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Home , Amir Ohana, Avi Dichter, David Bitan, Evelyn Farkas, Haim Katz, Haviv Rettig Gur

Selected articles concerning , published weekly by Suburban Orthodox Toras Chaim’s (Baltimore) Israel Action Committee Edited by Jerry Appelbaum ( [email protected] ) | Founding editor: Sheldon J. Berman Z”L

Issue 90 1 Volume 2 1 , Number 3 3 Parshias Ki Savo August 2 8 , 2021

Afghanistan dominates DC's attention, but MidEast eyes are on Bennett By Omri Nahmias jpost.com August 25, 2021 Between a twice - daily Pentagon press briefing, the US presidents were often focused on the Israeli - Palestinian State Department's daily briefing, and the White conflict. However, it seem s this time that is not going to Hou se one, the visit of the Israeli prime minister is be the case. not dominating the news cycle. Lucy Kurtzer - Ellenbogen, director of the Israeli - Prime Minister arrived in Washington Palestinian conflict program at the US Institute of Peace, amid the United States’ final act in Afghanistan. On told the Post, “While the Israeli - Palestinian conflict will Tuesday, US President clarified that he wished certainly be on the agenda, it will likely be superseded by to move forw ard with the plan to complete the US other issues, with Iran, COVID and no doubt withdrawal from the country by August 31 – just six days among those items topping the bill. away. “This is a function of both leaders’ acknowledgment The Pentagon and the State Department are working and agreement that a push for big Israeli - Palestinian closely to coordinate the evacuation of remaining diplomacy would be neither desirable nor fruit ful,” she Americans, alongside US military and Afghan personnel. said. “It is also a function of both leaders being at B etween twice - daily Pentagon press briefings, the State polarized odds on the ultimate goal of two states and Department’s daily briefing and the White House one, the wanting to avoid stark differences at a meeting that visit of the prime minister is not dominating the news ultimately seeks to signal a relational reset, highlight areas cycle. Laura Kelly, foreign policy reporter for The Hill, of shared interest and forge paths for cooperation.” told The Post, “Benne tt’s visit is almost sure to The Jewish community in the US is closely following be overshadowed by the Biden administration’s handling the visit, as well. Ron Halber, executive director of the of the crisis in Afghanistan. Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater “The president is under immense pressure and Washington, told the Post that the American Jewish criticism from both Democrats and Republicans to community “is open - minded and excited about getting to continue military evacuations in Afghanistan bey ond his know Prime Minister Bennett, as we are every time there is self - imposed August 31 deadline,” she noted. a new Israeli prime minister. “The president is not looking to take on any major “Most American feel a natural love and affiliation policy projects. such as launching Israeli and Palestinian for Israel and want the prime minister to succeed, no peace talks,” said Kelly. “Instead, his administration has matter what party he represents. focused on keeping crises at a sim mer and preventing “We are hopeful that President Biden and Prime them from boiling over.” Minister Bennett will enjoy a relationship of mutual respect Tevi Troy, senior fellow at the Bipartisan Policy and cooperation that will further the special bond between Center and author of Fight House: Rivalries in the White our two countries,” said Halber. “Most House, from Truman to Trump, told the Post that while would like to see close coordination between our leaders in the COVID - 19 and Afghanistan situations are dominating solving the COVID crisis and responding to the threat attention in Wa shington, Middle East watchers will be posed by Iran.” paying close attention to the Bennett visit. One aspect of every Israeli prime minister’s visit to the “Netanyahu was prime minister for a long time, across US is a meeting with Jewish leaders. And While Bennett multiple American administrations, and so many did meet with AIPAC executive direct or Howard Kohr, it Americans both inside and outside the government are seems that additional meetings with leaders of major unused to a non - Ne tanyahu government in Israel,” he said. Jewish organizations will have to wait for a different “For this reason, there will be a great deal of interest opportunity. and curiosity in new Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s visit “The Jewish community in Washington understands to Washington,” said Troy. “The Left is hoping for a and respects that Prime Minister Bennett is busy significant change from Netanyahu, while the R ight is responding to the s imultaneous challenges facing Israel’s hoping that Bennett, like Netanyahu, remains simpatico security and public health, and we expect to have many with them. Either way, we are in unfamiliar waters.” opportunities to meet with him when the public health Previous meetings between Israeli prime ministers and situation is more conducive,” said Halber.

