commenter pointed out, the relevant calendar is that from the U.S. election to inauguration. Iran can assume that Israel’s next strike might finish off its ballistic missile stockpiles, then move on to threaten its oil infrastructure - with a view toward bringing Chinese pressure to bear along with a fear of internal unrest. The price for Iran will be the dismantling of its nuclear program and its replacement with a closely monitored civilian program, above ground and transparent.
See above caveat on my predictions.
1. The relationship has not been strengthened. Next time, the exact same thing will happen. ISrael will be supported to survive but not to win and end the threat.
2. The NY Times is no different than Al Jazeera. It will NEVER accept that anythibng Israel does that is not a concession or act of weakness is legitimate.
3. Iran is NOT deterred. Certainly not in the long run. It will still believe that American pressure can and always will restrain Israel from doing what it is truly capable of to end the Mullah threat.
4. Israel MUST separate itself from dependence on the United States. It MUST. Surival requires it. At the very least no Democratic administration will ever stand up to the threat of Iran or truly defend Israel. Only when the Mullahs and other enemies truly believe that Israel will not be constrained by American weakness will they be deterred.