Responding to Critics, Detractors, Haters and Various Others: Week IV (June 28)
Some of my past posts this past week
OVERVIEW
Over the past year, I’ve been devoting a perhaps- inordinate amount of my time to posting and responding on X (Washington Views) to “Critics,” “Detractors” and “Haters.” It’s definitely been a little “liberating” compared to my more-behind the scenes days of my almost-40 years at AIPAC. It’s also a somewhat-sobering experience as one receives more direct abuse. Needless to say: While some to try to make something of my former AIPAC connection - which I post at the top of my X account and here - all views posted by me, reflect my views - without any AIPAC input! (And some of my posts - perhaps a number of them - with a focus which might well be a little different to how AIPAC directs its social media messaging.)
I’m actually not at all certain that my engaging in this way, primarily on X is actually the most efficacious use of my time. It’s perhaps a little-like “Howling at the Moon” or attempting King Canute-like to stop the waves! Does anyone actually change their views based on what they read? But that’s a different matter to be considered at a different time. I think there’s a need for such activism especially given my-rather deep knowledge of both the issues and the backgrounds of various people posting. I try, mostly with some-success to avoid engaging in ad-hominems! And there are certain things, I think need “Clarifying.” It would be more enticing for me to do if my readership was exponentially larger! Of course I have been blocked on X by both absolute haters and some others! Sad!
This week I tried to include the original links to the comments I was responding to. Next week I’ll attempt to post less, in what is already an only- partial compilation of my views posted! (And to do the compilation in an even-more organized manner)
Thanks! Oh and to the haters: “Am Yisrael Chai!”
8h In the words of Benjamin Franklin ... "We must all hang together, or most assuredly we will all hang separately"
On Zohran Mamdani
Post
7 Agree people should be opposing (or supporting) @ZohranKMamdani not based on his religion. Criticize his ideology or political views or impact on New York, views re Israel, concerns about antisemitism, views of some of his supporters, etc. But NOT his religion (or foreign birth)
3h I (below) and many others critical of@ZohranKMamdani, far, far "bigger" than myself, have condemned anti-Muslim comments. But if you're going to claim "anti-Muslim hate is being directed" by Pro-Netanyahu activists." Substantiate. Opposition to Mamdani's views IS allowed!
2hOf course the other side of the issue is that some people are going to seek to delegitimize and denigrate criticism of @ZohranKMamdani as "Islamophobic." But highlighting or criticizing Mamdani's views on ANY political issue including Israel and Palestinians is 100% legitimate
1h I've always said and defended people by saying "children shouldn't be held accountable for the sins of the parents. And parents for the sins of the children." You seem to be suggesting otherwise!
2h Not quite sure why the US Palestinian Council (USPC) @uspalcouncil is congratulating @ZohranKMamdani on his primary win in New York or what they mean by "Time to return power to the people..."
Jun 26 Well that makes sense for people from Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP)! But most Jews - even young Jews; even young Jews from New York City are not where @jvplive @JVPAction are regarding no State of Israel.
Jun 25 Think both parties have problems condemning some within this country who should be condemned. But can't be blind to the bind @SenSchumer is in. And I said earlier elsewhere: I'd rather have Schumer as the Senior Senator from NY and Minority/Majority leader than @AOC et al
Jun 25 Don't think should go there. There are enough things believed and advocated by Zohran Mamdani. Focus there
Jun 25 Of course. No one says that. And for many? Jews; it's not the religion; it's the views. And of course, Jews have as much right as anyone else to express their opposition to (or support for) for any candidate of whatever religion.·
Jun 25 I think he's rather more than 'just' "anti-genocide." You can argue re "antisemitism" (and what constitutes); but it sure looks like he's "anti-Israel."
Re Mayor of New York Jun 24 I wouldn't vote for him for various reasons; but I don't think I'd agree that "it is decidedly un-Jewish for a Jew to vote for this man."