How Biden and Bennett will push the restart button on U.S. - Israel relations By Jacob Kornbluh forward.com August 24, 2021 Joe Biden’s d e cision to pull forces from Afgha nistan questions, President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime could haunt his presidency. Minister Naftali Bennett are hoping to set a new tone Despite their deep differences on major diplomatic Foc us o n Is rae l August 28, 2021 Page 2 for U.S. - Israeli relations at the White Hou se Thursday, their clashed frequently in public over Iran and the peace first meeting since each took office. process. They disagree on returning to the 2015 Iranian nuclear This week’s meeting between Biden and Benne tt will deal, the Israeli - Palestinian conflict and China, but experts not end in similar frustrations, said Daniel Kurtzer, former say the leaders have shared policy goals and political skills U.S. Ambassador to Israel. “The fact that they will be able on which to build. to talk to each other with mutual respect, in a civilized “ I would expect the dynamics on a personal level to be diplomatic tone based on friendship, is going to make a very good,” said Fitz Haney, former U.S. Ambassador to difference ev en if there still remains policy differences Costa Rica under Obama, and a longtime Israeli resident. after the meeting.” He pointed to Biden’s and Bennett’s respective reputations The Iran question for working well even with poli tical opponents. Netanyahu’s past vocal opposition to the Iranian Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, this afternoon nuclear deal and his campaign against the Biden (Tuesday, 24 August 2021), at the invitation of US administration’s attempt to return to it will hover over this President Joe Biden, left on his first diplomatic visit to week’s meeting . But Bennett also opposes reviving the Washington. by 2015 agreement, which lightened sanctions on Iran in Adding to the impetus for Biden and Bennett to exchange for curbs on its nuclear program. generate positive headlines off this first meet - up is the At a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem on Sunday, Bennett current crises each is facing. Biden is engulfed in the said he’s going to broach the topic with Biden, but also chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan and a budget present an alternative plan “to curb the Iranians, both in showdown with moderate House members. Bennett, who the nuclear sphere and vis - à - vis regional aggression.” leads the right - wing party, is dealing with an “That’s going to be a very tough discussion,” said outbreak of the Delta variant and rising tensions on the Kurtzer, who is now a professor on Middle East policy Gaza border. studies at Princeton University. But perhaps most key to the success of this initial The lack of pr ogress between Washington and Tehran meet - up: Benyamin Netanyahu will not be in the room, on the deal in recent months, in wake of the Iranian and both Biden and Bennett want to make sure he does elections and the swearing in of President Ibrahim Raisi, not return to power. “could lead for a much more expedited conversation That common desire will keep tensions between Biden between the U.S. and Israel” about the immediate steps and Bennett low, said a f ormer administration official who ne eded to stop the nuclear program, said David Makovsky, was not authorized to speak on the record. Bennett’s so - director of the program on Arab - Israel Relations at the called “change government,” made up of parties who agree Washington Institute of Near East Policy. on little other than their desire to remove Netanyahu, aim But the Biden - Bennett exchange on Iran is likely to be to avoid contentious issues like security and Pale stinian kept under wraps. “I’m sure Bennett won’t want t o rights and to focus on rebuilding the economy and embarrass the president in public when he talks about domestic reforms. After two years in office, Bennett will Iran,” said Dan Arbell, a scholar in residence at the Center cede power to , who represents a more liberal for Israel studies at American University. swath of Israeli voters. Evelyn Farkas, a former Pentagon official in the For the Biden administration, the stability of the Obama administration, said Biden should be open to presents them an opportunity for hearing Bennett out on Iran, since prospects for a renewed movement on the Israeli - Palestinian front once Lapid, the nuclear deal are dim. “This is very much needed since we current foreign minister, takes over. “They know who is don’t have sufficient leverage on Iran, and I think we waiting in the wings,” the official said. Lapid has already should be working closely with Israel on this front,” she said that he would seek to advance a two - state solution said. under his rule. The impact of the Afghanistan withdrawal Netanyahu, a polarizing figure in Israel, enjoyed a Some experts hold that Israel also gained leverage with strong relationship with former President . the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban. Though they aligned on most matters of mutual interest, The chaotic and highly - criticized American evacuation the relationship frayed Israeli ties with Democrats. And from Kabul, broadcast around the world gives, the Israeli even Israeli Trump supporters could be wary of the prime minister “kind of an upper hand going into this American president’s unpredictability. meeting,” said Farkas. “President Biden wants this meeting Netanyahu’s relationship with recent Democratic to go well and to show that the U.S. remains a strong ally presidents got off to rocky starts — and stayed that way. in the Middle East.” After his first meeting with Bill Clinton in 1996, the From Israel’s perspective, the Taliban takeover of Ameri can president bristled at what he considered Afghanistan bolsters the terrorist o rganization in the Netanyahu’s lecturing. recalled a similar Middle East and undercuts the idea of transferring land episode after a meeting with Netanyahu and the two that Israel considers critical to its security to a weak power like the Palestinian Authority. Page 3 August 28, 2021 Focus on Israe l

Member of Amichai Chikli, a rebel within conflict. Biden “understands that conflict resolution is not Bennett’s Yamina party, said the prim e minister should attainable” and Benne tt is interested in “shrinking the have postponed his visit to the U.S. because Biden is conflict,” he said. consumed with the Afghanistan pullout. Chikli, who voted The withdrawal from Afghanistan and Biden’s $3.5 against the Bennett - Lapid government but sticks with the trillion budget proposal has put him in the good graces of coalition on key votes, compared the Taliban takeover of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, and could Afghanistan t o the Iranian revolution in 1979 and Biden to allow him to take a less aggressive a pproach with Israel on former President Jimmy Carter. the Palestinian issue, Farkas said. “I think he can bring up Kurtzer, however, said that the Afghanistan situation human rights issues for the or more assistance changes nothing for U.S. - Israel relations because Biden is to the Palestinian Authority somewhere in some statement, resolute in his decision to withdraw American soldiers but I don’t think it’s going to be a big agenda topic, ” she