0 registered members (),
59
guests, and 7
spiders. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Forums21
Topics43,501
Posts1,091,793
Members10,381
|
Most Online1,254 Mar 13th, 2025
|
|
|
Re: Israel: 'State of war'
[Re: Hollander]
#1122797
05/14/25 11:36 PM
05/14/25 11:36 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 31,477
Hollander
OP
|
OP

Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 31,477
|
It may be weird but it's legal according to US laws. If Trump Organization can help the mess in the region it is fine with me.
International • May 14, 5:56 PM • Modified on May 14, 5:56 PM [b]Concerns about Trump family's expanding interests in the Middle East [/b]Author : Fleur Nuijten The Trump family's business ties to the Middle East have more than tripled since the president's first term, according to a CNN tally. This growing financial entanglement has raised concerns among government ethicists, who say it is difficult to judge whether the American president is acting in the interests of the United States or for personal financial gain.
While Trump is on tour this week in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, his family’s business empire in the region is also growing steadily. In the Gulf States, ambitious plans are on the table for the construction of luxury skyscrapers, exclusive golf courses and cryptocurrency deals.
Saudi Arabia Typically, American presidents choose one of their closest allies as the first destination for an official trip. Trump does not. After taking office in 2017, he first traveled to Saudi Arabia, and now, during his second term, it is again the destination of his first official presidential trip. According to Ben Freeman, director of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Governance, this points to an “eye-for-an-eye relationship” in which the Saudi regime in particular is investing in Trump’s business interests. “There is a real risk that personal interests will outweigh the national interest,” Freeman said.
Own initiatives Despite concerns about conflicts of interest, Trump continues his business activities unabated. While in the political spotlight, he even promotes his own commercial initiatives. For example, shortly before the kickoff of his re-election campaign, he launched his own $TRUMP memecoin, which rose in value after the 'Crypto President' promised an exclusive dinner for the top 220 owners.
Read also Trump meme crypto owners spend huge sum on 'exclusive dinner' with president Recent Deals Although the Trump Organization promised in January that the US president would not make any new deals with foreign governments during his second term, a deal was recently announced for a Trump golf course in Qatar. This is backed by the sovereign wealth fund Qatari Diar. Trump also signed a major economic cooperation agreement with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman worth $600 billion.
Read also Trump Signs $600 Billion Mega Deal With Saudi Arabia The president also wrote in a Truth Social post Sunday that his administration would accept a replacement aircraft for Air Force One as a "gift" from the Qatari royal family. The plane is technically being donated to the Pentagon by Qatar's Defense Ministry. But when Trump's second term ends, the plane will go to the Presidential Library , a legacy collection of the president's legacy.
These actions by Trump and his company, critics say, indicate a willingness to profit personally from the presidency. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt denied the suggestion that the president had personal business meetings. "It is ridiculous to suggest that President Trump is doing something for his own benefit," Leavitt said, "this White House is held to the highest ethical standards."
"It's ridiculous to suggest that President Trump is doing anything for his own gain" Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary Luxury projects in the Gulf States While Trump is on tour this week in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, his family's business empire in the region continues to grow steadily. While Trump is on tour this week in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, his family's business empire in the region is also growing steadily. ( ANP / Associated Press ) Between Trump’s terms, Oman’s government tourism arm worked with the Trump Organization on plans for a luxury resort, including villas and a golf club. Dar Global, the real estate company developing the project, has since promoted new Trump projects in Riyadh and a golf club in Qatar. Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global, urged people to keep believing in the Trump brand in a recent speech.
Trump’s Middle Eastern projects, many of which have been announced but not yet realized, largely involve licensing agreements with foreign developers. These developers have partnered with the Trump Organization and paid for the right to use the “Trump” name in their projects.
Trump's approach While previous presidents have placed their businesses in so-called blind trusts to avoid the appearance of self-enrichment, Trump has chosen a different approach. His assets are in a fund managed by his children. According to Eric Trump, son of and vice president of the Trump Organization, the company will remain separate from the presidential office to avoid ethical conflicts. However, critics continue to warn of conflicts of interest as the Trump family's business empire in the Middle East expands rapidly.
