Yes and no.
Biden repeatedly has called for Israeli restraint and trying to limit civilian deaths. He also condemned the recent attacks by settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. But, I don't think the U.S. is going to call for a ceasefire right now. What the U.S. is doing is urging restraint and encouraging the Israelis to think carefully about their plans before they launch a ground attack and hopefully get hostages out first. I do think the U.S.. has convinced the Israelis to at least delay the ground offensive.
Biden now has the credibility with Israelis so they pay attention. People who think he’s too easy on Israel should understand that bear hugs work here. Without Israelis feeling caring and connection they won’t listen to even the best ideas for their own good.Biden repeatedly has called for Israeli restraint and trying to limit civilian deaths. He also condemned the recent attacks by settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. But, I don't think the U.S. is going to call for a ceasefire right now. What the U.S. is doing is urging restraint and encouraging the Israelis to think carefully about their plans before they launch a ground attack and hopefully get hostages out first. I do think the U.S.. has convinced the Israelis to at least delay the ground offensive.
Biden again said this war needs to end with a two-state solution and told Netanyahu that it is important to focus on a pathway to permanent peace between Israelis and Palestinians after this crisis. I don't hold out much hope for this, but I'm glad Biden wants to at least try.
Biden condemns retaliatory attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank
President Joe Biden has spoken out against retaliatory attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israelabcnews.go.com
The conditions in the hospitals are horrible. They need not only gasoline to operate but medicine and other supplies. The IDF claims that Hamas is hoarding fuel. And the UNRWA had tweeted at one point that Hamas had stolen fuel and medicine from them, though for some reason they later took down those tweets despite U.N. officials confirming the claim to a reporter. It's a mess. I totally understand that Israel is desperate to get the hostages back ASAP and that it is Hamas's fault for abducting them. I also realize that there is a significant risk that the gasoline and medication might end up going to Hamas. But, IMO there have to be attempts to get it to the hospitals.
I don't think we can really know how hard he is being on Israel because we don't know everything that is going on behind the scenes and I'll bet there is a lot going on. IMO, Biden knew that some people would be unhappy about him hugging Bibi and that it wasn't the best thing for him politically in the U.S., but he did it anyway because he thought he would be more successful influencing the Israelis. Most Americans don't like him more because of the hug and there are some who are very unhappy with him for that and for being "too soft" on Israel as you put it. But, some of them are on the right and would be unhappy with him no matter what since he wants to give aid to Israel. Some are on the other end of the spectrum and would be unhappy with him for the same reason and because he believes that Israel should exist and be safe as part of a two state solution.
So the best of luck to all the inernational ogranizations who are there controlling what goes where. Or is Israel supposed to take care of that as well?
This is one of the examples of what is going on. That's Netaniyahu on the way to greet Biden. The dude he is pushing back is the president. Of Israel. You know, the dude who is supposed to greet the president of the foreign country first when he lands.
I would like there to be some sort of independent effort to try to control the aid. I am not naive. I know that's not easy. But, I think there needs to be an attempt. I think it needs to be done for the benefit of the Palestinian civilians. I also think that it needs to be done for the benefit of the Israelis. The reports and images from Gaza hospitals are being used as propaganda in the Mideast and that is bad for Israelis (and others). The hospital situation also is being covered extensively here (or was before the shooter in Maine, who is still on the loose, started being the main focus.) I saw the same "report" here several times over a couple of says. In a dramatic voice, the "reporter" starts by saying, "Hospital walls can't talk, but if they could" and goes on to explain horrible conditions in the hospitals. This is not good for shoring up support for Israel, regardless of Hamas's role in this. The reporting doesn't lay the blame on Hamas.
As an American, I know what it is like to have a political leader who is narcissistic (as well as corrupt and authoritarian) and who does not act in the best interests of his citizens. It's scary and infuriating. I think the Biden administration knows what/who it is dealing with and is doing the best they can in accordance with that knowledge. I really hope that Bibi does not successfully rehabilitate his image and that he and others who failed to protect the Israelis on October 7 are driven out of power. For now, though, Biden has to deal with what he's got. And that means hugging Bibi and much more.
I could only read the first part - "Or register for a free account to read just this article."
) - press release: https://cnnpressroom.blogs.cnn.com/...ror-for-the-whole-story-with-anderson-cooper/
I could only read the first part - "Or register for a free account to read just this article."
Anderson Cooper's "Hostage to Terror" premiered tonight on CNN about "the families of those kidnapped from Nir Oz in Southern Israel" (VERY tough to watch
The hour-long report ends with what was described in this Oct. 23-24 article:
Anderson Cooper Helps Family Spot Missing Hostage Son
The CNN anchor said he realized he had a video of the 23-year-old American being taken hostage during a prior interview.www.thedailybeast.com
I could only read the first part - "Or register for a free account to read just this article."
Anderson Cooper's "Hostage to Terror" premiered tonight on CNN about "the families of those kidnapped from Nir Oz in Southern Israel" (VERY tough to watch
The hour-long report ends with what was described in this Oct. 23-24 article:
Anderson Cooper Helps Family Spot Missing Hostage Son
The CNN anchor said he realized he had a video of the 23-year-old American being taken hostage during a prior interview.
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Thank you.From a friend;
Today is the “world opera day” in which every opera house is sending a piece which represents it to the world. This is what the Israeli opera house chose to record and submit
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I cannot imagine what that family is going through. He previously gave an interview where he said death was a blessing for Emily.
I had seen his original interview. All I could think was if that was if that my family member, child etc. It has to be agonizing for the families of the hostages and not knowing …I cannot imagine what that family is going through. He previously gave an interview where he said death was a blessing for Emily.
Happy early birthday, Emily
The Taoiseach and those of us in Ireland are fully aware of that. Rather than concentrating on that phrase it might be worthwhile reading the Taoiseach's entire statement on the release of Emily who thankfully is now safe back home with her family after surviving an ordeal no child should have to go through.
As usual I sat through the Israeli news in Hebrew (their evening) since DH puts it on. You’ll be happy to know that a Foreign Ministry guy said what you just wrote and also pontificated on Christian theology! Hopefully most Israelis will read the full text of the speech.