Listen now | Believe me, our heads are spinning. Each week becomes more intense than the last. And there is a general feeling in Israel that rage is on a collision course with despair. Israel remains mired in conflict in Gaza with no apparent resolution in sight. Hostages remain in captivity six months on and the nation is absolutely dumbstruck.
Thanks, Donna. And we so appreciate your support and feedback. We have some very special content lined up for this week.....a little heavy on the podcast side but so so important.
I understand and share your distress and pain regarding the plight of the hostages. We need to “do something, move heaven and earth”.
What is never specified however. It’s much easier to criticize than come up with concrete suggestions. It’s the prerogative of a pundit and an armchair critic
“There is very little, if any, trust or confidence in the government or IDF leadership.”
Katz decries the Biden administration’s anticipated sanctioning, not of the State of Israel, not of the IDF, but of one unit made up of outliers in Israeli society including extremist “Hilltop Youth.” Is that unit NOT abusing human rights in the West Bank? If so then the leadership in which Israelis have no confidence will have to make the case. Shall we look to the minister of national security? Ok. Innocent until proven guilty. I’m awaiting the rationale and evidence the administration will present demonstrating systemic abuse of human rights. If it’s compelling, why should we send them our weapons?
I think his point was more that the Biden administration is zigzagging quite significantly and at a very sensitive time. They have also been playing hard to the left/Dearborn wing of the party and trying to maintain support within the less extreme parts of the party. I can't speak for Ya'akov but I can say that when your key ally is in the midst of a true existential crisis it may not be the best time to come out with a statement of intent. I agree. Let's see what comes. And, if they do impose sanctions - the evidence upon which they rely.
Ya'akov said this possible step is being done to "stick it to Israel." Joe Biden? come on. He is arguably the most pro-Israel president in history who has stood with you/us for over six months, providing a steady stream of weapons, casting vetoes in the Secuity Council, using our military power against Iranian missiles, and generally explaining that Hamas can't be allowed to remain in power in Gaza. He even says the IDF can complete the job in Rafah. It just needs to institute a reasonable plan to evacuate the civilians and provide for them in a safe haven. As Ya'akov mentioned, he pushed through a military supplemental that will send over $14 billion to Israel. That's "sticking it to Israel?" Yes, it's a political year. But this is someone who won't compromise Israel's basic security. He's a Zionist in his gut, unlike his political opponent who would sell Israel in a minute if it suited his interests. Back to the IDF unit in question. The question is-- are they or are they not systematically abusing Palestinian human rights? If they are, and I am open to an open discussion, is Yaakov arguing America should give them the weapons to do so anyway?
and I might add, Biden has had to deal with the worst, most extreme government in Israel's history which has Jewish terrorists (yes, they are) in positions of authority, including one who incredibly has the national security portfolio.
I’m so glad that I subscribed. Each episode reassures me of the intelligence and concern for our people in Israel every waking moment. Thank you.
Thanks, Donna. And we so appreciate your support and feedback. We have some very special content lined up for this week.....a little heavy on the podcast side but so so important.
I understand and share your distress and pain regarding the plight of the hostages. We need to “do something, move heaven and earth”.
What is never specified however. It’s much easier to criticize than come up with concrete suggestions. It’s the prerogative of a pundit and an armchair critic
“There is very little, if any, trust or confidence in the government or IDF leadership.”
Katz decries the Biden administration’s anticipated sanctioning, not of the State of Israel, not of the IDF, but of one unit made up of outliers in Israeli society including extremist “Hilltop Youth.” Is that unit NOT abusing human rights in the West Bank? If so then the leadership in which Israelis have no confidence will have to make the case. Shall we look to the minister of national security? Ok. Innocent until proven guilty. I’m awaiting the rationale and evidence the administration will present demonstrating systemic abuse of human rights. If it’s compelling, why should we send them our weapons?
I think his point was more that the Biden administration is zigzagging quite significantly and at a very sensitive time. They have also been playing hard to the left/Dearborn wing of the party and trying to maintain support within the less extreme parts of the party. I can't speak for Ya'akov but I can say that when your key ally is in the midst of a true existential crisis it may not be the best time to come out with a statement of intent. I agree. Let's see what comes. And, if they do impose sanctions - the evidence upon which they rely.
Ya'akov said this possible step is being done to "stick it to Israel." Joe Biden? come on. He is arguably the most pro-Israel president in history who has stood with you/us for over six months, providing a steady stream of weapons, casting vetoes in the Secuity Council, using our military power against Iranian missiles, and generally explaining that Hamas can't be allowed to remain in power in Gaza. He even says the IDF can complete the job in Rafah. It just needs to institute a reasonable plan to evacuate the civilians and provide for them in a safe haven. As Ya'akov mentioned, he pushed through a military supplemental that will send over $14 billion to Israel. That's "sticking it to Israel?" Yes, it's a political year. But this is someone who won't compromise Israel's basic security. He's a Zionist in his gut, unlike his political opponent who would sell Israel in a minute if it suited his interests. Back to the IDF unit in question. The question is-- are they or are they not systematically abusing Palestinian human rights? If they are, and I am open to an open discussion, is Yaakov arguing America should give them the weapons to do so anyway?
and I might add, Biden has had to deal with the worst, most extreme government in Israel's history which has Jewish terrorists (yes, they are) in positions of authority, including one who incredibly has the national security portfolio.