from Kabul. “I think that he is reading the polls that are said. suggesting that the American people are very happy with But many within the administration are also expecting the move,” said Kurtzer. “I don’t think it will impact the Bennett to show Biden that he is willing to take concrete meeting at all.” steps to improve the daily lives of the Palestinians. How Biden and Bennett address the Israeli - Palestinian Though Bennett’s time in Washington is short, Arbell, conflict a 25 - year veteran of the Israeli Foreign Service, said he Few who study the Israeli - Palestinian conflict believe would be wise to find some time on his schedule to meet that Biden will push Bennett for direct negotiations with with senior Democratic congressional leaders “to show the Palestinians to resolve the conflict. that this new government is opening a new page in its More likely, Kurtzer said, the president will expect relationship with the Democratic Party, after years of Bennett to explain how he will keep the peace within the ten sion and upheaval.” occu pied . Bennett, who is arriving in Washington, D.C., on Makovsky, who was a former U.S. negotiator under Tuesday night, will be meeting with Secretary of State Clinton, suggested that both Bennett and Biden are Tony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Jake thinking more along the lines of managing than ending the Sullivan, Biden’s national security advisor on Wednesday. Netanyahu’s would - be heirs step out of his shadow, and into the firing line By Haviv Rettig Gur timesofisrael.com August 25, 2021 Now two months in the opposition, the longtime Netanyahu camp to drive from power for the first ruling party’s front bench is champing at the bit and time in 12 years. jockeying for position to prepare for the d ay after its Some at the August 5 meeting warned that, like so is gone. many other recent maneuvers by the party’s leaders, On August 5, an internal Likud party committee called freezing out deserters could come back to hurt Likud. MK the “secretariat” met at the Kfar Maccabiah Hotel in Yoav Kish, for example, asked if it was wise to leave the Ramat Gan for a raucous discussion on what to do with former defectors with no option but to continue shoring the party’s “renegades.” up the current government. The new coalition is littered with them, complained “Even if I have serious criticism of , if party leaders and activists: former Likud MKs and cabinet we discover that we can topple the government [with her ministers, mayors and influential activists, who all defected help] — I’d bring her back,” he said. from the party in recent years to pursue their political But others insisted that other factors were more fortunes elsewhere. Nearly the entire party is important: deterrence, taking a principled (if belated) stand made up of such defectors. Had they not shifted their against defections, or even just the simple satisfaction of support to the new Bennett - Lapid coalition, Likud would revenge. likely still be the ruling party. MK Mik i Zohar’s response to Kish was short and , Likud’s powerful former finance minister blunt: “Never. I won’t let that happen.” and chair of the secretariat, had a proposal for punishing The final resolution passed by the secretariat had it all: the miscreants: an amendment to the party constitution An eight - year cooling - off period for defectors returning to stipulating that any Likudnik who had left the party the party, and a similar eight - year freeze on party wouldn’t be allowed back for eight years. mem bership for anyone who served as a minister in a It wasn’t just about revenge, but about deterring future government that pushed Likud to the opposition — a desertions. Likud h ad spent three election campaigns stipulation written specifically for Yamina MKs who had feverishly trying to splinter its opponents with lavish entertained hopes of joining Likud in the future. promises for potential turncoats — and then watched in So much hot air horror as its own members, MKs like Gideon Sa’ar, Ze’ev It was a dramatic moment, a pointe d message to Elkin and Sharren Haskel, jumped in the other direction , defectors past and future in a party licking its wounds and tilting the political system just enough toward the anti - seeking to reclaim its dignity. It was also meaningless. Foc u s o n Israel August 28, 2021 Page 4

The secretariat, which is in charge of the party’s daily Likud leader was asked is a reflection of somethin g operations, has no power to amend the constitution. changing in the air). Barkat did much worse than Amendments must p ass the constitution committee and be Netanyahu, drawing just 24 seats for Likud under his approved by a two - thirds vote in the 4,000 - strong Central leadership. Fully half of Likud’s eight lost seats went Committee. Central Committee chair MK rightward, pushing Religious from a six - seat party noted as much in an angry tirade that dismissed the at Netanyahu’s side to a 10 - seat one with Barkat helming spectacle as “Israel [Katz]’s childish show.” the right. For all the no isy pageantry, the bickering and But Barkat’s leadership opens possibilities Netanyahu blustering, and the political reporters who went to the doesn’t have: For example, he could lead a coalition that trouble of live - tweeting from the hall, nothing had actually brings right - wing parties like Yamina, New Hope and happened. Yisrael Beytenu back to the right. Parties led by people Or, rather, nothing had happened to Likud’s repe atedly scarred by Netanyahu’s broken promises might constitution or the possibility of defectors returni ng to the give a new Likud leader a chance to prove he’s different. party fold. But the spectacle had a different purpose, and As Likud MK put it bluntly in an August to its chief organizer, secretariat chair Katz, it had 11 radio interview with the Haredi radio station Kol succeeded beautifully. Barama, Likud was denied a government by Netanyahu’s It was the opening gambit in Katz’s race to replace credibility problem. Netanyahu as party leader. And after the events of August “I think wants to be prime minister with 5, other aspirants to the Likud throne understood they Likud’s support,” Bitan said. (Gantz could do so by leaving needed to take steps to catch up. the current governing coalition and joining with Likud to Hard times form a new one. Gantz has reportedly been offered as Likud has had a poor time in the opposition so far. It’s much by Netanyahu.) “But he’s afraid that as soon as he not just that after 12 years in power, it had forgotten just comes over to us, Netanyahu will force snap elections. I how dull and frustrating it can get o ut of power. It’s also can say that in my view, Netanyahu and the Likud learned the galling fact that it was pushed out of leadership by a their lesson” — about the consequences of serial promise - strange hybrid sort of government led by a six - seat faction; breaking to prospective coal ition partners — “and if that this oddball government is proving more stubbornly Gantz wants to be prime minister, he’ll get it and Likud resilient than anyone had guessed; and that the party is will give it to him.” learning the hard way that among those defectors, the It’s an extraordinary quote that sums up neatly Likud’s targets of so much rage, are some of its most experienced