Hamas attacks Israel

[jon-nyc]

Sure. The mostly symbolic cautions and scolding from the Biden administration aren’t going to repeat under Trump. But they had little practical impact on the ability of Israel to wage war on Hamas.

[Renauda]

I call that a nibble. But I overall agree with what you wrote, symbolic cautions. Nary even a Yellow card.

From here on the Referee looks the other way.

[kluurs]

I believe it was reported that Biden received more Israel PAC support than anyone in government. Blinken is a dual Israeli/US citizen. Trump has acknowledged that Miriam Adlelson gave $100M to his campaign for support of Israel - so Israel's interests, which were never in doubt, are solid.

[Mik]

@Renauda said in Hamas attacks Israel:

I call that a nibble. But I overall agree with what you wrote, symbolic cautions. Nary even a Yellow card.

From here on the Referee looks the other way.

The referee was always looking the other way, he just didn't want anyone to notice. Didn't work.

[George K]

@George-K said in Hamas attacks Israel:

“We are the closest to a hostage deal since the last agreement.”

https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-accuses-hamas-of-foiling-hostage-deal-with-return-to-inflexible-stance/

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Wednesday accused the Hamas terror group of lying about ongoing hostage-ceasefire negotiations and walking back terms it had agreed to, as renewed talks appeared to stall despite previous expressions of optimism by senior officials.

“The terrorist organization Hamas is lying again,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement, “reneging on the understandings already reached, and continuing to make it difficult for the negotiations.

“Nevertheless, Israel will continue tirelessly in its efforts to bring home all of our hostages,” the statement added.

[jon-nyc]

[jon-nyc]

Watch the video.

[bachophile]

everyone is just waiting to see what’s happening

[jon-nyc]

Another pov:

[jon-nyc]

I had seen some reporting within Israel that Trump was pressuring the Israelis too, but the source was Qatari so I don’t know how seriously to take it. It then this…

[Jolly]

I think Trump is pushing both parties, using carrots and sticks.

Next up, watch Iran. Some think we may try to shove the mullahs out of power, with a combination of new, strict financial sanctions and increased covert actions.

[bachophile]

The carrot Israel is getting is a green light for attacking Iran. That’s the thing that will drive bibi to risk his government to accept the deal.
Strange times

[jon-nyc]

That seems a given. Carrot probably more like help in doing it.

[jon-nyc]

Either it’s true or Israel wants cover to back out and blame them. Either way not a good sign.

[bachophile]

Now reporting the deal has been signed.

[jon-nyc]

Trump has already taken credit. Despite the fact that it’s more or less identical to the deal Israel walked away from in May. But maybe that’s where his leverage was applied.

[jon-nyc]

@jon-nyc said in Hamas attacks Israel:

But maybe that’s where his leverage was applied.

That does seem to be the case. Trump closing the partisan divide with Biden left Bibi no choice. Here’s ambassador Oren:

[jon-nyc]

My guess is Bibi felt compelled but also figures Trump will have a low bar as to what constitutes a violation on the part of Hamas so it’ll be mere months before they can continue. In the mean time he gets some of the hostages back.

[jon-nyc]

Apparently it hasn’t started yet.

[jon-nyc]

Fox News: “33 hostages will be released, some alive and some dead”