Jun 25 Don’t think it’s fair/legitimate to link the two. Or his religion. The issue is his views
Jun 25 Can't help thinking of Dennis Kucinich who was elected Mayor of Cleveland in 1977 at age 31 "The Boy Mayor" and after much controversy, was defeated in 1979. Obviously different electorate to New York https://case.edu/ech/articles/m/mayoral-administration-dennis-j-kucinich #DennisKucinich#Cleveland @Dennis_Kucinich NYTimes
Jun 22 The statement from the person who wants to be Mayor of New York, @ZohranKMamdani (We've kept hearing these past few weeks that the foreign policy views of the candidate, doesn't matter when it comes to the Mayor of New York)
@WashingtonViewsAny smart Democrat thinking about running for President should recognize that taking the Mamdani line on Israel (and prob after 2 1/2 yrs of Mamdani’s NY on other issues, if elected) is a political disaster. Think Mayor Kuccinich!
Jun 25 Can (and do) criticizeZohranKMamdani's views etc etc etc. But really?! "...He looks, TERRIBLE, his voice is grating..."
@WashingtonViews That's certainly an interpretation! Or it could be NY Voters feel that Cuomo (if he wins) would be the better Mayor. Or they might feel that the alternatives to Cuomo are worse - and they're rejecting them. Whatever happens "The people will have chosen!"
Jun 22 Sp if Cuomo wins; that's too a referendum on the direction of the Democratic party. And it will be what the voters of New York want
@WashingtonViews So it's "If my guy wins" that shows the system works. But "If my guy loses" it proves change through elections is not the way to go?!
Denigrating SUPPORTERS OF ISRAEL
Jun 21 As I've said: Criticize peoples' views; but pretty-repugnant to impugn peoples' loyalty to the US. There's an increasing usage by some on left and right to use terms such as “Israel Loyalist” and “Israel Firster” An old slur with deep antisemitic roots
Jun 26 Tommy Victor Whatever the merits; would be nice if you'd condemn/denounce those on left and right who have been using terms such as "Israel Firsters" to denigrate US Citizens offering their view of what's best for America.
n 26 Think we've all seen/experienced this on social media - @ADL "Overt Antisemitic and Extreme Anti-Israel Rhetoric Continue to Spike After U.S. Strikes Iran Nuclear Sites https://adl.org/resources/article/overt-antisemitic-and-extreme-anti-israel-rhetoric-continue-spike-after-us #Antisemitism
Jun 26 Many - on right and left - are also using the pernicious "Israel Firsters" tag
22hSLAVISHLY? @KenRoth You made this same characterization yesterday "will they continue to slavishly support Israel..."
Jun 25"SLAVISH support for Israel"???? There you go again with your perspective..
Jun 24 Just as you can criticize, condemn or oppose Israel without engaging into Antisemitic "Dual Loyalist/Israel Firster" tropes
Jun 23 There you go again. Yet again - Slurring people’s loyalties to the US who hold differing views to yours “[Israel’s] neocon loyalists in the US”
Jun 22 Maybe not. But others are. And presume you want to avoid adding fuel to that proverbial fire with the assertion inherent in what you're saying. "[Trump] is weak and got manipulated into doing Netanyahu’s dirty work...." (As I wrote Friday) https://michaellewisonline.substack.com/p/responding-to-critics-and-haters
Jun 21 As I mentioned before @Medeabenjamin To use the term "Israel firster" is engaging in slurring. If you can't argue the merits of your case; or offer information to persuade the people; without that. Speaks volumes about you and all others who use that and similar terms.
Jun 21 Four recent posts from @CodePink
@medeabenjamin https://x.com/WashingtonViews/status/1936513481815269686
@WashingtonViews I think there's a spectrum - and as I keep saying; want to be very careful about using the term "Antisemitism." But I don't think you could get a big debate over @RealCandaceO|
Jun 25 The hater continues to hate - as she does day after day after day... Caitlin Johnstone post after post after post on X and Substack... ( @Caito of course blocked me!)
un 25 I think you deliberately simplify to make it a clash between "Necons" and "America First" - when in reality it's those who view Iran as a threat to the US and the West and those who don't. Curious re what role do the pro-Iran groups and individuals have in this supposed clash?
