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BIBI’S GAZA WAR GOALS ARE RIGHT, BUT HE’S THE WRONG LEADER FOR ISRAEL
Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu correctly advised his nation to brace itself for as long war, because the only real victory will be the end of Hamas, demilitarization of Gaza, and de-radicalization of Palestinian society.
Those are correct and worthy goals, indeed, necessary goals, but they will never happen so long as Bibi Netanyahu is the Prime Minister.
It’s not just because of his incompetence and his obsession with placating right wing settlers in the West Bank, necessary to hold together the right wing coalition that keeps him out of jail. (He’s on trial for bribery and corruption, with the court case to resume in early February. Should Israel be led in war by a man on trial for such offenses?)
It’s also because he, more than any other Israeli in history, is responsible for so much of the radicalization he now decries. His opposition to a two state solution and obstruction of movement in that direction, his own bigotry against Arabs, and the appointment of viscous racists in his cabinet, make it impossible for any present or future Palestinian leader, seeking genuine peace, to effectively negotiate with him.
He’s also an obstacle to relation with the US and EU. His extremist policies and his extremist coalition partners espouse values…
