Great piece, Josh. I suspected that were it not for Israel's intelligence agencies cutting off the heads of so many leading snakes over the decades, Israel would not have survived with the American leash around her neck, preventing her from winning conventional wars. And, I have no doubt the work of her intelligence people continues as I write this - and will continue to protect Israel. I pray fervently for Israel to forge new, strategic alliances - with several countries - in the future. Alliances that don't necessarily have the US blessing but bring economic opportunity and more military security for Israel and the countries involved. Also, I dream of Israel becoming the leader in cyber tech; particularly cyber warfare. Already, an Israeli hacker calling himself (or herself) "predatory sparrow" has launched successful smaller attacks on Iran's oil refineries. Israel does not, of course, take responsibility for the hacker's actions, although I read the Israeli government is quite involved in cyber research. Yes, Israel may be losing the PR war for now, but I have great faith in her ability to win real wars. And, I suspect she may even start to win the PR war too, as Western people become increasingly fed up with the Islamo/Leftist grip on their politicians - and on their lives.
Please keep the eye on the prize. Don't just listen to the rhetoric of what the ultra progressive Democrats say (not all Democrats are progressives), watch what the administration does. As of yesterday, Biden said he is still backing Israel 100%, especially now, with Iran's latest threats. Remember, deals have been made that we have no knowledge of. If the Biden administration pulls all support from Israel, then the "game" will have changed. That would be a death blow for Biden. I don't think he will let that happen...
I have read about Israel's relationship with different presidents over 75 years. Some Dem, some GOP. From this I concluded that party is no indication of how Israel will be treated. It depends on the president and on the political circumstances of the time. What we can conclude is this: if Israel wants to become a truly sovereign nation, she must stop being the lapdog of the US. Sure, the two countries can make mutually beneficial deals and come to each other's aid. But when the US dictates how Israel can wage wars of survival, who Israel may and may not do business with or form other alliances with, this is not healthy for Israel. It's time Israel "grew up", got her own house in order (in terms of legislative and judicial reform), developed new alliances and relied upon her own formidable talents in many areas to become a super-power in her own right.
Thank you for reporting on the wonderful job the IDF is doing. Please keep informing the world that the IDF is doing all of us a tremendous service in destroying terrorists. I can just see the Hamas leaders shaking in their boots. It's time the IDF completes the mission and begin the next phase for Israel and the world.
Thank you, Joshua, for restoring my optimism about this war. For whatever reason, yesterday's article hit me hard, but your reminders to me of the absolute intelligence and training of the IDF, and what they and the Mossad and Shin Bet have accomplished over time is truly remarkable. Unlike the US, Israel and the IDF know who the enemies are because they are surrounded by them, and will proceed as they always do, with strength, loyalty, integrity, and courage. Am Yisrael Chai!!
Let me make this perfectly clear, those of us that experienced 9/11 and were actually at "Ground Zero," will never forget who the enemies are. Please afford the majority of US citizens a modicum of respect.
I'm a New Yorker by birth and upbringing, worked on 49th and Madison, and I know and have never forgotten 9/11. I apologize if I wasn't clear, but I should have been specific identifying our government as the ones who don't seem to know who the enemies are and not the people. I hope this clarifies my point.
Remember, there are a lot of politicians who say things just to make the news cycle and try to remain relevant. I always focus on what the administration actually does. If our administration gives up on our only democratic ally in the Middle East, G_D help us all.
Too many of our US politicians have the same script. When they get caught up in it, they say they still have the same policy on Israel, nothing's changed. What our administration has done with Iran, the Houthis, abstaining from the UN vote, etc. is enough evidence for me. Their actions speak volumes.
As of yesterday, Biden is still supporting Israel. Whatever lip service he gives the progressives, is just that. Am I concerned that they abstained from the UN vote? Of course I am. Let's see where the administration is in the next few weeks.
I’m former IDF and I agree with everything you said, but you left out some important parts. The IDF is staffed by human beings and human beings sometimes make horrible mistakes. Sometimes, assassins kill the wrong guy. And days ago a drone operator mistook a backpack for a gum and struck a convoy of aids workers killing all eight.
When Israel is done defeating Hamas, we will need to rely again on our credibility. Celebrating assassins and ignoring catastrophic mistakes may not be the way to maintain that precious credibility.
