Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed criticism of Western countries moving to recognize a Palestinian state, warning that Israel might respond by annexing the West Bank. He stated that such actions are predictable, and the US had already communicated this to these nations. Rubio further argued that this move would likely complicate the ceasefire efforts in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel’s leaders have condemned the push for recognition, with some, like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, calling for annexation, which the UAE warns could undermine normalization agreements.
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Majority of Americans disapprove of US-Israel military alliance, new poll shows. It’s a striking headline, and one that seems to be echoing a growing sentiment across the country. The numbers don’t lie – a significant portion of the American population is questioning the long-standing military and financial support the United States provides to Israel.
This disapproval isn’t coming out of nowhere. We’re seeing a clear divide, with many expressing concerns about the current situation. A significant portion of Democrats and Independents, for instance, are against increasing military aid to Israel. That’s a strong signal, especially when you consider the implications for future elections.… Continue reading
A former senior US official revealed that the Biden administration considered publicly criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu for hindering ceasefire and hostage release negotiations with Hamas but refrained due to concerns it would harden Hamas’s stance. The US believed Netanyahu was intransigent on multiple occasions, even adding conditions and delaying agreements. Delays occurred, such as when Netanyahu insisted on maintaining troops in the Philadelphi Corridor, adding further complications to the negotiations. The official concluded that the US prioritized a hostage deal more than Israel.
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US awareness of the reported death of an American after a beating by Israeli settlers is now a stark reality, and it’s a situation that demands careful consideration. The initial reports, which seem to be accurate, depict a brutal event: an American citizen, allegedly beaten to death by Israeli settlers. The details are horrific, and the fact that an American life has been taken in this manner is undeniably serious. It’s a situation the US State Department has acknowledged, though their response, so far, has been measured.
The initial reaction from the State Department, as described, is one of acknowledging the reports and respecting the privacy of the victim’s family.… Continue reading
A new bipartisan bill has been proposed in the US Congress that would grant the president the authority to provide Israel with advanced military assets, including B-2 bombers and bunker-buster bombs. This move aims to bolster Israel’s defensive capabilities in the face of potential threats from Iran, particularly concerning its nuclear program. The bill empowers the president to act decisively in the event of Iranian aggression or nuclear weapon development. If passed, this legislation could significantly alter the balance of power in the region and further cement the US-Israel alliance.
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Following a US military strike on three Iranian nuclear sites, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded President Trump’s “bold decision,” praising the action as a historic pivot toward Middle Eastern peace and prosperity. Netanyahu confirmed prior coordination with the US, fulfilling a promise to destroy Iran’s nuclear program. The attacks, which followed days of escalating tensions and prior Israeli strikes, prompted Israel to raise its national alert level to essential activities only. Despite the celebrations, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the dangerous escalation and urged a diplomatic solution.
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Following a tense phone call, Israeli officials informed the Trump administration that they would not wait two weeks for a U.S. decision regarding potential involvement in a strike against Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility. Israel believes a swift action is necessary to exploit a limited window of opportunity to target the site, considered crucial to Iran’s nuclear program. While the U.S. possesses the necessary bunker-busting weaponry, internal divisions within the administration, including Vice President Vance’s reservations, complicate the situation. Consequently, Israel’s independent military action against Fordow appears increasingly likely.
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Despite Israeli claims, US intelligence suggests Iran is still up to three years from producing a deliverable nuclear weapon, though possessing the necessary components. Recent Israeli airstrikes, while causing significant damage to Natanz, had a limited impact, leaving the heavily fortified Fordow facility untouched. The US possesses the military capabilities to neutralize Fordow, a task beyond Israel’s current reach, creating a complex dilemma for the Trump administration regarding potential US involvement. Differing intelligence assessments between the US and Israel highlight ongoing tensions and the risk of Iran accelerating its nuclear program in response to the attacks.
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Israel’s recent attacks on Iran, conducted despite direct opposition from US President Trump, represent a significant breach of trust between allies. This action undermines ongoing US-Iran negotiations and directly contradicts Trump’s campaign promises of restoring American respect on the world stage. The incident is not isolated; Trump’s foreign policy initiatives have consistently failed to deliver promised results, leaving him diplomatically isolated and humiliated. His approach, characterized by a focus on image over substance, has resulted in a weakened US global standing.
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The US isn’t required to get permission from Israel to negotiate deals with the Houthis, and that’s a fundamental point to grasp. This isn’t about adhering to some strict protocol; it’s about the inherent sovereignty of nations to conduct their own foreign policy.
This situation highlights a larger pattern of unilateral action in US foreign policy. Similar actions have been observed in past dealings, such as the agreement with the Taliban, bypassing the Afghan government entirely. The approach seems consistent with a broader philosophy of prioritizing US interests, even if that means alienating allies.
However, while the US might not need explicit Israeli permission, the lack of consultation with such a close ally is certainly problematic.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood