Israel has stated it does not plan to leave Lebanon even if the current ‘war’ ends. If the Gaza model is any guide, Israel appears to be moving toward expanding its border into Lebanon.
After 15 months of a fragile ceasefire, Lebanon woke up on March 2 to the familiar sounds of Israeli bombs. As the violence escalates and tens of thousands are displaced, Lebanon’s social divisions threaten to worsen an already dire situation.
As Trump’s administration struggles to find ways to implement its fatally flawed “20-Point Plan” for Gaza, it has taken the surprising step of trying to obtain the approval of the United Nations Security Council. Here’s why that’s unlikely to work.
In a speech to the Knesset, Donald Trump declared the war in Gaza over and tempted Israel with economic riches through regional normalization, while almost completely ignoring the Palestinians.
Israel has sent a message that its impunity extends even to attacks on states that have close relations with Washington. They need only cry “HAMAS” and any act is acceptable.
Netanyahu is facing increasing pressure from European states, including the threat of sanctions. The unanswered question is whether Trump will actually let Europe take action, or will he once again shield Israel from any accountability.
Benjamin Netanyahu is likely missing the days of Genocide Joe Biden, when he had more direct influence over U.S. policy. Still, Trump’s surprise deal with Yemen doesn’t mean he is abandoning Israel, in fact, he might be setting it loose.
Americans have always been ignorant of the deadly realities of their empire. Now that genocide is being live-streamed to their phones, they have no excuse. Still, many would rather mourn the death of ideals than those being killed in their name.
The first months of the Trump administration have been an assault on everything that those who work for justice hold dear. Yet, it is in times like these that our movements have brought down mighty systems, freed people, and changed history.
The Trump administration’s direct negotiations with Hamas have broken precedent and angered Israel. Envoy Adam Boehler defended them to CNN saying the U.S. is “not an agent of Israel,” but how much daylight exists between the allies?