"The king is dead, long live the king!"
|
|
|
Re: Israel: 'State of war'
[Re: Hollander]
#1122874
Yesterday at 02:11 AM
Yesterday at 02:11 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 688
Capri
Underboss
|
Underboss
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 688
|
The Jerusalem Post May 15, 2025 Senior Hamas officials claims direct talks  with U.S. despite denial  from American officials Three Israeli officials told the Post on Wednesday that "there are no indications from the talks in Qatar that Hamas's position is shifting in a way that would allow for a deal." Israeli media reported Thursday, citing an interview with Sky News in Arabic Despite denial from U.S. officials, senior Hamas official Bassem Naim confirmed that the terror organization is holding direct talks with the U.S. "We believe that President Trump is doing the hard work of reducing tensions in the region, which is what motivates us to continue communicating with the American administration, regardless of the team," Naim said. Naim also claimed that Hamas told the deal mediators and the U.S. that Hamas is ready to return all the hostages immediately if the terror group receives a promise that it will lead to an end to the war and the entry of aid into Gaza.
|
|
|
Re: Israel: 'State of war'
[Re: Hollander]
#1122875
Yesterday at 02:15 AM
Yesterday at 02:15 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 688
Capri
Underboss
|
Underboss
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 688
|
The Jerusalem Post May 15, 2025 On the Israeli side, there have been difficulties in renewed hostage negotiations in Doha, and no progress has been made, sources familiar with the details told The Jerusalem Post on Thursday. Additionally, the security cabinet will not convene until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Three Israeli officials told the Post on Wednesday that "there are no indications from the talks in Qatar that Hamas's position is shifting in a way that would allow for a deal. There is no reason for optimism." Israeli officials said it is possible that Hamas's leadership abroad is "stalling for time" until they learn the fate of Mohammad Sinwar, the Hamas leader in Gaza, whom Israel attempted to assassinate on Tuesday in Khan Younis. Only the Witkoff framework is viable  A senior Israeli official told the Post that Israel continues to make it clear in Doha that only the “Witkoff Framework” is a viable path to a deal, which includes 1. the release of 10 hostages, 2. a 40-50 day ceasefire, 3. the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, 4. and a return to fighting if no other deal is reached by the end of the ceasefire.
|
|
|
Re: Israel: 'State of war'
[Re: Hollander]
#1122876
Yesterday at 02:19 AM
Yesterday at 02:19 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 688
Capri
Underboss
|
Underboss
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 688
|
Haaretz May 16, 2025 Abbas seeks deal to bring Hamas into Palestinian political system Asharq Al-Awsat reported Thursday that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has asked the leadership of his Fatah movement pressure Hamas – directly or through countries wield influence it – to engage in direct dialogue with the Palestinian Authority. Abbas hopes to reach a comprehensive agreement through which Hamas would join the Palestinian political system, the report claimed. Speaking earlier, Basem Naim told Sky News in Arabic that Hamas is willing to relinquish control of Gaza unconditionally if the Palestinian factions can unite into a single national body. Sources reportedly told Asharq Al-Awsat that Abbas wants "to turn the page and move to a new stage, based on turning Hamas into a political party, through which it would transfer control of the Gaza Strip to the Palestinian Authority and obey its decisions, institutions and laws." 
