It’s a pretty gloomy Purim in Israel; a holiday usually all buzzy and fun. On Purim we celebrate yet another close call with annihilation, which invites yet another miracle that saves us in the nick of time, followed by food, festivities and happy stuff. But not this year. Ya’akov and I get into the details of the top stories and issues preoccupying Israelis: the never-ending crisis with the hostages, Rafah and whether or not an assault on the city is necessary and imminent, allegations by the UN and various countries of Israeli interference with the provision of humanitarian aid, Shifa Hospital, and the descent of the Gaza Strip into even more extreme lawlessness and chaos. We close out with a short discussion of the ongoing refusal of the ultra-orthodox coalition partners in this government to accept any legislative requirement that haredi men be required to serve in the military at age 18. This could well be the issue that brings this government down. And, yes. As crazy as it may sound, the majority of Israelis want elections. The polls have been consistent in that regard for months now. Buckle up. It’s quite a ride today.
Before Oct. 7 around 500 trucks day used to enter Gaza carrying humanitarian aid. How many are getting in there now? Colin Powell's rule - you break it, you own it - applies, IMO.
I'm very skeptical that Netanyahu's incessant harping on Rafah is going to win him hearts (and votes). Isn't it obvious at this point that it's just an empty PR slogan? Who telegraphs their move to their enemy this way? He is giving Sinwar et al a huge window of opportunity to get out of there.
There were people - including military and defense experts - who said on day one that Israel should put a significant offer on the table to exchange Palestinian prisoners for the hostages, including some very bad guys serving life sentences for murdering Israeli civilians. I hope and pray that tonight's news that Israel has finally agreed to a specific large number (but far less, remember, that what Netanyahu agreed to in order to get one Israeli soldier home in 2011) for the first of a three-stage exchange will bear fruit. It breaks my heart that it look this long for Netanyahu to be willing to do this. One can only imagine the amount of pressure that was brought to bear on him to do this - including from the IDF chiefs, Mossad and Shin Bet as well as Gantz, Gallant and Eizenkot.
Really appreciate the longer episode.
Before Oct. 7 around 500 trucks day used to enter Gaza carrying humanitarian aid. How many are getting in there now? Colin Powell's rule - you break it, you own it - applies, IMO.
I'm very skeptical that Netanyahu's incessant harping on Rafah is going to win him hearts (and votes). Isn't it obvious at this point that it's just an empty PR slogan? Who telegraphs their move to their enemy this way? He is giving Sinwar et al a huge window of opportunity to get out of there.
There were people - including military and defense experts - who said on day one that Israel should put a significant offer on the table to exchange Palestinian prisoners for the hostages, including some very bad guys serving life sentences for murdering Israeli civilians. I hope and pray that tonight's news that Israel has finally agreed to a specific large number (but far less, remember, that what Netanyahu agreed to in order to get one Israeli soldier home in 2011) for the first of a three-stage exchange will bear fruit. It breaks my heart that it look this long for Netanyahu to be willing to do this. One can only imagine the amount of pressure that was brought to bear on him to do this - including from the IDF chiefs, Mossad and Shin Bet as well as Gantz, Gallant and Eizenkot.