In this week’s Beyond The Headlines, host Nada AlTaher talks to Israeli political analyst Gershon Baskin and Kobi Michael, about the Israeli incursion into Rafah and the prospects of a ceasefire.

Published in Podcasts, May 07, 2024

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Prof. Kobi Michael breaks down the iminent Rafah operation amid reports of a breakdown in hostage negotations

Fleur Hassan-Nahoum: We are doing everything we can in order to avoid any civilian casualties. 500 thousand tons of humanitarian aid has gone in to Gaza in the last few months which is more than they had even before the war so the issues are in the distribution because Hamas are taking the aid when Israel is actually facilitating it.

The interview took place in Sky News, May 6, 2024.

David M. Weinberg: It’s clear that Israel has delayed acting against Al Jazeera until now because of the role that Qatar was playing in the attempts to cut a hostage deal with Hamas. Given the fact that the Qatari efforts seem to have failed, there is no longer any good reason to delay acting against Al Jazeera.

The interview was published in The Medialine, May 6, 2024.

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As Israel enters the ground invasion phase of its war with Gaza, public perception of Israel has fallen in the eyes of many, especially younger people who don’t have all the facts. In addition, international bodies like the United Nations and European Union have skewed pro-Arab to the detriment of Israeli lives. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Ruth Wasserman Lande, a former Israeli Knesset member, to discuss the hypocrisy of protesters supporting those whose values diametrically oppose they’re own, how Israel values Palestinian lives more than their own government, and Iran’s involvement in the attacks.

Published in Jewsih National Fund Usa, May 03, 2024.

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What make people protest for terrorists and against the Jews?
Lahav Harkov, Misgav Senior Fellow explains.

prof. Kobi Michael: If the Americans give the Qataris the authority to operate the pier, that means it will really be Hamas who operates the pier via a local company.

Published in Fox News, May 01, 2024

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Prof. Kobi Michael: It is well understood that a ground operation in Rafah will most certainly hurt the ongoing negotiations for the release of hostages, which is perceived as a priority for a vast majority of the Israeli public.

Published in The Medialine, April 30, 2024

Prof. Kobi Michael: Unfortunately, I am skeptical about the possibility of a breakthrough in negotiations with Hamas regarding the hostages. In my opinion, Hamas leadership in the Gaza Strip lacks significant incentive for substantial concessions. They feel that time is working in their favor, not only time but also the United States and the international community, exerting pressure on Israel and criticizing its actions. In my view, only a combination of three efforts: military effort, American pressure on Qatar to exert significant pressure on Hamas, and the establishment of an immediate alternative to Hamas in the northern Gaza Strip, could increase the likelihood of a breakthrough in negotiations. It’s important to understand that even in the event of a deal, Hamas will not release all the hostages, as they serve as the ultimate insurance policy for them to ensure their survival in Gaza. Their survival is their ultimate victory in their eyes.

The interview took place on the BBC News, 27.4.2024. 

https://youtu.be/06hNbn47WA8

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid has urged the Biden administration to act as pro-Palestinian demonstrations spread to more American university campuses.

Some of the protests have included calls for violence and harassment of Jewish students. On many of the campuses, protesters have set up unauthorized encampments of tents to press their demands, most notably at Columbia University in New York City.

The White House said Tuesday that it was monitoring the situation at college campuses closely, saying people have the right to publicly protest but not physical intimidation or calls for violence, citing some “alarming rhetoric.”

KAN’s Mark Weiss spoke with Lahav Harkov on Kan English radio.

24.4.2024.