Ya’akov and I discuss a few of the hot issues that dominated the last week in Israel. Today marks 100 days since the 139 hostages still in Hamas captivity were taken. Their survival is so imperiled, having been held in horrific conditions, denied medical care, starved and subjected to all manner of abuse and torture. The crisis is absolutely gutting Israel and leadership seems resistant to understand how dire this is. For the hostages themselves and the health of the nation. We then move on to the hearing that began on Thursday at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, brought by South Africa, which levels the charge that Israel is committing genocide. And from there we wrap up by taking a look at PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to sideline repeated, dire warnings from the Shin Bet domestic security force regarding the imminent danger of increased violence in the West Bank. Surreal times. Even for Israel.
State of Tel Aviv, Israel Podcast
S2 E4. Hostages. Genocide Charges. West Bank Violence: Weekly Review with Ya'akov Katz
State of Tel Aviv, Israel Podcast
State of Tel Aviv, and Beyond: the podcast that tells the story. Unfiltered. We work it hard so that you will understand what’s really going down in Israel.
State of Tel Aviv, and Beyond: the podcast that tells the story. Unfiltered. We work it hard so that you will understand what’s really going down in Israel.
Appears in episode
Vivian Bercovici
Recent Episodes
Not sure aboiut this. I consume Israeli media in Heb and English. This has not been reported to my knowledge. And I’m sitting here w two v well informed Israelis and they’re drawing blanks too. What I can say is that the substance of negotiation talks has not been divulged. If you have a source would be appreciated. Would be difficult to miss something like this.
The mantra that "more military force is the only way to bring the hostages home" rings very hollow. The DM and IDF chief keep perseverating about this and nothing changes. Every day that goes by inflicts torture and risk of death on the hostages and deep emotional trauma on their families, friends, and (almost) all of Israeli society. Israel needs to be pro-active and put an offer on the table that Hamas can't refuse. And it needs to make whatever commitments vis a vis the two-state solution that the Abraham Accord signatories and Saudi Arabia insist on, in order to bring them on board to put the squeeze on Hamas, get the hostages released, bring about a ceasefire, get sufficient humanitarian into Gaza to address the humanitarian catastrophe there, and come up with a day-after plan.
The only offer Hamas can’t refuse is one that would see Israel withdraw completely and leave Hamas leadership and weapons intact. We’re not dealing with an organization that actually gives a toss about its own people. Nvm the hostages. Sinwar and co are billionaires who grift at the expense of their own people. And the likelihood of them ever releasing some of the hostages alive? Not great imo. Any? Cuz of sadistic and ongoing sexual abuse. Why. Recall that after the release of last round of hostages Hamas said there were no women left in its custody. We knew then it was a lie and know now. So. Not sure that there os any plan Israel could concoct that would work. Hamas doesn’t want peace. Neither do all the demonstrators in the west. They want israel wiped off the map.
And trust me. I’m so saying I am not shilling for Bibi or this government. But it is the reality. This government is a whole other disaster. And I agree. Bibi should’ve resigned on October 8.
From what I understand Israel has not put a single offer on the table throughout these 101 days. It's been purely reactive. We don't know what the response would be if Israel offered, for example, to release all prisoners who are not currently serving life terms and to allow Sinwar and his top lieutenants to leave Gaza. If we threw handed over the money that rightfully belongs to the PA and that Smotrich is refusing to hand over; and allowed Palestinians to go back to their jobs inside the Green Line (which Smotrich is also blocking); and agreed to release Marwan Barghouti those inducements might sweeten the offer immeasurably and put pressure on Hamas to agree. Families of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails are a potent constituency in the Palestinian community. My point is: we haven't tried to move the needle with any sort of pro-active gestures. Giving up in advance and saying "That won't work!" is a recipe for disaster IMO.
I am mot aware of any public discussion or disclosure regarding the details of what has transpired in the talks between Israel and Qatar. If you have sources regarding what has/has not been offered pls provide links/cites.
Multiple Israeli media outlets have repeatedly stated that Israel has made no offer but has only said it is willing to consider offers put forward by Hamas (via Qatar or anyone else).
Why is Yaakov letting Netanyahu off the hook so easily? He keeps saying that Netanyahu "can't" exercise leadership in the current very challenging situation because of the political constraints he faces. He should resign!! He should let someone who is able to be a leader, lead.
Ya’akov is no Bibi fan. When he says “can’t”’in this context I hear it as cannot/will not. Chooses not to. “Can’t” because his priority is his political survival at any and all costs. He’s just calling it as it is. We have detached leadership.