And one more thing: anything that involves the UN, leaving UNIFIL intact, only opens Israel up to endless negotiations and potential condemnations at the world's premier antisemitic organization. Did once again all those soldiers die in vain? Are the displaced tens of thousands of Israelis going home? I doubt it, not as long as Israel is not in southern Lebanon. Let Lebanon sue for peace. Why have an American broker, especially one that does not know its ass from its elbow, refuses to back Israel to weaken and take out Iran, which is supplying weapons to Russia whom the Biden Administration is fighting in Ukraine? Who knows what Trump will do with Ukraine and Russia? Israel is turning out to be the strong horse in the region. Time to act like one. If this ceasefire is all that Israel could wring out from a dying US administration, I hate to think what it will do in Gaza, let alone Judea and Samaria. Am Yisrael Chai should be more than a slogan.
Thank you. A very well-reasoned article. Unfortunately, those who advocate a "ceasefire" trust yet another (how many have there been?) agreement concluded by those who have never achieved peace.
This agreement is a classic case of doing the same things over and over again and hoping for a different result.
You haven't mentioned geography yet. In some places, the Litani River runs 5 or 8 kilometers from the Israeli border. What everyone so seriously calls "South Lebanon" is an area smaller than many cities, very small in depth, and stretches along the entire border of Israel. For missiles with a range of 50, 80, 120, and 250 kilometers, this small strip cannot be a significant obstacle.
Does the agreement provide for improved relations between Israel and Lebanon? - No. Does the agreement provide for the prevention of Hezbollah's attempts to attack Israel? - No. Does the agreement provide for the prevention of Hezbollah's financing and assistance? - No. All this, including the obvious opposition to Israel from the UN, UNIFIL, many international organizations, the actions of the heads of leading states in accordance with the terrorists' plans, brings us back to 10/6/23. The only plus is that we know what to expect next time.
I can only scarcely follow the ins and outs of this situation; I'm sure that your grasp is much better than any I'll find here in the US.
In related news, the Pope has -for the umpteenth time- "walked back" his remarks, this time on the use of the word "genocide" with regard to Israeli operations. Look how shocked I am.
Thank you for writing this and saving me the trouble. Any agreement that requires sideline agreements is not good. Israel could have waited out the two months until Trump entered office. I do not think it was that short of ammunition. And that clause about negotiating the border which was already negotiated under Barak when Israel withdrew in 2000? And not submitting the deal to the Knesset? Hochstein, Lapid, Bennett all over again.
Its a possibility, but it is hard "breaking" a cease fire for no apparent reason. Hezbollah has shown over the years that they have patience. If we see them re-arming in the south it won't be easy to prove to people who don't want to see it. And with the Lebanese army already there, that makes it twice as hard.
If you were waiting for Trump - you wouldn't make a deal now. Unless you were Hezbollah.
And one more thing: anything that involves the UN, leaving UNIFIL intact, only opens Israel up to endless negotiations and potential condemnations at the world's premier antisemitic organization. Did once again all those soldiers die in vain? Are the displaced tens of thousands of Israelis going home? I doubt it, not as long as Israel is not in southern Lebanon. Let Lebanon sue for peace. Why have an American broker, especially one that does not know its ass from its elbow, refuses to back Israel to weaken and take out Iran, which is supplying weapons to Russia whom the Biden Administration is fighting in Ukraine? Who knows what Trump will do with Ukraine and Russia? Israel is turning out to be the strong horse in the region. Time to act like one. If this ceasefire is all that Israel could wring out from a dying US administration, I hate to think what it will do in Gaza, let alone Judea and Samaria. Am Yisrael Chai should be more than a slogan.
I forgot to mention UNIFIL's role in this agreement - I guess because even they don't expect to do anything positive.
It is time Israel acted like a winner instead of apologizing for winning and stopping short of victory - yet again. This will not solve any problems.
Thank you. A very well-reasoned article. Unfortunately, those who advocate a "ceasefire" trust yet another (how many have there been?) agreement concluded by those who have never achieved peace.
This agreement is a classic case of doing the same things over and over again and hoping for a different result.
You haven't mentioned geography yet. In some places, the Litani River runs 5 or 8 kilometers from the Israeli border. What everyone so seriously calls "South Lebanon" is an area smaller than many cities, very small in depth, and stretches along the entire border of Israel. For missiles with a range of 50, 80, 120, and 250 kilometers, this small strip cannot be a significant obstacle.
Does the agreement provide for improved relations between Israel and Lebanon? - No. Does the agreement provide for the prevention of Hezbollah's attempts to attack Israel? - No. Does the agreement provide for the prevention of Hezbollah's financing and assistance? - No. All this, including the obvious opposition to Israel from the UN, UNIFIL, many international organizations, the actions of the heads of leading states in accordance with the terrorists' plans, brings us back to 10/6/23. The only plus is that we know what to expect next time.
And yet, this is Dadi. Arnea’s vision of victory.
Did I understand correctly that you mean David Barnea?
yes. He is quoted as telling the Security Cabinet "This is what victory is"
I can only scarcely follow the ins and outs of this situation; I'm sure that your grasp is much better than any I'll find here in the US.
In related news, the Pope has -for the umpteenth time- "walked back" his remarks, this time on the use of the word "genocide" with regard to Israeli operations. Look how shocked I am.
Thank you for writing this and saving me the trouble. Any agreement that requires sideline agreements is not good. Israel could have waited out the two months until Trump entered office. I do not think it was that short of ammunition. And that clause about negotiating the border which was already negotiated under Barak when Israel withdrew in 2000? And not submitting the deal to the Knesset? Hochstein, Lapid, Bennett all over again.
Herzi Halevi needs to go and the enemies of Israel will never give up until the end of this world.
Great analysis, thank you Ira.
Don’t you think waiting for Trump is part of the deal?
Its a possibility, but it is hard "breaking" a cease fire for no apparent reason. Hezbollah has shown over the years that they have patience. If we see them re-arming in the south it won't be easy to prove to people who don't want to see it. And with the Lebanese army already there, that makes it twice as hard.
If you were waiting for Trump - you wouldn't make a deal now. Unless you were Hezbollah.