frustration with Netanyahu: When you can’t be trusted to and successful parliamentary handlers. fulfill coalition agreements, it’s awfu lly hard to find Netanyahu is the most popular single politician in coalition partners. Israel, but he’s also the most disliked politician in Israel Netanyahu draws more voters but cannot win But more than any of that is the vexing fact that the elections. Barkat draws fewer voters and would preside party’s unassailable leader seems to be the cause of its over a less energized base but, polls say, would likely troubles. return Likud to power with a broad and relatively stable A poll released Saturday night by Channel 12 showed coalition. what nearly every poll and ballot - box result in two years No wonder, then, that Barkat took a commanding lead has confirmed: Eve n now, even with the pandemic surging when Channel 12’s pollsters asked Likud voters about back and the public convinced (59% to 35% in a Friday potential replacements to Netanyahu. Barkat was named as poll) that the Bennett government is bungling its response, the favorite heir to Netanyahu by 31 percent of a Likud led by Netanyahu still doesn’t have a viable respondents, followed in distant second place by Miri coalition — while a Likud led by someone else does. Regev (12%), ( 9%), (6%), Israel Growing numbers of Likud MKs and activists are Katz (5%) and (3%). beginning to feel trapped in Netanyahu’s shadow. The feeling that they are trapped by Netanyahu’s The trap is real, and there’s no obvious way out. politicking is growing in Likud, and it’s sparking the first Netanyahu is the most popular single politician in Israel — serious glimmers of the post - Netanyahu leadership overwhelmingly so on the right — but he’s also th e most scramble. They smell blood, and the signals of rebellion disliked politician in Israel, with entire parties and large are multiplying. swaths of the electorate that were determined to remove Where are the Mizrahim? him. On August 12, engineered her own That Saturday poll gave 32 seats to a Likud led by primary - bid dust - up in an interview with the Yedioth Netanyahu, more than 10 seats ahead of second - place Ahronoth daily. Yesh — but still wi th no clear path to a coalition. “I want a Mizrahi prime minister,” she said, referring The poll then asked about a Likud led by the next - in - to Jews of North A frican or Middle Eastern heritage. “I line favorite for party leader, former Jerusalem mayor Nir think the Mizrahim, Likud members, over the years chose Barkat (the very fact that the question about an alternative white people to lead them. I think the day after Netanyahu, Page 5 August 28, 2021 Focus on Israe l

Likud members will have to do some soul - searching…. If come…. It seems there are those in Li kud who feel the Likud members continue to choose leaders with w hite Netanyahu era is over. They’re wrong,” Ohana said. DNA, a different Likud will rise, a real Mizrahi Likud.” Then he added: “I don’t want the public to vote for Regev has a point. Nearly the entire cadre of Likud’s me because I’m Moroccan, but because of my abilities.” leadership hopefuls is male and Ashkenazi, of European Ohana’s ostensible dislike for post - Netanyahu chatter heritage. And few have wielded Mizrahi identity and old is belied by his constant m ention of it over the past two memories of marginalization to greater political effect than weeks, most recently before an audience Saturday in Petah Netanyahu. Regev is taking Netanyahu’s longtime tactic to Tikva, where he even reiterated his insistence that his its logical conclusion. Despite winning a majority of the Mizrahi roots, which he only brought up to explain their Mizrahi vote since the 1970s, Likud has never been led by unimportance, are irrelevant to his qualifications for party a Mizrahi Jew. It was time to change that, sugges ted Regev, leadership. nee Siboni, daughter of a Moroccan immigrant. That is, even Ohana’s criticism of the post - Netanyahu And, she threatened, if Likud failed to diversify its jostling is part and parcel of it. As the candidates scramble leadership, maybe it was time for its Mizrahi base to turn to shape their campaigns and make their case for party elsewhere. leadership, Ohana has chosen to run on unflagging loyalty Regev clarified in the interview that her words were to Netan yahu and an emphasis, in the face of Regev’s new not meant as a challen ge to Netanyahu. While he’s in the ethnic campaign, on his Mizrahi roots. game, “I support him fully. But the day after Bibi, the Gantz the savior game changes.” Regev may have defended Netanyahu, but As the cacophony builds, helped by Netanyahu’s she also sparked a new phase in the race to replace him — decision to vacation for the past two weeks in far - off and in doing so highlighted his weakness. Hawaii, the party leader seems to have gotten the message. Likud scutt lebutt indicates that Netanyahu is That, at least, was how Likudniks understood last displeased by Regev’s comments. Sources said to be close Thursday’s report in Israel Hayom, Netanyahu’s to Netanyahu told Yedioth on August 15 that “the damage journalistic home base, that he was considering offering Miri Regev did to herself is unprecedented. This broke all Benny Gantz the prime minister’s chair without rotation in bounds, crossed the boundaries of discussion in L ikud, a bid to pull him away from the B ennett - Lapid coalition. If when she uses terms like ‘black’ and ‘white.’ Her words true, the move would mark a reversal of Netanyahu’s exposed her ignorance and lack of understanding of original betrayal of Gantz last year that ultimately led to Likud.” Likud’s new turn in the opposition. But Regev only doubled down. The firestorm, after all, No one in Likud really believes Netanyahu would let was the point. She has a long way to climb in the polls if Gantz serve out a term as pri me minister unimpeded. But she wants to challeng e Barkat. the very leak of such an offer to an emphatically pro - “I know I’m touching the exposed nerves of Israeli Netanyahu outlet has caused a stir. society,” she told Yedioth. “But it can’t be that for 73 Netanyahu, it is said in the party, is signaling that he years, they haven’t found a Mizrahi worthy of serving as has heard the frustration, that he sees the danger of the chief justice of the Supreme Court or as prime minister…. primary race taking shap e under his nose, and that he The day after [Netanyah u], Likud must grow a Mizrahi understands he must find Likud a path back to power leadership.” before the voices of frustration — those who notice that The battle is joined, and then joined again Likud remains in the opposition for the benefit of its That’s the rhythm of this new game. Regev, Barkat, leader, not the party — multiply. Katz — all suddenly mounting aggressive post - Netanyahu Netanyahu plans to keep figh ting. His next chance to leadership challenges while insisting they support topple the government comes in the budget votes next Netanyahu wh oleheartedly. Yuli Edelstein suggested he month. Last week, Likud MKs received invitations to a might challenge Netanyahu directly in the next primary, in special study session in the coming days about the the spirit of the party’s democratic tradition. On August government’s new budget bill. Netanyahu’s former 13, Tzachi Hanegbi announced that “after the Netanyahu economic adviser Avi Sim hon will lay out for the MKs the era, I’ll run for Likud leader. I’m the mo st veteran MK and principal directions of the new budget — and possible the most experienced minister.” lines of attack in the parliamentary battle over its passage. And last week, joined the fray, criticizing Whatever the polls say about his ballot - box prospects, the mad rush to replace Netanyahu and lashing Regev Netanyahu is still the overwhelming favorite among t he specifically for her populist appeal to her Mizrahi roots. Likud faithful, an icon of the party and of the political And who better to know when an appeal to one’s Mizrahi right who gives every indication he won’t go quietly. Likud roots is shallow and callous, Ohana told Kol Barama radio has had just four leaders in 73 years; it does not oust on August 16, than a Moroccan like himself? leaders against their will. The past three weeks, then, don’t “Anyone who now speaks about becoming Likud signal his collap se as leader. leader after Netanyahu, in their hearts wants that day to Visit suburba northodox.or g f or t he current iss u e . Foc u s o n Israel August 28, 2021 Page 6

But they are a sign of what life will be like if Likud’s party from winning without him — his position will grow stay in the opposition drags on. tenuous, his control over his par ty will weaken, and his Netanyahu’s basic case for leading his party was prospects for returning to the Prime Minister’s Office at simple: He won elections. If he can no longer deliver those the head of a unified and triumphant Likud will grow victories — if, indeed, he is the obstacle preventing his dimmer . American Withdrawal from Afghanistan Benefits By Anna Borshchevskaya washingtoninstitute.org August 18 , 2021 A setback in the great - power competition. diplomatically — which in and of itself lent it greater President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from Afghanistan is legitimacy. Senior US military and Afghan officials a catastrophic moral and strategic mistake that will define suggested support later went beyond diplomacy, to arms his legacy. It will also complicate his focus on great power provision. In most recent years, public diplomatic competition with China and Russia. “Y ou can’t blame engagement only intensified. The Taliban is officially a Russia for feeling a little smug about what is happening in terrorist organization in Russia but since 2018, Moscow Kabul,” said Fyodor Lukyanov, Putin’s foreign policy hosted Taliban officials for several rounds of peace talks, advisor and editor of influential Russia in Global Affairs. which produced little tangi ble progress but gave Moscow Indeed, Russian state - run media reactions show open glee. an opportunity to come out as a convener of a major “America n o longer matters,” declared one Russian diplomatic initiative where the US did not play a key role. political scientist on Russian - state TV show 60 Minutes, Russian officials also routinely met with the Taliban in adding that Russia should continue to “quietly strangle the Qatar over the years. United States.” Moscow’s current attitude towards Af ghanistan To be sure, the American withdrawal presents remains complex but ultimately highlights anti - American challenges for Russia. But also opport unities for Putin. priorities. Indeed, this attitude reflects a long history of More than fighting terrorism, he seeks to weaken the US - simultaneously coveting Western assistance and resenting led liberal post - World War II security architecture in favor Western primacy. As late as October 2020 Putin said, “I to of his vision of a multipolar world. The American this day beli eve that the presence of Americans in withdrawal from Afghanistan weakens this structure for Afghanistan does not contradict our national interests,” Putin, and leav es a vacuum he has little choice but to fill. adding that an American withdrawal raises many risks for Putin’s Russia has many problems, but it is not the Soviet Russia. But last month, Russian foreign minister Sergei Union that withdrew from Afghanistan in defeat in 1989, Lavrov described the Taliban as "sane" people wh o said only to collapse and lose the Cold War soon after. Indeed, they have no plans to create problems in Central and Putin, for whom these years were for mative, always who will “uncompromisingly” fight ISIS. And Konstantin wanted payback. Kosachev, deputy speaker of Russia’s Federation Council While the collapse of the USSR was a tragedy for (upper house), saw only one piece of good Putin insofar as it meant the loss of power and status, he news from Afghanistan — that the US has “no grounds to also extracted a number of key lessons. Unlike his Soviet claim leadership” with regard to the Afghan settlement. predecessors, Putin has focused on pragmatism over Lavrov also suggested that a new American presence ideology to pursue his goals. Since taking the reins of in Central Asia outside Afghanistan will make Russian power over twenty years ago, he has consistently built allies “hostage to American politics.” Indeed, Russia’s contacts with everyone in the Middle East, both deputy foreig n minister, Sergei Ryabkov, warned the US governments and major opposition movements to them. about deploying American troops to Central Asia after He applied a similar template to Afghanistan, where withdrawing from Afghanistan. Putin for his part has yet M oscow for years played a double game. I wrote about it to speak publicly since Biden announced the US in 2017 after visiting Afghanistan, a country where I withdrawal. Instead, he met with Central Asian leaders a nd worked in previous years with a US military contractor. the Russian Security Council and held military drills on the True, Putin supported the US - led Afghanistan Afghan border. invasion from the beginning, but his support w as Whether Russian officials genuinely believe that the ultimately conditional. Thus in 2009, Moscow pressured Taliban will turn into a responsible stakeholder is a Kyrgyzstan to close the Manas airbase that the country was separate matter. “In their hearts, they [the Russians] know leasing to the United States. The American presence in the futili ty of their wish, but they have their anti - American Central Asia worried Moscow at least as much as the threat design,” Davood Moradian, founder and first director - from the Taliban; Putin d id not want American bases in general of the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies this region, Russia’s historic vulnerable “soft underbelly.” (AISS), told me. Ultimately, however, Moscow is nothing Over the years, Moscow worked to build influence in if not cynical. Beyond savoring American defeat, Putin will Afghanistan not simply out of security considerations but focus on making sure whatever happens does not affect also with the aim to weaken the West and NATO. Kremlin interests — and makes him look good. Russia’s By at le ast as late as 2007, Moscow opened a line of special envoy to Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov said last communication with the Taliban and engaged the Taliba n month that thanks to Russia’s multi - year dialogue with the Page 7 August 28, 2021 Focus on Israe l

