Cycle on

Good morning and happy May Day Eve...comrades. We had a hot day yesterday here in New Jersey, but a wonderfully pleasant evening outside with dear neighbors. Dance taxi-duty proceeded as normal. We got in a morning cardio session at the gym, making for back-to-back gym days. We feel based. 

We're in an interesting personal news cycle where we see something about Israel, think it's the worst thing ever and are overcome with fear and trepidation. Then we absorb the new information and calm the fuck down. For example, an interesting analyses from The Jerusalem Post explains why Hamas thinks its winning. 

Let's see where things stand this morning. 

The White House said the International Criminal Court has no jurisdiction in Gaza. Congress has threatened retaliation if the ICC issues arrest warrants against Israeli officials. The International Court of Justice had rejected Nicaragua's claim against Germany for selling weapons to Israel. 

A new poll says Americans back Israel over Hamas (80 percent), and 72 percent want the IDF to finish the job in Rafah.  One can argue that American public opinion is not important. One is wrong. This is a strong corrective and partial reaction to the anti-Jewish pogroms on campus. The regime follows public opinion.

At Columbia, Hamas has occupied Hamilton Hall. NJ.com reports that Princeton has arrested 13 Hamas protesters. Sadly, a Hamas encampment has sprung up at Rutgers. Columbia, you deserve this and we're glad it's happening to you. 

Israeli 'negotiations' with Hamas continue. Yesterday the IDF destroyed a couple of tunnels in northern Gaza. The IAF continues to hit Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. In a meeting today with bereaved families threatening to go on a hunger strike, Netanyahu insisted Israel will conquer Rafah no matter what.

A note on Rafah. Rafah has become the ark, the holy grail, the white whale. In short, Rafah is a thing. One is reminded of Fallujah, 20 years on now, remarkable. Israel can conquer Rafah whenever it chooses. The above linked JPost article argues that Hamas has shifted to guerilla warfare tactics, one of the reasons the IDF is largely out of Gaza. Does guerilla war come next?