|
|
|
Re: Israel: 'State of war'
[Re: Kangaroo Don]
#1122877
Yesterday at 02:23 AM
Yesterday at 02:23 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 688
Capri
Underboss
|
Underboss
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 688
|
The Guardian May 16, 2025 Why is Israel still in Eurovision? The answer is more complex than you might think The war in Gaza means the European Broadcasting Union is risking its liberal reputation, but to ban Israel would be to undermine the organisation’s fundamental purpose. As they get ready to watch this year’s final on Saturday, many Eurovision fans will be feeling conflicted. Some will not watch at all. The reason is the participation of Israel. Isn’t Eurovision supposed to be about “love, love, peace, peace” (as the 2016 contest’s Swedish hosts so memorably portrayed it)? If so, they may ask, what’s the besieger of Gaza doing there? The EBU steadfastly refused calls earlier this year to bar Israel from the 2024 competition in Malmo, Sweden, noting that the contest is between public broadcasters, not governments and that Israel remained fully eligible to participate
The EBU which runs the contest, has indicated that it will not accede to calls for Israel to be banned next year
|
|
|
Re: Israel: 'State of war'
[Re: Hollander]
#1122878
Yesterday at 02:27 AM
Yesterday at 02:27 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 688
Capri
Underboss
|
Underboss
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 688
|
The Times of Israel May 16, 2025 Yuval Raphael advances to Eurovision final  after performing ‘New Day Will Rise’ Israel’s Yuval Raphael advances to the grand final of the 2025 Eurovision following her performance in Thursday night’s semifinal. While those in the arena said a smattering of boos could be heard during her performance, only cheers  could be heard on the live TV broadcast. There were also only a small number of Palestinian flags visible in the audience, despite fears of a strong presence. Raphael, a survivor of the October 7 Nova festival massacre, will sing “New Day Will Rise” again during Saturday night’s grand final against 25 other acts. Unlike the semifinals, the results of the grand final will be based on a 50/50 mix of the televote and the jury vote — in which professional juries from all 37 participating countries pick their favorites. Small dueling pro-Israel and anti-Israel protests were held in Basel earlier this evening. A larger anti-Israel protest is slated for Saturday night.
|
|
|
Re: Israel: 'State of war'
[Re: Hollander]
#1122879
Yesterday at 02:33 AM
Yesterday at 02:33 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 688
Capri
Underboss
|
Underboss
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 688
|
The Guardian May 16, 2025 Trump has said that the U.S.’s air campaign against the Houthi rebels was “very successful  but maybe tomorrow, an attack will be made, in which case we go back on the offensive”. He made the comments on a visit to al-Udeid airbase in Doha, Qatar. Prior to that visit, the president attended a business forum in Qatar where he hailed what he said was a record $200billion deal for Boeing aircraft. A missile launched from Yemen, which triggered alarms in central Israel, was intercepted by the Israeli military as Trump meets with UAE president. IDF intercepts Houthi missile that triggered sirens from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv. The Houthis announced that the missile was intended to hit Ben-Gurion Airport. This is the fifth time  the Yemen-based terror group has fired a missile at Israel within the past week.
|
|
|
Re: Israel: 'State of war'
[Re: Hollander]
#1122880
Yesterday at 02:37 AM
Yesterday at 02:37 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 688
Capri
Underboss
|
Underboss
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 688
|
The Guardian May 16, 2025 Trump says U.S. should 'take' Gaza and turn it into 'freedom zone' President Donald Trump said on Thursday he wanted the United States to “take” Gaza and turn it into a “freedom zone”, as the Israel-Hamas war rages on in the Palestinian territory, reports Agence France-Presse (AFP). “I have concepts for Gaza that I think are very good, make it a freedom zone, let the United States get involved and make it just a freedom zone,” the U.S. leader said in Qatar, adding: 1. I’d be proud to have the United States have it, take it, make it a freedom zone. 2. Let some good things happen. Put people in homes where they can be safe.” Trump said “the Gaza problem has never been solved. “Hamas is going to have to be dealt with,” he said “Remember, October 7 was one of the worst days in the history of the world, I think, not just, not just local to this region, it was one of the worst, most atrocious attacks anyone’s ever seen.” 