Jun 22 As I understand the term and meaning; John Bolton was never a neocon. He was a "hawk!"
Jun 24 Another person very free with their denigration of people whose views are not theirs
General Responding
Jun 2Understand you were burned by your strong support for the Iraq War @PeterBeinart But history doesn't always repeat itself + Suppose don't try and strengthen their "campaign against Israel?" by such linkages? If you don't want Iran's nuclear capability removed; just say so!
Jun 21Think you're probably discrediting yourself @KenRoth with your remarkable torrent of one-sided posts/reposts about Israel, these past few days. I mean jeez "UN experts" condemning Israel. Wow
ISRAEL INTERNAL
Jun 21 A reminder that Israel's action against Iran's nuclear capabilities is backed not just by @Netanyahu and the Likud. This from Amos Yadlin
YadlinAmos Washington Views
7h Whatever one thinks of @Netanyahu; it is concerning at least to me, looking at the probable potential successors in Likud.
Israel Dealing with settlers in the West Ban 8h @IhabHassane As I noted a couple of days ago; there was a very-different Israeli response to something somewhat similar 2 years ago. Then a joint-Israeli statement @Israelpolice @IDF #ISA
Jun 26 I posted this yesterday noting how 2 years ago, the IDF/Shabbak/police had issued a joint statement condemning something similar to what's now occurring (probably even worse now). If the GOI want to defend such actions; go ahead. Otherwise act against it
Jun 25 Flashback 2 Years: Joint statement from the @IDF #ISA (#SHabak) and @israelpolice against violent attacks by Israelis on Palestinians in the West Bank Judea and Samaria. More statements like this - and stronger actions against perpetrators would be a good thing today #Israel
26 It's just not your place to be saying this, @AmichaiChikli On a variety of levels.
Jun 26 Personally I think it's time for a different Israeli Diaspora Minister, @AmichaiChikli Time and again; says things which are just not appropriate for an Israeli; for an Israeli Minister. And ESPECIALLY for the Minister of Diaspora. #NotConstructive
TRUMP’s CALL ON ISRAEL To Drop The Legal Proceedings vs Netanyahu
@WashingtonViews The Prime Minister should/should have politely rejected and repudiated such intervention and said even as a defendant, he stands by the Israeli Judicial system. Israel: Not a vassal state. Not a banana republic.
@Netanyahu should of course have graciously thanked @realDonaldTrump and then gone on to say along the lines of, the Israeli judicial system is independent and that even as a defendant you stand by that system... "Not a vassal state...Not a banana republic."
Jun 26 What @IsraeliPM @Netanyahu SHOULD have said in response to President @RealDonaldTrumps comments re Netanyahu's trial: "Many thanks Mr. President for your kind words; but despite my being the one in the dock; I defend and support Israel's Legal System." https://timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry
Jun 23 Reasonable argument could be made that very-soon would be the appropriate time for @IsraeliPM @Netanyahu to announce he was "Stepping down." He's nearly 76. Been Israel's Prime Minister for long periods of the past 30 years. His "Iran" focus has been acted on. (Make Legal "deal")
Jun 24 Or @Netanyahu could Retire at the top! He's never going to be more popular than at this point. What happened will be looked at one day. His trial may actually end badly. He's beaten Ben-Gurion longevity record as PM. He's done what Begin and Olmert did. The guy is almost 76.
