On Bibi-sitting – Amos Harel in Haaretz:

‘The United States expects Israel to notify it in advance before the IDF conducts any exceptional military strikes in the Gaza Strip, including airstrikes.
Israeli defense sources say that the Americans are not yet presenting this as a demand for a green light from them before any military action. But, in practice, they are making it very clear that they will not tolerate any more Israeli surprises that would jeopardize the cease-fire.’

(…)

‘The Americans also inaugurated the Civil-Military Coordination Center in southern Israel's Kiryat Gat this week, where they will coordinate the next military steps in Gaza. About 200 U.S. officers and men are stationed at the CMCC, similar in size to the force the Americans deployed in Israel 18 months ago, when they launched the failed logistics pier at a beach south of Gaza City in an attempt to bring humanitarian aid by sea.
Defense Minister Israel Katz, Strategic Security Minister Ron Dermer, senior U.S. military and IDF officers, headed by CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper and Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, respectively, attended the security meeting with Vance.’

(…)

‘Defense officials have the impression that American scrutiny of Israel has reached a point that usurps Israel's military and diplomatic power. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to deny this new reality because it contradicts his attempts to create a narrative of victory in the war, at least in the eyes of his political supporters.’

Read the article here.

You can call it whatever you want, Israel the unruly son, Israel the protectorate of the US, Israel the toddler, fact is that Israel is on the leash, as it was never before.

What kind of victory is this? Maybe it will lead to something that brings us closer to an end of the hostilities. Maybe.

But as I said before, I’m afraid that Trump wants quiet in Gaza because Rubio wants war in Venezuela.

And speaking of protectorates, perhaps peace comes when Israel will be a second Puerto Rico, albeit with the bomb. If the peace is a righteous peace, is a different question.