Taliban, Moscow can now “talk with any of the forces in now in a better position to play peac emaker here too, and Afghanistan” unlike the “failed Westerners.” The Kremlin as desperate Afghans cling to sides of American airplanes will thus likely put a renewed emphasis on diplomacy and leaving Kabul while Biden told the American public he projecting military power in the region. does not regret his decision, Moscow’s (like Beijing’s) clout Although many analysts expected Russia to get stuck can simply grow by default. What a world that will be. in a quagmir e in when Putin intervened militarily in Ms. Bo rshchevskaya is a senior fellow at The Washington Institute September 2015, Putin aimed to keep it limited — indeed to and author of the upcoming book Putin’s War in Syria: Russian precisely avoid the Afghanistan experience of the Soviet Foreign Policy and the Price of America’s Absence. Union. Certainly, Afghanistan is not Syria, but Moscow is Israel needs to stop now before it gets worse By Anna Ahronheim jpost.com A ugust 22, 2021 The bullet that struck Shmueli should wake up the respond at the appropriate time. Bennett government put out the fire before it IDF Chief of Staff Lt. - Gen. Aviv Kohavi reportedly explodes – again . agreed with the assessment that it was best not to respond Border Police St. - Sgt. Bar - el Shmueli was shot point - right away. It could have been because the deal with Qatar, blank in the head just days after an agreement was reached being negotiated by the Egyptians and the , to see humanitar ian funds transferred to needy Gazans. was in its final stages. That bullet should be a wake - up call to the political Or it could have been because Bennett is heading to and military echelons. Washington and has been invited to Cairo, and he didn’t The riot in which Shmueli was critically wounded saw want to risk escalating the situation further? thousands of Gazans, including children, riot along the Whatever the reason, Hamas felt it had been waiting border under the banner of prot ecting the Aqsa Mosque. too long. The rocket fire was a warning of what w as The demonstrations took place at various points along coming. the perimeter fence to mark the “day of the burning of al - The rally would take place, Palestinian factions in Aqsa Mosque.” Gaza warned last Wednesday, and the IDF was said to But listening to the statements made by Hamas have reinforced troops ahead of the protest out of concern leaders, it was clearly not just about an event that took that it could get violent. And it did. pl ace 52 years ago. It was about Hamas and its leader Reminiscent of the 2018 - 2019 weekly “March of Yahya Sinwar wanting more. Return” border protests organized by the terrorist group in Following 11 days of fighting between Israel and Gaza control of the , the riot on Saturday evening in May, Israel withheld hundreds of millions of dollars became extremely violent. But this time, there was a provided by Qatar in aid to poor families in Gaza and significant failure by the IDF that could have been salaries to H amas clerks. prevented. The terrorist group has threatened to reignite violence The firing spot where Shmueli was positioned was on the border if the money is blocked. Last Thursday, extremely unsafe. Not only were troops unable to see the Israel reached an initial deal to distribute the Qatari funds. crowd gathering, the window where he had placed his rifle The money is expected to enter the Gaza Strip next was too large, making him an easy target for Palestinian week. Some 100,000 families are supposed to receive $100 fire. Both Hamas and Islamic Palestinian Jihad saw what per month from September through December. happened and have found yet another weak point in But feeding needy families isn’t enough. The Israel’s defenses. agreement did not include the millions of dollars in salaries Though the IDF retaliated by striking four Hamas promised to Hamas employees. Those who took part in sites in the Gaza Strip, Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum the protests “af firmed that our battle with the occupation said Israel had “miscalculated the situation and ignored the is open,” Hamas spokesman Abd al - Latif al - Qanou said. message of our people and their resistance factions.” “We have the power to defend al - Aqsa Mosque and Israel struck Gaza to “cover up its failure,” and break the siege of Gaza,” he said. “The continuation of the Palestinians had “made the enemy taste some of its fire,” siege cannot be accepted, and we will not accept th e he said. This is what is supposed to happen during a occupation’s sluggishness and procrastination.” ceasefire with Hamas? This is supposed to be what Israel is Earlier in the week, a rocket was fired toward Sderot giv en after it brokers a humanitarian deal? and neighboring communities in the South, setting off The bullet that struck Shmueli should wake up the incoming sirens and sending thousands to bomb shelters. Bennett government. Put out the fire before it explodes Despite the growing tension, Israel remain ed silent. again. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said the IDF would China’s Growing Interest in the Palestinian Cause Won’t Benefit Israel By Galia Lavi inss.org.il Augu st 4, 2021 A way to taunt America while appealing to the Muslim world. Focus o n I srael August 28, 2021 P age 8

In July 2021, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi those of its neighbors in the Gulf. Chinese investments are visited Syria, , and Algeria, and met with senior tailored to the needs of the destination countries, as well as officials of the Arab League. This was Wang’s second visit to Chinese interests. For example, in , the Chinese to the Middle East this ye ar, following his March visit to Foreign Minister stressed the need to strengthen the six countries: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, “Middle Corridor project” – an initiative of Kazakhstan, Bahrain, Iran, and Turkey. In addition to trade matters, the Georgia, and Azerbaijan to develop a trans - Caspian visits dealt with three main topics: promoting the transport route linking Eastern Europe with China, via distribution of Chinese COVID - 19 vaccines; Chinese Turkey, the Caucasus, the Caspian Sea, and Central Asia. inv estments in the framework of the Belt & Road He also called for cooperation on hi - tech, 5G, and the Initiative; and the Israeli - Palestinian conflict. digital economy. In the Emirates, he spoke about After selling and donating Chinese vaccines and expanding cooperation in the fields of energy, hi - tech, and medical equipment to countries in the region, China wants new technologies, and in Bahrain, he talked about to encourage the establishment of local manufacturing cooperation as part of the Belt & Road Initiative in energy, f acilities. During the visit to the UAE, he launched a 5G, infrastructures, e - commerce, and big data. In contrast, factory to manufacture 200 million doses a year of the in the developing countries that he visited in July, he Sinopharm vaccine. In Egypt, the Minister officially confined himself largely to general statements about the inaugurated a factory producing Sinovac vaccines, which need to expand cooperation under the Belt & Road began operations a month earlier and i s expected to Initiative. By promoting investme nts in developed manufacture some 40 million doses a year. The countries in the fields of