Jun 26 In December 1981: Then Israeli Prime Minister, Menachem Begin famously posed the question to the United States "Are we a vassal-state...? Are we a banana republic?" (Full Statement) https://jta.org/archive/text-of-begins-statement
Jun 26 No Israeli, or supporter of Israel,s hould be loving this. Regardless of what one thinks of Netanyahu or the case against him; or the legal system or anything else. As then-Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin famously asked: "Are we a vassal-state...Are we a banana republic?
@WashingtonViews #OnThisDay in 1982: Israeli Prime Minister, Menachem Begin meeting with some US Senators on Capital Hill (in the midst of the Lebanon War) offered his famed “I am not a Jew with Trembling knees… " “Don’t threaten us with cutting off your aid. It will not work. I am not a Jew with trembling knees. I am a proud Jew with 3,700 years of civilized history. Nobody came to our aid when we were dying in the gas chambers and ovens. Nobody came to our aid when we were striving to create our country. We paid for it. We fought for it. We died for it. We will stand by our principles. We will defend them. And, when necessary, we will die for them again, with or without your aid.” https://nytimes.com/1982/06/23/us/
TERRORISM AGAINST ISRAEL
Jun 26 And the Kiryat Shemona Massacre. And Beit Shean...And attack at the Savoy Hotel in Tel-Aviv...and the Zion Square bombing...and the Coastal Highway Massacre...On and on and on...
20h Of course there were terrorist attacks on Israel from Gaza, “West Bank”, Syria/Lebanon before 1967
IRAN and ITS SUPPORTERS
Jun I imagine Saudi Arabia would shed no real tears if the Iranian nuclear potential was removed. If this can happen - especially if it's only done by Israel; then no public Saudi fingerprints; Saudi Arabia can act outraged; people in the region can't criticize them. It's win/win!
Jun 21 Removing the Iranian nuclear threat” isn’t too shabby mark on one’s legacy. Having Iran return to the pre-Islamic Republic, pro-American Force wouldn’t be too shabby (if that was possible)
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Jun 21 Think you left out Iran's Missile attacks on Israel; IRan funding, arming, training Hezbollah and Hamas and Houthis. Think you left out Iranian terror attacks. And of course you've left out the repeated Iranian pledges to wipe out Israel.
Jun 21 Can't speak for others: My concern is not denying what Khamenei is or the morality (although that should certainly be factored in). But the central question is the consequences of killing him (if that's possible). (And I leave that to the Iran and Islam experts)
Jun 21"Unlikely." Just as "MAD" is no guarantee - which is the United States has been concerned about North Korean nuclear capabilities and ICBMS. It's great to say. And with stable nuclear powers; maybe. But the "Sword of Damocles" is not a great place for the US to be.0
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Jun 21 There are also questions reporters might ask people who oppose US war with Iran (as you phrase it) 1)What are the consequences for the United State of Iran having nuclear weapons? 2) How many Americans down the road may die as a result of Iran having nuclear weapons?
Jun 21 But the point is that IF the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei is killed by Israel; what are the most-likely consequences for regime and long-term implications for Israel? (That's why Israel shouldnt be trying to kill)
OTHER
3h I'd say you'd been pushing this line @PhilWeiss for the last 20+ years (probaby increasingly, and perhaps with more support now.) But disagree American Jews should not dissociate themselves from Israel or Zionism.·
3h I don't believe "Liberalism is anti-Semitism" per se. There is of course "a but...!" You can absolutely believe in various social programs or belief in civil rights, LGBTQ rights etc. Even a "robust" US Foreign Policy. You can be a liberal and believe in "controlled" borders...
5h Feel free to correct or clarify @CodePink ! But your bottom line/ultimate goal seems to be "No Israel." So it's not "Bad Israel" in Gaza or the West Bank. It's not specific criticisms of Israeli actions or policies. It's the future existence of Israel https://codepink.org/palestine
Jun 26 Presume you're aware @MedeaBenjamin and @CodePink that Iran's explicit, state goal is the eradication of the Jewish State. I'm sure you're also aware that Iran funded, armed, trained Hamas and Hezbollah attack on Israel, on non-Israeli Jews, on Americans. So: Why not urge IRAN?
