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Doug Israel's avatar

In sentiment I fully agree with you. I would add though that the pressure is not being placed by the US or anyone else but by the Israeli public itself. Contrary to your wish, there is clearly no chance of rescuing the hostages and recovering them alive or it would be done. The answer as to whether this action is disastrous or not will be determined by the final outcome of the war. I do not think there is an outside force in the world that can compel Israel not to start the fight again even if its 3 weeks from now. No Israeli government would last five minutes if the outcome is the same as 2014. So that does not concern me. The most legitimate concern is that Hamas is able to use this time to seriously regroup so as to cause additional harm to the IDF. I do not know the answer to this but the IDF and Shin Bet both urged the cabinet to agree to this and state that this will not affect their ability to destroy Hamas. I tend to believe them. At a time like this I will not second guess the government of Israel on my keyboard in New York.

As for the Cartersque Biden administration, I certainly don't expect them to do as you say. That's a fantasy. I'd settle for a consistent message of support for Israel not an equivocation one.

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Nachum / Ned's avatar

But, if the U.S. were to make the declaration as recommended in the article and then actually carried out two or three rapid attacks to eliminate members of the Iranian mafia, then the Israeli public would see that it has a true ally that is willing to support the eradication of Iran’s leaders. That would convince much of the public that this strategy is a good one.

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Doug Israel's avatar

That's fantasy.

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Richard Vigilante's avatar

It's worse than cowardice, far worse than Carter, far worse than usual limp-wristed liberalism. It's not just a mistake, though it used many useful idiots who are merely mistaken. It's fifth column stuff, US government personnel influencing US government action on behalf of a wicked enemy. It's Roosevelt administration Commies selling out China, amping lend lease beyond war needs. It's Harry Dexter White, and Alger Hiss, and all those scum all over again. Its progressive spitting in the face of the American people and their values. We need a witch hunt.

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Jeffrey Gegler's avatar

I agree nearly 100%.

War has inertia. Only two things can stop it. A desire to stop fighting by those with it on their side or a major defeat in battle. Israel is voluntarily stopping that inertia, a dangerous thing.

Starting the inertia of battle again will be more difficult. Hamas will have reinforced but, even more importantly, the viciousness and cruelty of October 7 is fading with each passing day of the holiday season. If you can stop for one week, why not two? Then three? Etc.

I fear that, similar to Ukraine, the delay will cause many Americans who support Israel to lose interest. Biden is already looking for a way out of this. Israel cannot give it to him.

You might laugh at the thought, but isn’t assassinating Iranian leaders against the Geneva Conventions and laws of war? Personally, I would do it myself if I had the ability but Israel is definitely concerned about how it looks to the world.

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