infrastructure and advanced establishment of a third facility, also for Sinovac, was technologies, which are important to China, and by announced during the visit to Algeria. The distribution of declarations that arouse hope in developing countries, the vaccines is important to China, which seeks to restore China wishes to strengthen its influence in the Middle its image, damaged by the pandemic, derive economic East, enlist the suppor t of countries in the region, and benefit, and leverage the move as a means of political generally improve its image, while the United States influence. appears to be retreating from the region. The subject of Chinese investments as part of the Belt The third principal issue during the visit was the & Road Initiative is a flagship initiative personally Israeli - Palestinian conflict; China tends to raise the issue in promoted by the Chinese President and embodies a c entral various inte rnational forums and at meetings with Arab Chinese interest. The initiative, which encompasses a range leaders. Chinese statements show that it sees the of projects worldwide, is used by China to form a kind of Palestinian issue at the heart of the Middle East’s global club under its leadership, in the name of a vision of problems, and lasting peace and security to the region world harmony, collaboration, and unity – "a community depend on its resolution. Accordingly, the issue was of common desti ny for mankind." In Algeria, Wang men tioned at all the Minister’s meetings, and at two of declared that “China will always be a member of the camp them, action plans were also presented. In Saudi Arabia in of developing countries, and breathe the same air and March, Wang presented a Five Point Plan to achieve peace share a common destiny with the developing countries.” and security in the Middle East. After stating the general This utopian vision, which includes calls for “sovereign need to "support mutual resp ect,” the Minister spoke of equality” and non - interference in the internal affairs of China’s intention to raise the ongoing dispute at the UN countries, and also promises future investments amounting Security Council, support the two - state solution, and invite to $750 billion, is enticing to many countries, particularly peacemakers on both sides for talks. During his visit to the developing ones, which are in crisis or desperately in Egypt in July, he put forward three ideas for achievi ng a need of investment. No fewer than 139 countries have two - state solution: enhancing the status of the Palestinian joined the Belt & Road Initiative, including 17 from the Authority; supporting the unity of Palestinian factions; and Middle East and North . encouraging the resumption of peace talks based on the All the countries visited by Wang have already joined two - state solution. the initiative, but China’s interests in them are different. In This is not the first time that China has invited March, the visit included the Gulf states as well as Iran and repre sentatives of both sides to such talks, or raised plans Turkey, all of which have stable regimes – most with with varying numbers of points to resolve the conflict. strong economies – and in which China has multiple However, during Operation Guardian of the Walls in May, investments and is eager for more. On the other hand, the China departed from its “non - interference” policy, July visit involved countries that were “affected by the whereby it generally avoids taking a side in disputes. It ‘Arab Spring.’" Two of them, Syria and Algeria, are going summoned meetings of the UN Security Council on the through long and deep crises, and Chinese companies are subject, formulated declarations, and supported resolutions reluctant to invest heavily there. Egypt is stable and more condemning Israel. Foreign Minister Wang himself important to China but also needs strong investment in addressed the Security Council and declared that the two - infrastructures, an d its economic abilities lag far behind state solution is the “ultimate way out” to end the conflict, Page 9 August 28, 2021 Focus on Israe l and repeated his invitation to “peacemakers” from both the wording of the UN Security Council statement against sides. Israel that was drafted by China and other Securit y Council Indeed, about a month later such talks took place, with members, Foreign Minister Wang commented that the the participation of Israeli representatives that included United States stands “on the opposite side of international , , Israel a Oron, and Gadi justice” (but did not mention Britain, which also objected). Baltiansky. Two of them were formerly Members Israel observed Wang’s visits to the Middle East with a of Knesset, and three are among the heads of the Geneva certain lack of int erest. Past experience shows that China is Initiative to promote a permanent settlement between quick to declare support but is generally satisfied with Israel and the Palestinians. The Palestinian delegation was symbolic actions only, and there is little likelihood of a led by Ahmed Majd alani, the Minister for Social rush of Chinese companies to rebuild the ruins of Syria, Development, a member of the PLO Executive just as there is little expectation of i mminent significant Committee, and the General Secretary of the Popular investment in the Gaza Strip. On the other hand, China’s Struggle Front, which is linked to . In other words, growing assertiveness in international organizations is not from both sides, China invited people who are used to expected to wane, and it will probably continue to support talks but lack any political authority. The participants in the the Palestinians, necessarily at Israel’s expense. previous talks initiated by China had similar backgrounds, So far, I srael and China have been fairly successful at so it is clear that China’s efforts are symbolic in intent, for maintaining a policy that separates economic relations and image rather than practical purposes. Wang himself in his mutual benefits from political disagreements. Thus, China speech at the Security Counci l differentiated between the continues to support Iran and the Palestinians, with no “peacemakers” who were invited to a “dialogue” and the significant harm to its economic rel ations with Israel, and “negotiators” from both sides who were invited to “direct at the same time continues its economic relations with talks” in China. Israel while being aware of Israel’s special relationship with China thus identifies the Israeli - Palestinian conflict as the United States. But as the rivalry between China and the material for positive rhetoric for Arab and Muslim US grows, Beijing is expected to step up its efforts t o cast audiences. Through its recurrent reference to the dispute Washington as a two - faced and irresponsible power while and “the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people in the brushing away any criticisms relating to human rights. In occupied territories,” the invitation to talks in Beijing, and this sense, the Israeli - Palestinian conflict is very useful, and meetings of “peacemakers,” China seeks to create for itself China’s position has broad international support even the image of a responsible power that stands beside an among some US al lies. China’s support for Iran, its oppressed minority and