At the same time, domestic and global criticism of the war is growing — especially since the government chose in March not to move ahead with the second and third phases of the January deal it had unanimously endorsed, which was intended to secure the release of all hostages and end the war, and instead resumed the military campaign.
Growing, too, is US presidential impatience, in part reflecting deepening dismay from within Republican ranks, and Trump has vast weapon-supply and diplomatic leverage to exert over Netanyahu should he so choose.
Hamas’s monstrous slaughter is barely remembered even among those parts of the global political leadership and public that ever cared. Fifty-four hostages have been held for 614 days, and of the male soldiers abducted alive on October 7, 2023 only Edan Alexander has returned.
1. The prime minister is dependent on the “war must not end” far-right 2. and, his particular preoccupation this Wednesday, on the “we’d rather die than serve in the IDF” Haredi leadership.
What exactly is the Israeli government, and by extension the IDF, seeking to achieve in Gaza? Not such an absurd question, after all.