Thank you to all of you, for the astute responses to today’s article by Jonathan Hoffman. Every morning, I turn to his writing first to start my day off more “intelligently.” I wish we could all meet in person!
Joshua: You need to correct your text here — the numerical ratios are civilian-to- combatant, not “combatant-to-civilian:”
“Meanwhile, on the Palestinian side, Israel has achieved an unbelievable combatant-to-civilian casualty ratio, which is believed to be 1.5-to-one — and that is if you accept Hamas’ numbers (which have been proven mathematically impossible). For reference, the international average is a nine-to-one combatant-to-civilian casualty ratio according to the UN.”
And it’s another great article. The press here in the US is generally obsessed with Gazans. After decades of demonization of the IDF, some people just want to believe the worst. That the IDF is essentially the opposite of what it’s made out to be speaks volumes. I would love to see our press report on the Israel side for a change. So many great stories and unprecedented positive military actions. Did we hear anything about the incredible operation at Shifa Hospital compound with such success and no civilian casualties? No, all about IDF operating in a hospital and IDF claims. Really maddening. Keep up your vital work. You and Israel Real Time are my lifelines.
This is wonderful! I would like to ask why there is an American General advising on fighting in Gaza. The IDF are simply the best and doing an effective and thoughtful job.
Podržavam Zidove jer je Bog uklonio Egipat.Tako Ce i teroriste nebitno koja se skupina zvala.Bio Hamas,Hezbolah,Fatah,Ali Qaida,Sirijski pobunjenici,Isis i dr.Podrzavam Israel jer trebaju pomoć 🇮🇱🤝🇭🇷Protiv terora i uvijek mir i obrana.
Great piece, Josh. I suspected that were it not for Israel's intelligence agencies cutting off the heads of so many leading snakes over the decades, Israel would not have survived with the American leash around her neck, preventing her from winning conventional wars. And, I have no doubt the work of her intelligence people continues as I write this - and will continue to protect Israel. I pray fervently for Israel to forge new, strategic alliances - with several countries - in the future. Alliances that don't necessarily have the US blessing but bring economic opportunity and more military security for Israel and the countries involved. Also, I dream of Israel becoming the leader in cyber tech; particularly cyber warfare. Already, an Israeli hacker calling himself (or herself) "predatory sparrow" has launched successful smaller attacks on Iran's oil refineries. Israel does not, of course, take responsibility for the hacker's actions, although I read the Israeli government is quite involved in cyber research. Yes, Israel may be losing the PR war for now, but I have great faith in her ability to win real wars. And, I suspect she may even start to win the PR war too, as Western people become increasingly fed up with the Islamo/Leftist grip on their politicians - and on their lives.
It's the democrat party specifically that is hindering Israel's war effort, not America. The vast majority of Americans and the GOP back Israel.
Please keep the eye on the prize. Don't just listen to the rhetoric of what the ultra progressive Democrats say (not all Democrats are progressives), watch what the administration does. As of yesterday, Biden said he is still backing Israel 100%, especially now, with Iran's latest threats. Remember, deals have been made that we have no knowledge of. If the Biden administration pulls all support from Israel, then the "game" will have changed. That would be a death blow for Biden. I don't think he will let that happen...
I have read about Israel's relationship with different presidents over 75 years. Some Dem, some GOP. From this I concluded that party is no indication of how Israel will be treated. It depends on the president and on the political circumstances of the time. What we can conclude is this: if Israel wants to become a truly sovereign nation, she must stop being the lapdog of the US. Sure, the two countries can make mutually beneficial deals and come to each other's aid. But when the US dictates how Israel can wage wars of survival, who Israel may and may not do business with or form other alliances with, this is not healthy for Israel. It's time Israel "grew up", got her own house in order (in terms of legislative and judicial reform), developed new alliances and relied upon her own formidable talents in many areas to become a super-power in her own right.
Thank you for reporting on the wonderful job the IDF is doing. Please keep informing the world that the IDF is doing all of us a tremendous service in destroying terrorists. I can just see the Hamas leaders shaking in their boots. It's time the IDF completes the mission and begin the next phase for Israel and the world.
