We would not expect a sense of quiet across the world, even in the best of times. There are always places of unrest – of political instability, war, etc. But it somehow seems that this is particularly the case now, at least from where I sit here is Israel. From day to day, situations shift, and even among the informed there is scant agreement in assessing the meaning of these shifts.
Looking on the positive side from the midst of the turmoil, there is hope for change that ultimately brings a better world. Change is necessary, but it’s a very hard haul.
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Let us focus here on Gaza, a site of great upheaval, where we are continuing to weaken the Hamas presence.
We were thrilled by the tough statement put out by president-elect Trump regarding the stand he will take if the hostages are not released before he enters the White House. I wait for him to take action against them of the most stringent sort (have no clue what form it might take), because right now they are digging in their heels.
According to a very recent Reuters report, Hamas leaders (whoever they may be) put out a directive in late November that instructed operatives to “tighten the living conditions of the hostages” and “activate neutralization orders … as an immediate and swift response to any adventure by the enemy.” This means, kill them if there is indication of a forthcoming IDF rescue attempt. The operatives were advised not to worry about “repercussions.” In other words, just do it.
This follows reports about the horrendous conditions under which hostages are kept (imagine tightening these conditions!), and news of hostages who have already been killed by Hamas.
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The members of Hamas are subhuman. I never, ever, refer to them as animals because animals do not behave as they do. This is consummate evil. And the case for attacking them until they are finished – no longer able to commit their terrorist violence or control Gaza – is very strong. It is, in fact, an existential imperative. Yet while the war goes on, the captives suffer, and their relatives are anguished.
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Luis Har, who was rescued by Israel from Rafah – after having been kidnapped by Hamas from his home in Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak on October 7 and held captive in Rafah for 129 days– described in a podcast how the experience changed him:
“My views have changed drastically since October 6…I don’t trust any of them [in Gaza]. I know, in some way, they’re all involved. They’re born into hatred. Weapons are put in their hands already as babies. They don’t care about sacrificing their children if it means killing Jews. That’s their way of life.
“To achieve dialogue and coexistence, it would take generations of proper education where hatred isn’t taught. That doesn’t exist right now. There’s no one to talk to, even if we wanted to be righteous and good. Before I was abducted, I wanted to live here in peace and coexistence. We don’t hate. We genuinely try to move forward.”
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/400247
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But wait, announcement has come now of a possible deal for a hostage release that is being proposed by Egypt. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Malta and expressed a readiness to consider this. Sa’ar indicated that Israel is serious.
Blinken said what he always says: that it is urgent to bring all of the hostages home, end the war in Gaza, and establish a path for the post-conflict period that provides lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike. This last phrase is his segue into discussion of a Palestinian state, which would take over on “the day after” in Gaza.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/400279
What a relief it will be when Marco Rubio is secretary of state; we will not hear this refrain from him.
But, unfortunately, talk of a “two-state solution,” as ridiculous as it is, persists in certain quarters. Like a bad dream, it continues to haunt us, and we must continue to reject the possibility in the strongest terms.
I will note that the meeting between Fatah and Hamas, which was held in Egypt, did not succeed in cementing an agreement for joint management of Gaza. It’s a bit of a joke, if we can laugh here: “Hamas is reportedly seeking assurances that employees of both its civil and military wings will continue to receive salaries.”
https://www.jns.org/hamas-pa-officials-leave-cairo-without-agreement-on-day-after-in-gaza/
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The hostage deal as proposed by Egypt would include an extended ceasefire – I have read that it would be for two months – that would allow hostages in the “humanitarian” category — the elderly, children, women, and badly wounded — to be released. Not sufficient – only bringing them all out is sufficient – but it would be a great blessing if it could be accomplished.
It goes without saying that there will be demands for the release from our prisons of terrorists with blood on their hands, in return for the release of hostages.
And there are some serious conditions, as they are being reported, regarding Israel pulling away from the Rafah crossing (where technocrats from the PA would apparently take over!) and then withdrawing slowly from all of Gaza over the course of the 60 days.
Israeli officials insist that this would only be a ceasefire and not the end of the war. But after 60 days and full withdrawal we know the pressure to make the “ceasefire” permanent would be huge.
But by the time that this ceasefire – should it be put in place – ends, Trump will be in the White House. Will that make a difference in our ability to go back and finish the job?
The first response, the gut response, is that it certainly would. But then it is necessary to think again. Over a month ago, it was reported that Trump had told Netanyahu he wanted the war in Gaza over before he took office.
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There is a question, however, as to how “over” is defined. A pullout of major forces with monitoring and forays back into Gaza as necessary is one possibility. Right now, we do not know.
But there is one additional factor to consider: Steve Witkoff (pictured), who has been chosen by Trump as envoy to the Middle East, has already unofficially begun in that role. He recently travelled to Israel and Qatar, meeting separately with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
Witkoff said he was simply in learning mode, getting the feel of the situation. Do not believe that. One report says he was working to “jump start” a ceasefire deal that would be in place by the time Trump entered the White House.
And again: We don’t know what getting a ceasefire in place by January 20 means – does this signal Trump desire to see the war over by then? Nor do we know what promises or reassurances Witkoff may have offered Netanyahu.
Let us hope that broadcaster and author Mark Levin is correct: ”I predict that he [Trump] will give the Israeli government whatever they need to end the war quickly. He would like peace, but he will protect Israel. It will be a fantastic opportunity for the Israeli government.”
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/400278
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That Witkoff went to Qatar, which had pulled back from involvement, indicates that it is once again a major player in the negotiations. This is not a country to be trusted. Finally, the Qataris, under pressure from the US, insisted that Hamas officials leave the country, but the Hamas office has not been closed. The Hamas officials are in Turkey.
Apparently, negotiations on this deal will take place in Doha. But keep in mind that this entire proposal is only in early talking stages and as I write Hamas has not yet agreed to negotiate.
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After Shabbat, a great deal more, on Lebanon and Syria.
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Please, pray with a full heart…
[] for the safety of the Jewish People everywhere,
[] for the continued strength and courage of Israel’s leaders as they make the hard decisions,
[] for the safety of our soldiers in battle as they fight a righteous war,
[] and for the rescue of the hostages.
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©Arlene Kushner. This material is produced by independent journalist Arlene Kushner. Permission is granted for it to be reproduced only with proper attribution.