|
|
|
Re: Israel: 'State of war'
[Re: Hollander]
#1122881
Yesterday at 02:42 AM
Yesterday at 02:42 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 688
Capri
Underboss
|
Underboss
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 688
|
Haaretz May 16, 2025 Cracks in Trump-Netanyahu Ties  Gaza, Syria, Iran: Israel Leaves Itself Out in the Cold as Trump Redefines the Middle East. Trump's Meeting With Syria's New Leader Proves It: Israel Has Lost Clout With U.S. The thirty-three minutes President Trump spent with Syria's Ahmad al-Sharaa and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, with Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan joining via video, depicted the outline of the new axis taking shape under the American president's aegis. In the months following the collapse of former Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime, Ahmad al-Sharaa sought to establish closer ties with Israel  Via messages he sent to intermediaries, he signaled Israel that his intentions were for a "cold peace" and strict adherence to the 1974 disengagement agreement. Israeli and Syrian officials have been meeting for Qatar-mediated talks over the last few months.
|
|
|
Re: Israel: 'State of war'
[Re: Capri]
#1122962
Yesterday at 08:41 PM
Yesterday at 08:41 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,637
Trojan
Underboss
|
Underboss
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,637
|
Trump has said that the U.S.’s air campaign against the Houthi rebels was “very successful  but maybe tomorrow, an attack will be made, in which case we go back on the offensive”. From: The Times of Israel May 13, 2025 How a floundering US campaign against the Houthis reportedly led Trump to a truce: US president wanted results within 30 days, but after $1 billion spent, several drones and two fighter jets lost, Yemeni rebels were still firing back The New York Times reports. US President Donald Trump’s sudden announcement of a truce with Yemen’s Houthi rebels after two months of an intense bombing campaign came because the military operation was struggling and showed no sign of reaching an imminent conclusion The New York Times reported Monday, citing US officials. According to the report, though US airstrikes caused some damage, the Houthis had moved significant assets to underground bunkers, limiting the offensive’s effects, and were still firing back at US Navy ships when Trump declared the ceasefire. It quoted three US officials as saying that General Michael E. Kurilla, the head of Central Command, had proposed a campaign of eight to 10 months in which strikes would take out Houthi air defense systems, after which the US would use targeted assassinations — modeled on Israel’s campaign against the Hezbollah terror group in Lebanon. While the Saudis backed the plan and provided a list of a dozen top Houthi officials for assassination, the United Arab Emirates was more wary, the report said. At 31 days and a $1 billion bill, the president asked for a progress report, administration officials said. But it showed that the US was heading into an expensive, indefinite military campaign. Voices in the intelligence community noted that though there was “some degradation” of the Houthis’ abilities, the group could easily regain them, the report said, citing unnamed officials.
|
|
|
Re: Israel: 'State of war'
[Re: Hollander]
#1122963
Yesterday at 08:45 PM
Yesterday at 08:45 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,637
Trojan
Underboss
|
Underboss
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,637
|
The Houthis had shot down several multi-million dollar US drones and were still firing at naval ships, among them an aircraft carrier. Some Pentagon planners were concerned that the number of precision munitions used was depleting stockpiles that might be needed elsewhere.
US officials said that aside from the seven MQ-9 drones the Houthis shot down — each with a $30 million price tag — the Yemeni group nearly hit several F-16 jets and an F-35 stealth fighter, raising the specter of US casualties.
On April 28 the USS Truman aircraft carrier was forced to make a sharp turn to avoid Houthi fire, several officials said, a move that caused, in part, a fighter jet to fall overboard. Over the next week, a Houthi missile hit Ben Gurion airport in Israel, and another F-18 jet fell overboard from the aircraft carrier.
A US official said that in late April, a video call between US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Saudi and Emirati officials did not produce agreement on how to move forward.
American and Arab officials said that Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, brought up an Omani suggestion that the US stop the bombing, and the Houthis would agree to halt firing at US ships in the Red Sea as an offramp.
Ah that's great -- that's beautiful -- some deal Trump made...
The deal would not include an agreement to stop firing at other shipping that the Houthis see as tied to Israel, a campaign, along with the direct attacks on Israel, that the Iran-backed group launched in support of Gaza amid the ongoing war there.
By May 5 Trump was ready to end the campaign, according to over a dozen current and former officials with knowledge of talks in the president’s national security circle. His announcement of a truce with the Houthis came two days later.
