Good Riddance

Good Riddance

To Understand Israel, Look to Taiwan

  

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "To Understand Israel, Look to Taiwan."

Despite being separated by more than 8,300 kilometers, Israel and Taiwan share striking parallels in geography, population, political values, economic dynamism, and military strategy. Both face existential threats from far larger adversaries and rely on innovative military deterrence doctrines—Israel’s Cactus and Taiwan’s Porcupine—bolstered by strong U.S. support. Their resilience and commitment to democracy and independence not only shape their futures but also serve as fortresses of stability and hope in regions marked by uncertainty and contestation.

(AI generated image via Meta) 

To Understand Israel, Look to Taiwan

Neither Peacenik nor Kahanist

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Neither Peacenik Nor Kahanist."

A popular misconception is that you are either a foolhardy peacenik who doesn’t know how to defend the country or you are an extremist nationalist who promotes violence. The reality is, as King Solomon said, to everything there is a time and place.

 
While the Rebbe’s approach of peace through strength is often mischaracterized as hawkish, Pearl clarifies that it is, in fact, deeply humanitarian. The Rebbe’s goal is to end the bloodshed and foster a reality where former enemies can become friends, in line with the Torah’s teaching to “eliminate sins, not sinners.” He advocated for a rigorous, informed pursuit of peace that upholds the dignity and rights of all people, without succumbing to naïve or simplistic solutions.

(AI generated image via Meta) 

Neither Peacenik nor Kahanist

Israel & Gaza: Separating Fact from Fiction

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Israel & Gaza: Separating Fact from Fiction."

Eighteen months into a conflict marked by unfathomable loss, one of the most disturbing things we see is the reinvention of what actually happened. The terrorists and their supporters spew an endless stream of hate and lies. It is crucial to continue to dispel their myths and hold on to the truth.

Hamas’s ideology of hate and annihilation meets Israel’s resolve to survive and achieve a lasting peace. Amid the ashes of Gaza, faith remains our compass and the Jewish state, our beacon.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Israel & Gaza: Separating Fact from Fiction

Israel’s Urgent Need to Boost Defense Spending

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Israel's Urgent Need to Boost Defense Spending."

Israel’s survival hinges on its ability to confront existential threats with unrelenting resolve. Already allocating an extraordinary 8.8% of GDP—$46 billion annually—to defense, a 65% surge since the October 7 atrocities, Israel must further escalate investments in its military capabilities. This urgency persists despite ranking 15th globally in defense spending and receiving $3.8 billion in annual US military aid, supplemented by wartime emergency packages. The Jewish state faces an unparalleled convergence of adversaries: Iran’s regime—armed with nuclear ambitions, ICBMs, and drone swarms—orchestrates proxy wars through Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, while the United Nations and global anti-Zionist movements wage diplomatic and ideological warfare.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Israel’s Urgent Need to Boost Defense Spending

G-d Bless the Israel Defense Forces

G-d Bless the Israel Defense Forces

Mother of all Bombs

(Source Photo: Wikipedia)

Mother of all Bombs

Redemption: A Time of Peril and Opportunity

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Redemption: A Time of Peril and Opportunity."

The return of the hostages from their horrific ordeal in Gaza offers a moment for reflection on the tumultuous events of the past 15 months. The conflicts involving Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other terrorist groups, along with the dark menacing shadow of Iran, have presented immense challenges. Yet, we have persevered, and for this, we offer our gratitude.

Many perceive these times as a prelude to a period of profound change, a transition towards the fulfillment of the messianic era. This perspective highlights the overt miracles we have witnessed and the persistent threats that remain to be overcome.

Even as the very existence of world Jewry is still being threatened, everyone can do something to help. This is not a time for complacency. Now is the time to prepare for the impending redemption.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Redemption: A Time of Peril and Opportunity

Hostages Will Return, but the War Endures

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Hostages Will Return, but the War Endures."

There is no secret to Hamas's strategy: this ceasefire is merely a tactical pause, an opportunity to regroup, rearm, and renew their terror campaign against Israel.

Thus, the ceasefire is indeed bittersweet. We are overcome with joy at the prospect of reuniting with the released hostages, yet the cost is agonizingly high. The continued existence of Hamas and the release of dangerous terrorists—many certain to return to their violent ways—weigh heavily on our hearts. 

My father's wisdom echoes in my ears: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." As the ceasefire takes hold and we embrace our returning hostages, let us commit ourselves with unwavering resolve to preventing our enemies from ever again gaining such a devastating advantage. Let us learn from the past and safeguard our future.

(AI generated image via Meta)

Hostages Will Return, but the War Endures

The Medusa Strategy to Defeat Iran and the Houthis

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Medusa Strategy to Defeat Iran and the Houthis."

Israel should consider employing a strategy mirroring Iran's use of proxy forces, extending beyond conventional military support to include infiltration and subversion within enemy territories. Iran has effectively leveraged groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and various Iraqi and Syrian militias to exert influence and conduct operations near Israel's borders. Israel could adopt a similar approach, utilizing regional actors who share common adversaries, while also actively working to destabilize these threats from within.