3h Scott Ritter "....You and your ilk are the perpetual victims" https://x.com/WashingtonViews/status/1938648122852262076
6h From Yousef Munayyer, "head of Palestine/Israel program at Arab Center Washington DC" (Previously head of the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation and before the Palestine Center) @YousefMunayyer @guardian
https://theguardian.com/us-news/2025/j
3h Assuming the accuracy; looking to people to be condemning this. Especially the ones who've been depicting Jews in Iran as having full freedoms and rights etc etc
7h The perspective of @QuincyInst (and former founder and head of the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) @NIACouncil @TParsi on how the Iranian American community responded to recent "events" in Iran. Really only Iranian Americans can assess this.
BETAR un 26 I keep reading Betar depicting themselves as the proud, outspoken Jew fighting back. Figuratively and literally. The heir of Jabotinsky. The quoter of Meir Kahane. But time and again I see @Betar_USA (who long ago blocked me) admonishing "Flee....Flee New York...Flee"
un 26 Agree. But think such an admonition should apply from the very-top of the US Government down. Not just for this; but for everything - on all issues. There are facts. There is informed speculation. And then there are wishes and hopes and fears and opinions. Washington Views @WashingtonViews
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@WashingtonViews No! Don't think should do this. But I would say - and have previously responded - deleting Antisemitism - the proverbial "canary in the coalmine" would advance the world in a good direction. (Clearly not going to happen!)
@WashingtonViews Jun 25 You've already posted your view that Israel shouldnt exist.
n 25 It's simply not as you depict. You obviously had some bad experiences. Obviously repeated efforts to slaughter Israelis and destroy the State of Israel has impacted people. And all the focus is on what Israel does. And not on what is being attempted against Israel.
@NIACouncil came under some criticism by some Iranian Americans for something of the reverse situation.
Jun 25 Think you're over "judgemental" critical of Israel/Zionism. It's fighting for its life and the lives of its children. Its now flawless; not all Israelis are angels. But you think it's worse than other countries? than its Arab neighbors or the USA or UK in War? #Comeback!
Jun 25 Shame @Tparsi you don't devote just a little more focus on the human rights abuses in Iran. Of the Iranian threats to eliminate Israel. Of Iranian arming, supporting, training, etc Hamas and Hezbollah and so forth. But you really don't as is evident looking at your posts/reposts
un 25 As I understand it; it's a little bit more-complicated than that. There's what anyone can say (within legal limits) as individuals; and what can one say if purporting to be a representative/part of an organization
@AIPAC 's statement one year ago - #OnThisDay in 2024 congratulating George Latimer on his defeat of Jamal Bowman "Pro-Israel Democrat Prevails over Incumbent Detractor" @JamalBowmanNY @RepGLatimer @DNC
Jun 25 What's next @FranceskAlbs ? Perhaps Israeli women struggling against Hamas rapists, are engaging in "acts of apartheid"? @WashingtonViews
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Jun 24 I wouldn't make that analogy for a number of reasons and on a number of levels. And I certainly wouldn't say @BernieSanders has an "Exterminationist hatred of Jews." (And I'm not exactly a supporter!)
IRAN
Jun 24 What if there is no "diplomatic" solution? A real one, not just putting off until Iran is strong to do what we all know it wants to do to Israel?
Jun 24 Wherever you are on the Iranian nuclear issue; don't think @Netanyahu prefers a nuclear Iran over "isolated/contained" Iran which has done a pretty "good job" of arming, training, Hamas, Hezbollah etc & attacking Israel. (Might mention goal seeking Israel destruction)
Jun 24 You need to be speaking out demanding that Russia withdraws from the Ukraine. For some reason, it's always the US, Israel, NATO, Western Europe and Ukraine. Never in your eyes, Russia, China, Iran, North Korea etc. #SPEAKOUT
Jun 24 Why don't you travel to Russia and protest against Russian spending on its weapons and Defense establishment?