Thank you, Joshua, for restoring my optimism about this war. For whatever reason, yesterday's article hit me hard, but your reminders to me of the absolute intelligence and training of the IDF, and what they and the Mossad and Shin Bet have accomplished over time is truly remarkable. Unlike the US, Israel and the IDF know who the enemies are because they are surrounded by them, and will proceed as they always do, with strength, loyalty, integrity, and courage. Am Yisrael Chai!!
😉
Let me make this perfectly clear, those of us that experienced 9/11 and were actually at "Ground Zero," will never forget who the enemies are. Please afford the majority of US citizens a modicum of respect.
I'm a New Yorker by birth and upbringing, worked on 49th and Madison, and I know and have never forgotten 9/11. I apologize if I wasn't clear, but I should have been specific identifying our government as the ones who don't seem to know who the enemies are and not the people. I hope this clarifies my point.
Remember, there are a lot of politicians who say things just to make the news cycle and try to remain relevant. I always focus on what the administration actually does. If our administration gives up on our only democratic ally in the Middle East, G_D help us all.
Too many of our US politicians have the same script. When they get caught up in it, they say they still have the same policy on Israel, nothing's changed. What our administration has done with Iran, the Houthis, abstaining from the UN vote, etc. is enough evidence for me. Their actions speak volumes.
As of yesterday, Biden is still supporting Israel. Whatever lip service he gives the progressives, is just that. Am I concerned that they abstained from the UN vote? Of course I am. Let's see where the administration is in the next few weeks.
The proof will be in what he says and does and so far his track record is pathetic.
Biden demanding a ceasefire doesn't sound like support IMO. [With all due respect, of course]
Ceasefire= surrender. #FuckHamas!
I’m former IDF and I agree with everything you said, but you left out some important parts. The IDF is staffed by human beings and human beings sometimes make horrible mistakes. Sometimes, assassins kill the wrong guy. And days ago a drone operator mistook a backpack for a gum and struck a convoy of aids workers killing all eight.
When Israel is done defeating Hamas, we will need to rely again on our credibility. Celebrating assassins and ignoring catastrophic mistakes may not be the way to maintain that precious credibility.
Absolutely.
G-d bless you! I LOVE the IDF!
Thank you to all of you, for the astute responses to today’s article by Jonathan Hoffman. Every morning, I turn to his writing first to start my day off more “intelligently.” I wish we could all meet in person!
Outstanding article
Bingo! So be it, especially for Israel!
Excellent article-again!
I’m here for every second of it. Am Israel Chai!
Joshua: You need to correct your text here — the numerical ratios are civilian-to- combatant, not “combatant-to-civilian:”
“Meanwhile, on the Palestinian side, Israel has achieved an unbelievable combatant-to-civilian casualty ratio, which is believed to be 1.5-to-one — and that is if you accept Hamas’ numbers (which have been proven mathematically impossible). For reference, the international average is a nine-to-one combatant-to-civilian casualty ratio according to the UN.”
Good catch! We fixed it a few hours ago :)
And it’s another great article. The press here in the US is generally obsessed with Gazans. After decades of demonization of the IDF, some people just want to believe the worst. That the IDF is essentially the opposite of what it’s made out to be speaks volumes. I would love to see our press report on the Israel side for a change. So many great stories and unprecedented positive military actions. Did we hear anything about the incredible operation at Shifa Hospital compound with such success and no civilian casualties? No, all about IDF operating in a hospital and IDF claims. Really maddening. Keep up your vital work. You and Israel Real Time are my lifelines.
❤️❤️
Excellent article! Shabbat Shalom.
Sorry, my intelligence skipped a beat Joshua, sorry.
😘
This is wonderful! I would like to ask why there is an American General advising on fighting in Gaza. The IDF are simply the best and doing an effective and thoughtful job.
Joe Biden, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, are 3 enemies of Israel. There are also a number of self-hating Jews who also hate America.
I do not think Joe Biden is our enemy
Barack Obama yes yes yes the worst president
and stupid jews voted and supported him and paid for his campaign
to became president lets not forget he is a muslim
Don't ever stop either Israel! #NoCeasefire!
Podržavam Zidove jer je Bog uklonio Egipat.Tako Ce i teroriste nebitno koja se skupina zvala.Bio Hamas,Hezbolah,Fatah,Ali Qaida,Sirijski pobunjenici,Isis i dr.Podrzavam Israel jer trebaju pomoć 🇮🇱🤝🇭🇷Protiv terora i uvijek mir i obrana.