On playing for time – The Economist:
‘Besides its propaganda purpose, the conflicting messaging reflects a lack of clarity. Mr Netanyahu has manoeuvred Israel into a corner where it has few options, much less a coherent strategy. Unofficial talks about a ceasefire have continued since indirect talks between Israel and Hamas broke down on July 24th. America is still urging Israel to make a deal that ends the war. Given intensifying international condemnation of Israel, Hamas may feel it can drive a harder bargain. But a deal that leaves Hamas with any degree of power in Gaza would be unacceptable to Israel.
Other plans being floated by Mr Netanyahu’s government are equally untenable. Opposition from the idf has blocked the government’s idea of forcing the entire population into a “humanitarian city” on a sliver of Gaza’s territory. Annexing parts of the strip or laying siege to the remaining areas inhabited by civilians would both worsen the already dire humanitarian situation and prompt louder global outrage without finishing off Hamas.
Airing such drastic ideas pleases Mr Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners. Their power to rattle his government has been diminished now that the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, is in recess until mid-October. Mr Netanyahu could use this period for moves that would enrage them, such as agreeing to a ceasefire. Yet for now, he is playing for time. For starving Gazans, that means any relief may be temporary.’
Read the article here.
Waiting for mid-October. For Gazans relief has been temporary since Gaza came into existence.
Israel is gripped by revenge and Messianism, and sometimes Messianism is just revenge.
Messianism as a poor excuse for an endless list of war crimes.