Big Gaps Remain, Future Meetings Unlikely to Bear Fruit
Mossad chief David Barnea and Shin Bet director Ronen Bar, with the unanimous support of the Israeli cabinet, convened with Qatari and Egyptian mediators in Paris to deliberate on a potential deal with Hamas for the liberation of hostages. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office characterized the meeting as “constructive,” but acknowledged “significant gaps.”
The summit, which also saw participation from CIA Director William Burns, underscores the international effort to mediate the crisis, with discussions reportedly centering on a ceasefire and the phased release of over 100 hostages in exchange for easing military actions and commuting sentences for Palestinian detainees.
The negotiations, complicated by Hamas’s demands and Israel’s objective to dismantle the terror group, hint at a possible “breakthrough” for a two-month ceasefire-for-hostages agreement. Israel’s war cabinet is poised for tough discussions, reflecting the urgency and complexity of the ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure a peaceful resolution.
But, really, is this not all a big charade to show the Americans we are really trying and listening carefully, and to show the folks back home that we’re “leaving no stone unturned.” Anyone can see, however, that Israel must complete its takeover of Gaza from head to toe. To leave a Hamas nest in Rafah, left to fight another day, that would be to admit defeat.
It would also be to succumb to the American-led plan to force a two-state solution down Israel’s throat, a move that would be tantamount to committing politicide, exposing the valleys and cities to the terrorists who will hold the high ground. Is that tolerable?
It’s the same fairy tale that the hostage families want us to believe: that if they scream loud enough and long enough for “Now, NOW, NOWWW!” their loved ones will magically appear.
All the actors and puppeteers play their parts and go through their motions. In the end there is no avoiding what must be done for Israel to endure.
At this time, the Netanyahu government is playing a cagey game to buy time to “complete the job.” But the crossroads will soon come, when a decision about Rafah must be executed.
And then there’s Hezbollah. And Ramadan.
For now, Bibi is dancing through the raindrops, and (most of) Israel remains united as never before. Can a doddering Biden really stand in the way of the existential struggle of the Jewish peope? Never again.
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