A long and interesting piece from David Horovitz at The Times of Israel on the campaign and Netanyahu. We'll list Horovitz's headlines:
-It’s Netanyahu’s campaign; they just react to it
-Spurned chances, rebuffed alliances
-Which would-be PM has galvanized voters?
Benny Gantz and the Blue and Whites lack enthusiasm and a vision. This blog has said one day it would support the Blue and Whites, but not this day. When one votes for the Blue and Whites one gets....what? Secular marriage? mixed-sex prayers at the Wall? Haredi military service?
Now think of all the people and institutions one gets to stick it to by voting for Bibi: The Palestinians, the UN, the Democrats, CNN Obama*, Hillary! Bill, the BBC, Shimon Perez**, Meretz, the New York Times...
We know how'd we vote.
*Who is less popular than Hassan Nasrallah.
**Quisling, also Vichy.
Hamas has been acting up of late, firing rockets at Israel, fomenting riots on the border. Debka reports that Bibi has had enough.
DEBKAfile Exclusive: Israel stands ready for a major war against the Palestinian terrorist organizations of the Gaza Strip. PM/Defense Minister Binyamin Netanyahu relayed this warning to Hamas via the Egyptian intelligence delegation which arrived in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, Sept. Sept. 8 and went into conference with Hamas leader Yahye Sinwar. The message warned Hamas that the escalating attacks on Israel and threats of violence of late had prompted a decision in Jerusalem to opt for a general war as the only way to put a stop to the terror harassment ongoing year after year. This message was Israel’s last warning and final notice to Hamas.
This blog remains skeptical that a general war with Hamas can accomplish anything other than creating and bouncing rubble.
Meanwhile the Times of Israel reports that the IDF is on maneuvers:
The Israel Defense Forces on Sunday launched a large-scale exercise simulating war against Hezbollah and other pro-Iranian forces in the north of the country. The drill, known in Hebrew as Even HaRosha, or Keystone, will largely be focused on the performance of senior officers and their staffs, rather than on fighting tactics and maneuvers, the army said.
We question the timing.
As noted previously, we now believe the Israelis have utterly compromised Hezbollah and are capabale of delivering a near knockout blow within a week.
Bibi looks tough on the eve of the election, no?
