PNW STAFF
As the world's attention wavers and many political leaders shift focus, Israel stands on the brink of a new and decisive military campaign in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged not just another strike, but a complete retaking of Gaza, the dismantling of Hamas, the liberation of remaining hostages, and eventually -- the transfer of power to a yet-to-be-named Arab governing force. It is a bold and necessary move. But it will come at a high price -- not just militarily, but diplomatically, culturally, and spiritually.
This new offensive, expected to launch imminently, is likely to be the most intense and controversial phase of the conflict since October 7th. And the world is not on Israel's side.
Let's begin with the obvious: no nation on earth would tolerate what Israel has endured. Over 1,200 civilians slaughtered in a single day, hostages still held in tunnels beneath Gaza, and thousands of rockets continuing to target Israeli communities. Any government with a shred of responsibility would act with strength and finality.
Netanyahu's strategy -- to oust Hamas completely -- is not revenge. It is security. It is a moral obligation to the Jewish people, and to every nation that values life over terrorism. His goal to install an Arab governing force post-conflict offers an intriguing vision of regional collaboration, perhaps paving the way for a more stable, cooperative Middle East.
But between here and there lies a minefield -- not just in Gaza's shattered neighborhoods, but in the court of global opinion.
The World's Double Standard
Despite the horror of Hamas' October 7th massacre, much of the global community has already turned against Israel. Western media outlets have reverted to their long-standing bias: amplifying Palestinian suffering while downplaying -- or outright ignoring -- the root cause of the war -- Hamas' terrorism, human shields, and decades of bloodshed.
This isn't just media malpractice -- it's a spiritual battle over truth.
When Israel defends itself, it is branded an oppressor. When Hamas uses hospitals, schools, and mosques to store weapons or hide hostages, it's called "resistance." The result? International sympathy for terrorists and condemnation for the victims.
In September, several nations plan to push for formal recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations -- not after Hamas is destroyed, but while it still exists. This would reward terrorism and ignore the realities on the ground. Yet it is likely to gain traction as Israel pushes forward with its military goals.
As students return to campus in the coming weeks, expect the noise to grow louder. University protests -- often driven by ignorance and emboldened by Marxist ideologies -- will rage against Israel with renewed force. What we saw in Sydney this week is just a preview. That protest, filled with anti-Israel rhetoric and devoid of any condemnation of Hamas, happened in Australia -- one of Israel's traditional allies. If even democratic partners are turning cold, Israel's international isolation will deepen.
The long-term implications are severe: economic pressure, diplomatic sanctions, and possibly legal action from international courts. Israel may be winning battles on the ground but losing hearts and minds across the globe.
Even if Israel succeeds militarily, a critical question remains: who will govern Gaza once Hamas is gone?
Netanyahu's vision of an "Arab force" is vague but not unprecedented. Egypt, Jordan, or a coalition of Gulf states might be candidates, possibly under the banner of a regional peace framework. But trust is fragile. Would these nations accept such a role? Would Gazans accept them? Would Iran and Qatar sabotage the process?
And would the West support such a transfer of power -- or undermine it in the name of "Palestinian self-determination"?
The best-case scenario is this: a neutral Arab coalition helps stabilize Gaza, opens the door to humanitarian rebuilding, and lays groundwork for broader peace -- including eventual normalization with Saudi Arabia. But that's a narrow path, and the world will not make it easy.
2 comments:
There's still that lingering hope for a two-state solution even in the mind of POTUS.
Trumps only concern is winning and not looking bad, what ever the outcome. However, those around him have other ideas as to an acceptable outcome. He trends to go recently with the strongest hand. Or with those that are a dominant influence on his decisions.
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