Is Israel going to be a freier, the Yiddish word for sucker, in Gaza again? The remarkable achievements of the IDF in the offensive against Hamas and its minions are at dire risk as Benjamin Netanyahu plays a high-stakes game of chicken with the United States, which has effectively distanced itself from diplomatic support of Israel.

Based on statements by the Biden Administration, the US appears to have written off Bibi as a player and is seeking to imposed a solution on Israel which will thwart its stunningly fast and clear achievement of stated war aims.

Veteran analyst Caroline Glick puts all the pieces of the Biden Administration’s “Doctrine” designed to prevent an Israeli victory and continue the American rapprochement with Iran, despite the US being a target for lethal attacks by Iranian proxies.

All players believe that a truce at this stage would be a lifeline to Hamas, enabling it to not only survive but sit in the driver’s seat of the post-War order.

The Israelis seem to think that there is a chance that they can retrieve some 35 hostages, mostly older men, injured soldiers and perhaps some women, and then go back to fighting after a month or two. No one else believes that.

Hamas has received a new proposal for a three-stage truce​​. The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, remains firm on its stance, insisting on the eradication of Hamas as a precondition for stopping the fighting​​​​. But Hamas insists on a withdrawal of Israel as non-negotiable.

Netanyahu is under dual pressure, both internationally and domestically. He faces demands from the families of hostages and criticism from far-right parties in his ruling coalition. On the international front, the U.S. has urged Israel to reduce civilian casualties and ensure more precise military operations, while still expressing support for Israel’s right to defend against Hamas​​​​. But the US is demand an Israeli commitment to a Palestinian state after the war and is actively working to oust Bibi.

Meanwhile, the IDF is closing the net on Khan Yunis and seems ready to move on to the powderkeg of Rafiah on the Egyptian border. The gaps between the sides remain huge, but so are the pressures for a deal. This weekend may prove decisive.

It may be the Biden Administration that is misjudging and overplaying its weak hand. With the demented Biden falling way behind Trump in seven battleground states, Israel would be wise to continue closing in on Hamas leaders and waiting till the incompetent Alzheimer in Chief is sent out to pasture.