Some thoughts on Netanyahu's speech... 🧵

1) the visit itself was a kind of victory lap for Netanyahu who successfully defied the Biden admin at virtually every stage, including blowing thru Biden’s “red line” on Rafah (which he also made a point of referencing in his speech). 2) Overall, the speech was on-brand & in character for Netanyahu—presenting a black/white, zero-sum worldview where the US & Israel were “forces of civilization” fighting against Iran's “axis of terror” & in which only there was only one possible outcome--“we win, they lose!"

Truly horrible & horrific day for Palestinians & Israelis given massive loss of life on both sides. It's obvious but sadly still needs to be said--attacks on civilians are always wrong, regardless of identity of the perpetrator or victim.

A few additional thoughts... 🧵 1. There's no overstating what a massive intelligence failure this is on Israel’s part—Gaza is one of most heavily surveilled geographic spaces in the world and Israel controls movement in/out of Gaza.

Some thoughts on Herzog's speech before Congress today--especially as it relates to Palestinians....🧵

Herzog talks about Israel yearning for peace with “Palestinian neighbors” -- but never once mentions Israel's main mode of interacting w/Palestinians - its 56 yr occupation.
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https://twitter.com/haaretzcom/status/1681740692593463296

Palestinians are not Israel's neighbors. They don’t live next to Israel but 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 it. Israelis have luxury of ignoring Pal’s while Pal’s cannot ignore Israelis. Soldiers & settlers shape every aspect of their lives—from where they can go to how much water they have etc.
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