Houthis and their supporters spread the news on social media with the hashtag, “Yemen defeats America.”
|
|
|
Re: Israel: 'State of war'
[Re: Hollander]
#1122966
Yesterday at 08:50 PM
Yesterday at 08:50 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,637
Trojan
Underboss
|
Underboss
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,637
|
A White House spokeswoman said in a statement to The New York Times that “President Trump successfully delivered a cease-fire, which is another good deal for America and our security.”
According to the The New York Times the developments indicated that some in the US national security team underestimated the tenacity of the Houthis and overestimated Trump’s willingness to engage in a military conflict in the Middle East. It noted that during his first term, Trump had worked to bring US troops home from Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
In addition, General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as his predecessors, had worried that fighting the Houthis would draw resources from the Asia-Pacific region. Trump’s sudden halt to the campaign had surprised Israel, which was still carrying out its own strikes against the Houthis.
The Houthis — whose slogan calls for “Death to America, Death to Israel, [and] a Curse on the Jews” — first began attacking Israel and maritime traffic in November 2023, a month after the October 7 Hamas massacre.
The Houthis held their fire when a ceasefire was reached between Israel and Hamas in January 2025. By that point, they had fired over 40 ballistic missiles and dozens of attack drones and cruise missiles at Israel, including one that killed a civilian and wounded several others in Tel Aviv in July, prompting Israel’s first strike in Yemen.
Since March 18, when the IDF resumed its offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Houthis have launched some 29 ballistic missiles and at least 10 drones at Israel. The sirens warning of missile attacks have sent hundreds of thousands of Israelis rushing to shelters at all hours of the day and night.
On May 4 two days before Trump announced his truce with the Yemeni terror group, a Houthi ballistic missile beat Israel’s defenses and impacted inside the grounds of Ben Gurion Airport, causing damage and minor injuries, and prompting most foreign airlines to institute an ongoing suspension of Israel flights.
|
|
|
Re: Israel: 'State of war'
[Re: Hollander]
#1122971
Yesterday at 08:58 PM
Yesterday at 08:58 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,637
Trojan
Underboss
|
Underboss
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,637
|
In an attempt to get around the terror group, Israeli officials were closely involved in the establishment of a new organization called the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) advancing a new initiative where aid will only be distributed from a small number of sites in southern Gaza that are secured by American contractors.
Only pre-approved representatives will be allowed to pick up food once every other week from the distribution sites before carrying the boxes to a separate part of a newly established humanitarian zone surrounding the flattened city of Rafah.
“I’ve heard criticisms of that plan. We’re open to an alternative if someone has a better one,” Rubio said, in what did not appear to be a strong endorsement of GHF, which a day earlier issued its inaugural statement.
“We are for all the aid we can get… without Hamas being able to steal it from people,” Rubio added, asserting that the conflict in Gaza would end if Hamas surrendered. “We’re not immune or in any way insensitive to the suffering of the people of Gaza,” the secretary insisted.
“There’s a plan out there that’s been offered — that’s been criticized by some — but it allows people to get aid without Hamas stealing it. And we’ll continue to work toward that in ways that we think are constructive and productive,” he added.
Trump officials haven’t just provided rhetorical backing to GHF they have met in recent days with representatives from UN agencies and other international aid organizations, pressuring them to cooperate with the initiative and, in at least one case, threatening to cut funding from groups that refuse.
On Wednesday, GHF announced that it would begin operating in the enclave by the end of May and that Israel would lift its over two-month blockade in the interim. The GHF statement also did not address who would fund the initiative.
|
|
|
Re: Israel: 'State of war'
[Re: Trojan]
#1122976
Yesterday at 09:27 PM
Yesterday at 09:27 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 31,477
Hollander
OP
|
OP

Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 31,477
|
True but what can Wilders do though in practical terms?
