The Reckoning

[Nevilledog]

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/10/israel-gaza-netanyahu/675597/

No paywall
https://archive.ph/9SJFj

*snip*

The massacre carried out by Hamas has been compared to 9/11, but like most analogies applied to Israel’s situation, it fails to describe the reality. No American seriously thought that the very existence of the United States was endangered by the fall of the Twin Towers. But the defeat inflicted by Israel’s least formidable opponents has profound strategic implications, emboldening other enemies on its borders. In Israel, no strategic depth separates the home front from genocidal threats.

Scarcely less frightening than the IDF’s failure to protect Israeli citizens at their most dire moment is that our leadership has effectively collapsed. Addressing the nation on Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered little more than bluster and clichés, without inspiration. No Israeli cabinet minister has visited the wounded in hospitals, although that is standard procedure during times of crisis. The desperate families of the missing have pleaded with the government to meet with them, so far to no avail.

Clearly our leaders are afraid to face an outraged public. A cartoon in the newspaper Haaretz showed the members of the cabinet cowering under a table.

Israel’s most divisive government is presiding over one of the most sensitive moments in our history, when we desperately need leaders we can trust. But not only is this government the most politically extreme in our history; it is also the least qualified to decide matters of life and death. Collectively, the heads of the coalition have less military experience by far than the leaders of any previous government. Much of the country had lost faith in the government’s competence long before this week’s catastrophe. Now that judgment has been frighteningly confirmed.

*snip*

[stopdiggin]

1. Israel's public face (government) has become

increasingly extreme and belligerent. (this really isn't even up for debate)

No, this isn't an excuse or apologia for Hamas, or Palestinian radicalization. But the idea that these sizable swings in posture and intent from the Jewish state itself - may not be discussed - or have no bearing or factor ... Is rank denial (and a brand of propaganda?) that flies in the face of reality. And further, a disservice to the community.

(And just to be extra clear - anyone that is marching in the street, chanting "death to the Jews" - even if you're a hapless mope or clueless college student - is also a f**king moron! And also a disservice, to any community they belong to, and the wider collective as well.)

[Nevilledog]

2. The Israeli people are very angry at Netanyahu.

Poll Shows Catastrophic Drop Off in Support for Netanyahu

https://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/poll-shows-catastrophic-drop-off-in-support-for-netanyahu

[redqueen]

3. Agree on all points, except

anyone chanting those things is not just a moron, they are an extremist and likely have been brainwashed

[maxsolomon]

4. Or Muslim.

It's a pretty common slogan in some parts of the planet.

[Alexander Of Assyria]

5. Zero Israeli cabinet ministers have visited any hospital....

Too busy getting all they need from Twitter?

No Israeli cabinet minister has visited the wounded in hospitals, although that is standard procedure during times of crisis. The desperate families of the missing have pleaded with the government to meet with them, so far to no avail.

Wow.

Never forget the majority of citizens do not support Bibi.