The latest threat in the ongoing contest to promote deterrence comes from an Iraqi puppet group. They warned the US that American interests in Iraq (and beyond) will be endangered if the US helps Israel against Hezbollah. This threat was preceded by an American warning that the US will not be able to restrain Israel … More Gaza War 26 Jun
Yesterday the Commission of Inquiry into the “submarine” affair released interim findings. The commission was formed some 2 years ago to investigate possible corruption in the acquisition of vessels for the Israeli Navy. Benyamin Netanyahu, and others, are now being given time to submit additional material in their defense. The interim findings indicate a strong … More Gaza War 25 Jun
Israel may bear some of the responsibility for the way the media is dominated by Hamas reports. Netanyahu may be a good politician, but he doesn’t know how to handle the media, and he has done much to ensure that the Israeli government doesn’t have anyone else that can. The public relations aspects of the … More Gaza War 24 Jun
IAF air attacks killed 2 senior Hamas leaders. Ra’ad Saad, the Hamas chief of operations (#4 in the hierarchy of the military wing at the time) was a major loss for Hamas. He had been responsible for trying to rebuild the shattered military organization. The second death was the Hamas in Lebanon senior official Ayman … More Gaza War 23 Jun
What we see in the media has a strong effect on our beliefs. That’s one of the reasons Hamas Fake News has been so successful. They get their version out first, regardless of how truthful it may be. The media parrots it because, among other reasons, it helps them get more viewers (and advertisers). Keep … More Gaza War 21 Jun
The American envoi made his trip to Beirut, and came away empty handed. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah timed his propaganda releases to ensure the US rep would be embarrassed. On one side, Nasrallah himself made a threat that his forces could invade northern Israel. On the other side he had his TV channel broadcast spy … More Gaza War 20 Jun
Last night Hezbollah resumed launching rocket into Israel. The (Muslim) holiday break lasted for only 2 of the 3 day Eid Al-Adha festival. The IDF also refrained from most attacks in Lebanon. Israeli observers noted that Hezbollah did not stop shooting on Jewish holidays. Hezbollah is setting the tone. More important was the publication of … More Gaza War 19 Jun
A majority of Israelis are unhappy with Netanyahu. His coalition government is notable for dealing with distributing benefits to his junior partners (especially the ultra-orthodox) while avoiding decisions about how to get hostages released (and how to proceed with the war). He has been making promises (that he probably knows he can’t keep) and following … More Gaza War 17 Jun
American envoi Amos Hochstein will be heading to Lebanon next. His mission is to avert a ground war in Lebanon. There are a couple of indications that he may be able to succeed. The IDF is limiting activity in Gaza. Hamas and Hezbollah have also halted their attacks (temporarily?). This may just be due to … More Gaza War 18 Jun
The news this morning mentioned IDF casualties for a change. The unusual loss of 8 soldiers together even appeared ahead of the Hamas claim of over 30 “civilians” killed. This seems to reinforce Sinwar’s position that having bloody bodies is the way to get the media to report about you. However it does nothing for … More Gaza War 16 Jun
Wetherhorn 