Trump the businessman the pragmatist “might makes right” worldview
The Elephant in the room Trump's first and second final term The difference — Israel was not at war then Trump’s Middle East trip goes big on deals and diplomacy, but small on human rights. Deals worth 1.4 trillion $1,400 billion — Israel doesn’t contribute to the bank account”
He was in the region Why the pointed snub — unnecessary and unbecoming of What a 'friend' Israel has / had in Trump: Day 588
perhaps that was the message — sidelining Israel and keeping them in the dark too Trump only cares about the dollar doctrine he is a businessman, but I also believe he want peace instead of war. Democracy only hold him back in his plans.
Last edited by Hollander; Yesterday at 09:28 PM.
"The king is dead, long live the king!"
|
|
|
Re: Israel: 'State of war'
[Re: Hollander]
#1122981
5 hours ago
5 hours ago
|
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 688
Capri
Underboss
|
Underboss
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 688
|
Trump only cares about the dollar doctrine he is a businessman, but I also believe he want peace instead of war. Democracy only hold him back in his plans. The Jerusalem Post May 12, 2025 In his second term, Trump has tightened his embrace of Prince Mohammed and other wealthy Gulf leaders, seeking big investments in the U.S. while Trump’s elder sons are developing major real estate projects in the region. Money talks! Let's also not forget that... Reuters: Saudi Arabia invested $2 billion in a firm formed by Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law The Trump family has done very well. They own, or, they control... Trump, what the hell is goin' on anyway? Sidelining Israel in a series of White House moves against Israel not in their best interests and keeping them totally in the dark 1. Priorities $$$ doctrine 2. peace by throwing Israel under terror bus  3. Trump’s acceding to Saudi demand, to unlink Israel from any deals 4. normalization with Israel no longer conditional 5. heightened tariffs against Israel 6. Direct talks with terrorists Hamas 7. U.S.-terrorists Houthis ceasefire Ah that's great -- that's beautiful -- some deal Trump made... capitulated 8. ceasefire did not include Houthi attacks against Israel 9. nuclear diplomacy with Iran 10. "drinking tea" with Iran's Axis of Evil terror proxies 11. BFF with anti-Israel NATO member autocratic Turkish president 12. Trump says he did not consult Israel before restoring ties with Syria  Why publicize? 13. Trump’s meeting with Sharaa, first between a U.S. and Syrian leader, in a quarter century 14. Trump conglomerate and America First — Israel who Trump is still reportedly smarting and livid at Netanyahu's decision to congratulate the incoming U.S. president Biden despite Trump still contesting the heated election vote.
|
|
|
Re: Israel: 'State of war'
[Re: Hollander]
#1122982
5 hours ago
5 hours ago
|
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 688
Capri
Underboss
|
Underboss
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 688
|
The Jerusalem Post May 12, 2025 Trump’s extensive business empire has always been a breeding ground for potential conflicts of interest While some of the allegations remain unconfirmed, they fit a disturbing pattern of behavior we’ve seen from Trump, who has often blurred the lines between personal profit and diplomatic duty. Remember the controversy surrounding the Trump International Hotel in Washington, DC? Foreign dignitaries and lobbyists flocked to the hotel, spending lavishly in what many saw as an attempt to curry favor with the administration. As reported by The Washington Post “The Trump International Hotel quickly became a Republican power center and a symbol of the ethical morass of the Trump administration.” Many observers believe that Trump’s policies and vision are increasingly erratic and transactionally based.
|
|
|
Re: Israel: 'State of war'
[Re: Hollander]
#1122983
5 hours ago
5 hours ago
|
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 688
Capri
Underboss
|
Underboss
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 688
|
The Jerusalem Post May 12, 2025 Has Israel been sidelined by the U.S.? again A Wall Street Journal report indicates that the Trump administration has disassociated itself from Israel in hostage negotiations and Iran talks. Essentially Israel has been sidelined by the United States.  The Trump administration must know that regional peace cannot emerge from indecision or half-measures. It will come only through 1. sustained pressure, 2. interoperable joint force operations, 3. and a coherent strategy to degrade — and ultimately dismantle — the Iranian-Houthi threat network. Absent a synchronized, multi-domain campaign plan, the U.S. risks ceding the initiative to Tehran’s benefit and at the expense of long-term regional security. The reported deal with the Houthis is a strategic gift to Iran.  Framed as de-escalation the move instead 1. signals a decline in strategic resolve, 2. emboldens Iran and its regional proxies, 3. and introduces a damaging fissure in the U.S.-Israel defense architecture. Israel must consider if it can rely on Trump whose choices seem driven by personal gain. The Israeli public has every right to wonder whether Trump’s commitments to its nation are contingent on his personal financial interests and promises that he has been known to break. Can Israel truly rely on a leader whose decisions appear to be driven by personal gain? This is a question that deserves serious consideration.