Jun 21 REALLY! @CodePink 's @medeabenjamin favourably quoting Candace Owens @RealCandaceO
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A reminder of the @NYTimes June 1981 Editorial condemning #Israel's action against Iraq's nuclear-power plant at Osirac ".....Israel's sneak attack on a French-built nuclear reactor near Baghdad was an act of inexcusable and short-sighted aggression..." https://nytimes.com/1981/06/09/opi
Jun 22 From some of the posts out there; it's almost as if some people are disappointed that Iran won't soon be having nuclear weapons.
Jun 22 Not talking about diplomacy or "peace-making" or how people "feel" about Israel. But purely on the strategic level: If you compare Israel's strategic position before the Iranian backed and funded Hamas slaughter of October 7th and today. Hamas. Hezbollah. Lebanon. Syria. Iran
Jun 22 I imagine if they could have, they would have. If they can they will. And if radiation should fall on Israeli Arabs or Bedouins, or Palestinians in Gaza or the West Bank, or Arabs further afield; they would still...
Jun 24 And Iran starts rebuilding and rearming and redeveloping...
Jun 24 Every single time you speak; should include the sentence. "Hamas must immediately release the Israeli hostages"
Jun 24 Whatever one's views of Israel's actions in Gaza. This comment: Such idiocy. Such ignorance. Such hatred. Let's make this very clear.
Jun 24 You can't keep working for the destruction of Israel and then act surprised or shocked when Israel says "NO!"
Jun 24 You're taking the most extreme comments/responses to you and presenting them as "Zionist Twitter." (Personally wouldn't call you - or anyone "A Kapo. Hate that term - as I wrote few months ago "KAPOS’ – Stop Using the Term ‘Kapo’ to Denounce Fellow Jews")
Jun 23 Absolutely: An EX-AIPAC employee...And I put that fact on my Twitter (X) "bio" - whereas Trita Parsi - @Tparsi who founded and for years headed the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) ( @NIACouncil ) doesn't list that on his x bio... @Chris_Mischler
Jun 23 Would be great @amnestyusa and @Dpaulobrien if you could post more about the problem of Antisemitism in America; hate crimes against Jews in America. Would think this continually-growing problem would have been a core part of your concerns and domestic focus
@WashingtonViews A slew of posts and reposts from the Quincy Institute's Executive Vice President, Trita Parsi. @TParsi the former founder and head of the Iranian American Council (NIAC) founder https://x.com/tparsi/with_replies
Jun 23 As Trita Parsi said a few days ago...( @TPARSi lef @NIACouncil
which he founded and headed to take a very-senior position (Executive Vice President) at the just-being-founded Quincy Institute
@QuincyInst About https://quincyinst.org/about/supporte
Jun 23 Next up: Israel Haters to denounce Israel for bombing Iranian time keeping....
Jun 23 Wonder how at-least some former-members of AMEINU, formerly "Labor Zionist Alliance" - and even some of the original Americans for Peace Now (APN) - feel about the views/policies of @NJNarrative & CEO @HadarSusskind (who of course blocked me on X presumably for "questioning!")
Jun 22 People tend to forget the motivation of Yitzhak Rabin for the "Oslo Peace process." Regardless of how things worked out; it wasn't that Rabin was a sentimental or naive "peacenik" about the PLO and Yasser Arafat. Rabin had a strategic objective. As @YKleinHalevi writes....
Jun 22 An evil person. But I'm sure people will defend the action "It's nothing to compared to what Israel's doing..." blah, blah, blah
Jun 22 People have different views about how the Iranian nuclear issue should have been dealt with. But anyone who believes Iran is "just the innocent victim..." #ComeOn
Jun 22It's nice to see some bipartisan support. And would hope more Democrats will "sign on."
