The Realist summarizes Cast Lead, and I agree with much of what he said, including his conclusions about what needs to be done next. He says that the political situation needs to be stabilized before we know what will happen, of course – but unfortunately I do not see a real routing of Hamas happening [...]
Posts under ‘Knesset’
Truce? What Truce?
Ynet reports: “Israel declares unilateral Gaza truce.” Wrong. A truce cannot be unilateral. A truce is agreed upon. This a capitulation, yet another mistake in a long line of errors, collectively known as Olmert’s policies.
Regardless of why this operation was initiated, or why now, Hamas is an enemy that doesn’t only need to be “hit [...]
Operation Cast Lead – Israeli Public
Military and political aspects here, international opinion here, etymology of Cast Lead, and first, second, and third parts about the Arab World’s opinion.
I think an overview of the Israeli public’s reaction is necessary before contrasting it that with the rest of the Jewish world. By now, with regards to the public reaction, the two major [...]
Operation Cast Lead – Military and Political Perspectives
I’ve already commented briefly on Operation Cast Lead. Looking at the entire picture, though, there are four significant considerations. Here are the first two.
Military – The aerial campaign has been, thus far, a success, killing hundreds of Hamas members, including one very senior leader, and a relatively low number of civilian deaths. The big question [...]
Kidnappings and Israeli Policy
The Likud’s newest star, Moshe Ya’alon, has recently made headlines for acknowledging the truth in Tzipi Livni statement regarding Gilad Schalit. Livni, largely criticized for remarking that Schalit’s release is not a certainty, received some unexpected support from the former Chief of Staff, who said, “The expression, ‘at any price’ is not appropriate.”
As much as [...]
Labor Collapses, Kadima Sticks Around
The latest pre-election polls came out today, and Labor is the big loser. According to the poll, if elections were held today, Likud would win 32 seats in the Knesset, whereas Labor would have only 8(!) seats. According to the poll, Netanyahu would be able to form 65-seat coalition, made up of Yisrael Beiteinu, Shas, [...]
Fewer Political Parties in Israel?
Being a Prime Minister is not an easy job. The first assignment of any Prime Minister, even before taking the oath of office, is putting together a coalition. In order to rule, one must ensure a majority of 61 votes in the Knesset, piecing together agreements with the many political parties, who represent the many [...]
Honest Benny Returns to Politics
Good news on the political front in Israel. Benny Begin, one of the very few Israeli politicians who is truly respected for his honesty and decency, who holds rational, positive views on the direction Israel must take, is returning to politics. Even Meretz MK, Zehava Gal-On, whose views on Israel are dangerous, to say the least, called [...]
Big Brother Wants You to Jump Off the Roof
I don’t know anyone who has real faith in the Israeli government. Faith in the IDF? Well, that’s an entirely different issue, but faith in the government – not so much. So it would be pretty obvious that I want such an organization to have as little control over me as possible. In this day [...]