(AI generated image via Cyberpunk Generator)

The Medusa Strategy to Defeat Iran and the Houthis

Hamas Is Responsible for All the Misery in Gaza

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Hamas is Responsible for All the Misery in Gaza."

At any time, the Palestinians in Gaza could have a permanent ceasefire, if they decide to end their hostilities with the Jewish State of Israel, unconditionally surrender and lay down their arms, and release the approximate 100 hostages that they continue to hold. Unfortunately, it is the Hamas terrorists and corrupt Palestinian leadership spurred on and supported by funding, weapons, and training from the #1 Global State Sponsor of Terror, Iran, that are solely responsible for the continuation of the fighting and resulting devastation to the people of Gaza.

(Source Photo: Hosny Salah via https://pixabay.com/photos/burning-fire-man-smoke-jihad-6860627/)

Hamas Is Responsible for All the Misery in Gaza

Can Sanity Prevail Before a Doomsday Scenario?

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Can Sanity Prevail Before a Doomsday Scenario?"

As Israel continues to face existential threats from multiple fronts, and unless the threats are pulled back, Israel will have no choice but to act increasingly and decisively to defend itself. With its back against the wall, Israel will have no choice but to further respond with a strategy of "escalate to deescalate," so that the enemy is forced to rethink the risk and reward equation of the dangerous game of chicken they are "playing" with the powerful Jewish state. Thus, the specter of a wider conflict looms large as Iran and its terrorist proxies continue to destabilize the region and plot Israel's destruction.

(Source Photo: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-atom-bomb-8412004/)

Can Sanity Prevail Before a Doomsday Scenario?

Model Aircraft Carrier

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Model Aircraft Carrier

Soldier and Flag

 

Soldier and Flag

IDF Spirit and Strength

IDF Spirit and Strength

Israel: Time to Go All In

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Israel: Time to Go All In."

Israel is currently under attack from multiple terrorist groups including Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and radical Islamic jihadists. Despite being targeted by various weapons, Israel's military superiority and alliances have helped it defend against most threats. Adversaries resort to terrorism, targeting civilians and using human shields. Israel has eliminated terrorists, destroyed missile sites, and countered threats effectively. Moving forward, options include maintaining the status quo, appeasing terrorists, or applying overwhelming force. Israel faces an existential threat and may need to escalate to de-escalate the conflict. Prayers are for protection, unity, and lasting peace in this challenging situation. Israel may escalate militarily to subdue enemies and create conditions for peace.

(AI generated image via Designer)

Israel: Time to Go All In

G-d Bless the IDF!

G-d Bless the IDF!

One, Two, Three, Knockout

Please see my new article in the Times of Israel called "One, Two, Three, Knockout."

Israel has achieved a significant milestone by eliminating Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in a precise airstrike in Beirut. This marks the second phase of Israel’s strategic plan to counter radical Jihadist Iran and its terrorist proxies. Following the defeat of Hamas in Gaza, Israel is now focused on dismantling Hezbollah in Lebanon. The plan includes advancing armored forces to the Litani River to recreate a buffer zone, providing strategic depth and setting the stage for future peace negotiations. Israel aims to maintain control of this zone until a comprehensive peace agreement is reached, similar to the land-for-peace deal with Egypt in 1979. If Lebanon fails to pursue peace, Israel may consider making the demilitarized zone permanent or annexing the territory. The final phase will address the existential threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions, with Israel determined to secure its state from further aggression.

(AI generated image via Designer)

One, Two, Three, Knockout

On The Wings of Eagles

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "On The Wings of Eagles."

The importance of making Aliyah may seem counterintuitive given how anti-Zionist not only many Pro-Hamas supporters are, but also some diaspora and even Israeli Jews are. However, it is actually all the more reason for people who understand Israel's holiness and centrality to Jewish life, prayer, and tradition to make the leap. I think in the future, we will look back at this time and the immense pressure to abandon Israel, and we will recognize the strong souls who defied the mob.

(AI generated image via Designer)

On The Wings of Eagles

A War of Attrition and We’re Losing

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "A War of Attrition and We're Losing."

Today marks the 33rd anniversary of Ukrainian independence from the Soviet Union. However, this milestone is tinged with melancholy, given Russia's occupation of over 20% of Ukraine and its ongoing efforts to expand its influence following the recent invasion on February 24, 2022.

The U.S.'s strategy is a war of attrition, using Ukraine to deplete Russia's military and economic strength. This strategy is reminiscent of the long Iran-Iraq War that wore down both countries. Russia's long game involves alliances with China, Iran, and terrorist proxies, as well as a campaign of divisive propaganda. The US needs to start playing chess rather than checkers to counter Russia's threats.

(AI generated image via Designer)
 

A War of Attrition and We’re Losing