|
|
|
Re: Israel: 'State of war'
[Re: Hollander]
#1122984
5 hours ago
5 hours ago
|
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 688
Capri
Underboss
|
Underboss
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 688
|
Newsweek May 16, 2025 What Cracks in Trump-Netanyahu Ties Could Mean for U.S. Support of Israel  And from early on in his third quest to obtain the presidency, Trump made clear that he sought a new legacy-making accomplishment in the Middle East for his second nonconsecutive term: Peace. Trump having criticized Netanyahu for failing to intercept the Hamas-led attack that sparked the war in Gaza in October 2023  spot on Day 589 No denying that the polarizing Netanyahu "has led Israel to the terrible place they are now in” -- Global pariah on the world stage Israel of the old when Israeli leaders would never have let, - their kibbutzim be overrun by terrorists
- terrorists taking Israeli hostages
- soldiers carted off to captivity
repeatedly called on the Israeli premier to put an end to the conflict before he entered office. Daniel Shapiro, currently a fellow at the Atlantic Council's Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative, argued that it would be a "big mistake" for Trump to keep Israel in the dark on major decisions — and vice versa — as "there should be a mutual policy of no surprises." Netanyahu the longest — but not  serving Israel — premier is in a Tough Spot. Any major break in the U.S.-Israel relationship, however unlikely, would come at a difficult time for him and the situation presents a formidable set of challenges. if history has taught us anything  - Israel's very existence always required "consent and coordination" with Washington
Israel's very existence depends on US if not for America, Israel would not exist No doubt Israel would have been wiped off the map
|
|
|
Re: Israel: 'State of war'
[Re: Hollander]
#1122985
5 hours ago
5 hours ago
|
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 688
Capri
Underboss
|
Underboss
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 688
|
Newsweek May 16, 2025 Shira Efron, director of research at the Israel Policy Forum and a special adviser to the Israeli Defense Ministry, felt it would be "hard to find" a path toward a grand bargain that would include Israeli-Palestinian peace and Israeli-Saudi normalization. With "the zone of possible cooperation" narrow, she argued that the alternative to watch for would be "the zone of possible coercion." "Will Trump be interested in forcing Israel's hand to accept a full ceasefire? I am not sure," Efron said. "Can Netanyahu choose the latter course — yes, but then he loses his coalition, which he is unwilling to risk for now." "Clearly, Trump's unique style, unexpected behavior, his approval ratings in Israel, and after the precedent of the Zelensky 'treatment,' Netanyahu has far less tools to protest the Trump administration's actions that concern Israel," she added. Still, Efron noted that support for Israel remains a major component of U.S. foreign policy, and a belief deeply held by a number of influential figures, including those within Trump's administration. As such, she was skeptical that Trump would go too far in alienating Netanyahu as he counted on drumming up domestic support  He acts like he doesn't need domestic support -- One man executive power  for potential deals with Iran and Saudi Arabia, both of which remain controversial among his support base. "Rather than a real rift here — although time will tell — I think we have clocks that are not synchronized, with Trump being impatient and wanting to cut deals quickly and Netanyahu, in his usual playbook, playing for time," Efron said. "The president, seeing his America First interests, is not going to wait for Netanyahu." Thus far, she said, Trump's actions indicate "that the president really puts America first." — Israel who 
|
|
|
|