IRAN
Jun 22 That's certainly one way of looking at things! But such a post might have included the actions of Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah. And of course Antisemites who needed little "encouraging." Throw in those who are very-eager to throw around antisemitic "tropes" to advance their views
Jun 22 Of course many Americans have fallen victim to Iran over the years
Jun 22 But no @Amnesty -praised/supported marches against Iranian nuclear weapons?
Jun 22 If it happens; watch some people defending and condoning the Iranian action...!
Always felt that with most Jews or people with "Jewish ancestry" I could engage in discussion even with "strong critics" of Israel; even with "One State Solution" advocates. But there are some who evince utter antipathy towards Israel and its supporters and engage in "tropes."
Jun 22 There are obviously many well-meaning people who believe the US and/or Israeli acts Vs Iran were a mistake. On the other hand; there are many supporters of Iran and many haters of Israel who seem disappointed by the destruction of Iran's nuclear capability - even though deny Iran
Jun 22 The view of Scott Ritter
Jun 21 -Lord Chris Patten is not exactly new to this topic ...Flashback 15 years "Chris Patten: end blockade, talk to Hamas...has slammed Israel for what he called the “medieval siege" of the Gaza Strip, and called for the European Union to do more to end it
@WashingtonViews As I was trying to distinguish yesterday between... "Israel, Iran and the US - Distinguishing Between Critics of US or Israeli Policy and Haters of Israel - A few more off-the-cuff Thoughts!" https://michaellewisonline.substack.com/p/israel-iran-
It's interesting how it's taking J STREET so long to comment on the US strike on Iran's Nuclear sites. (Also took @JStreetdotorg some time after Israel's strike on Iran.) Virtually every-other American Jewish org has commented https://x.com/jstreetdotorg https://x.com/jstreetdotorg
Jun 22 I understand @JStreetdotor 's quandary. J STREET seeks different constituencies with different interests. The Zionist Left in Israel supports the US action. Many American Jews are probably not-distraught. And much of the @DNC elected officials have criticized @RealDonaldTrump
Not a J Street statement/"tweet" per se. But @jstreetdotorgs @JeremyBenAmi on his Substack re Iran - "Now What? President Trump attacked. Iran’s nuclear program is in shambles. Are we better off today than we were last week? Only time will tell https://substack.com/home/post/p-166527853 #JStreet
1) Whatever the United Should have done becomes somewhat moot given that it has acted.
2) Obviously we don't know what's going to happen next. What Iran will do directly or through its proxies and agents both in the Middle East - and around the world.
3) This was sort of a "Guns of August" moment - hopefully without the rest!. But in the sense of Either act now; or it will be too late. Both because Hamas, Hezbollah and Iranians "capacities" had been weakened and their defenses...And of course because many believe would be too late. That the Iranian nuclear was almost among us. (Which of course leads others to say - even if Iran had nukes; not a real threat - because wouldnt be crazy enough to use them. This is Iran. They have their beliefs. Can never be certain.)
4) Can make a good case that US allies in the region especially Saudis will be glad not to have to face Iranian nukes. And even that as is attributed to Machiavelli "Better to be Feared than Loved." (Ideally both is nice!) - As the US sends out a message.
I'm glad you have no illusions about the threat from Iran. Because many have. (Some others actually want Iran to have nuke. See it all over social media.)
I personally think it would "constructive" if J Street made this clearer. AND (as a I've mentioned before) - speaking out against the anti-Israel haters in this country (Jewish and non-Jewish alike)
I'm not blind to certain realities as to how Israel is viewed in many places. And not blind to the costs since October 7th. And not seeking to defend Netanyahu re various issues. But Certainly Israel has come a long way since the threat Israel faced on October 7th. Hamas. Hezbollah. Lebanon. Syria. And now Iran. Massive accomplishment by Israel and the IDF. (And agree that not everything can be military. And that diplomacy and peace-making is good where possible.) And certainly avoid hubris (as after 1967)