Why Britain’s Labor Party Turned against Israel

Why does Ed Miliband have it in for Israel? Was organizing a purely symbolic vote in parliament that recognized a fictive Palestinian state designed to earn him “wild applause from the unions [and] smiles of approbation from the far Left”? Or is the answer to be found in his discomfort with his own Jewish identity? Whichever, writes Maureen Lipman, his actions show that he believes in “one law for the Israelis, another for the rest of the world”:

The world is exploding all around us. Islamic State is beheading our civilians while raping and pillaging across Syria and Iraq. Presidents Putin and Assad are playing such heavy-handed games that we don’t know which rebel group to support. Hong Kong may be about to see a replay of Tiananmen. Islamist terrorism in every spot of the globe—and if one Jew had been responsible for any of those bombings, there would be a repeat of Kristallnacht. At this point in our history, you choose to back these footling backbenchers in this ludicrous piece of propaganda?

Read more at Standpoint

More about: Anti-Semitism, Anti-Zionism, Ed Miliband, Palestinian statehood, United Kingdom

What’s Behind Hamas’s Threat to Stall the Release of Hostages, and How Israel Should Respond

Feb. 12 2025

Hamas declared yesterday that it won’t release more hostages “until further notice.” Given the timing and wording of the announcement—several days before the release was supposed to take place, and speaking of a delay rather than a halt—Ron Ben-Yishai concludes that it is a negotiating tactic, aimed at “creating a temporary crisis to gain leverage.” Therefore, writes Ben-Yishai, “Hamas may reverse its decision by Saturday.” He adds:

Israel cannot afford to concede to Hamas’s demands beyond what is already outlined in the agreement, as doing so would invite continuous extortion throughout the negotiation process, further delaying hostage releases.

The group sees the public outrage and growing calls for action following the release of hostages in severe medical condition as an opportunity to extract more concessions. These demands include not only a rapid start to negotiations on the next phase of the deal and an end to the war but also smaller, immediate benefits, particularly improved conditions for displaced Gazans.

Beyond these tactical objectives, Hamas has another goal—one that Israelis do not always recognize: inflicting psychological pain on the Israeli public. The group benefits from, and perhaps even draws strength from, the anguish and emotional distress in Israel, as well as the testimonies of freed hostages detailing the abuse they endured. Hamas wants these stories to be heard—not only to pressure the Israeli government but also because, in the eyes of its supporters, Israel’s suffering is its ultimate victory.

Read more at Ynet

More about: Gaza War 2023, Hamas, Israeli Security