offers to help achieve a solution increasing assertiveness in international organizations, and for the benefit of both sides. Thus, the Israeli - Palestinian its use of the Israeli - Palestinian dispute to taunt the United conflict joins the list of topics that China can use to taunt States could create problems for relations between the United States, while also playing down criticism of its Jerusalem and Beijing, and even lead Israel t o re - examine own treatment of its Uyghur minority. During Operation its relations with China. Guardian of the Walls, when the United States objected to It Is Undisputed That the Temple Mount Is Judaism’s Holiest Site By Meir Soloveichik commentary.org September 2021 Don’t give ammunition to the lies of Israel’s enemies. the aftermat h of the 1967 Six - Day War. Religious authority What is Judaism’s holiest site? It is a simple question over the area is largely exercised by the Muslim waqf, and with an obvious answer. Thrice daily, Jews pray for the visiting Jews are literally forbidden to pray. Despite this restoration of sacred service to Jerusalem’s Temple Mount. indignity, religious Jews have continued to come, recently It is toward this location that all Jewish prayers have been by the many thousands. One of t he most popular days of p oured out since the Temple was destroyed. The Mount is the year to visit is the Ninth of Av, when the Temple was the only area on earth where, according to a Jewish law, destroyed. The Temple’s destruction is the reason that this certain parts cannot be entered in a state of ritual impurity, day is the saddest of the Jewish calendar, because — and many traditional Jews have refrained from ascending obviously — the Temple Mount is Judaism’s holiest site. to the site lest they vio late Jewish law. It was on the Ninth of Av this year that rioting Arabs Yet many now believe that, with a knowledge of the sought to prevent Jewish visitation. They failed. In a layout, history, and religious laws pertaining to the published statement, newly installed Prime Minister Naftali location, it is permissible to visit certain parts of the Bennett “thanked the public security minister and the Temple Mount Plaza. They do so under religious guidance, [chief] for managing the ev ents on the immersing first in a ritual bath, or mikvah, in order to Temple Mount with responsibility and consideration, while commune with the God they believe still dwells at what is maintaining freedom of worship for Jews on the Mount.” unquestionably Judaism’s holiest site. His words were immediately scoured for meaning. Did the In doing so, however, they have still been forced to prime minister intend to imply that now Jews would have abide by the “status quo” established by in freedom of prayer o n the Mount? After all, his language Focus o n I srael August 28, 2 021 P age 10 highlighted a striking fact: that in the Jewish state, the only miraculous moment when Jews returned to ancient faith members who cannot worship at its holiest site in the Jerusalem, the sacred city has itself been rebuilt — but the country are the Jews. Could this ultimate inequity suddenly destruction of the remnants of the Temple has gotten disappear? worse. The waqf has destroyed much archeological But soon after, the prim e minister’s office issued a evidence of the Temple that once was there, and many statement amending Bennet’s original one, and Yair Palestinian leaders have denie d that the Temple stood Lapid — who is not of Bennett’s party and does not share there in the first place. To say on television that the his ideological or religious convictions — assured the Western Wall is Judaism’s holiest site is to provide Kingdom of that no change in the status quo propaganda to those who seek to negate the Jewish would take place. Then Lapid went further. “Jews have connection to Jerusalem. freedom to visit Temple Mount and Muslims have The episode is another reminder that the Jewish return freedom of worship there,” he said. “If Jews wish to pray, to Jerusalem in 1967 marked one of the most miraculous the holiest place for Jews is a few meters from there — the moments in the history of the Jewish people, but it is also Western Wall.” the anniversary of Israel’s greatest mistake. The victory in This is preposterous. The Western Wall, or “Kotel,” is the Six - Day War could have been a moment to establish the retaining wall of the Temple Plaza from the Herodian what Prime Minister Bennet rightly called “freedom of age. It acquired its special status because it was the one site worship” on the Mount, a moment to enshrine the right where Jews were allowed by the Ottomans to gather in for Jews to pray there as much as Muslims. But that yearning for the Temple itself, and to mourn its moment was missed by Moshe Dayan, and the situation is destruction. The K otel is the place where Jews for very different today. centuries gathered…to affirm that the Temple Mount is For those who care deeply about the Je wish Judaism’s holiest site. connection to the Mount, and who desperately desire to Worse was yet to come. What began as an inelegant pray there, it may well be that today it will be achieved first attempt at diplomacy would soon descend into farce. and foremost with finesse. A recent Israeli news report Meirav Ben - Ari, a member of Knesset and of Lapid’s Yesh described how Israeli police are allowing visiting Jews on Atid Party, was asked on Israeli television about Lapid’s the Mount to pray — to do so quietly, unofficially, without comments. “Is it also your opinion,” queried the journalist the usual accoutrements such as prayer shawls and “that the Kotel is the holiest site for Jews?” phylacteries, but to pray nonetheless. One of the unsung “Barur,” she crisply replied — “but of course.” The heroes of the surreptitious step forward seems to be Gilad interviewer pressed: “Not th e Temple Mount?” Ben - Ari Erdan, the outgoing Israeli ambassador to Washing ton, reiterated her party leader’s line: “The Kotel is the holiest who will be staying on as Israel’s representative in the UN. site for the Jewish people.” Again, following up, the Until recently the Israeli police atop the Mount would stop interviewer asked: “More than then the Temple Mount?” any Jewish act that came close to prayer, at times “Ani lo osah taharut,” Ben - Ari said, which means: “I protesting even if a tour guide quoted the Bible. But the am not m aking a competition.” Jerusalem Post descri bed how Erdan, while serving as It is not clear, or course, what this signified. Does Israel’s minister for public security, deliberately oversaw Ben - Ari believe that the Kotel is Judaism’s holiest site, or personnel changes to the police, ensuring that they doesn’t she? As the puzzled reporter asked how Ben - Ari “softened their attitude to Jewish visitors and did not could ignore “our fundamental history as a people,” she remove those engaged in small, discreet Jewish prayer stuck by the party leader’s line: “Zo daati vezo amadati.” se rvices from the site.” Meaning: “This is my opinion and this is my position.” Meanwhile, the government of Israel owes it to its The application of this fascinating phrase to denying citizens, and thousands of years of Jewish history, to state historical fact — my opinion and my position — comes unequivocally that the Temple Mount, and not the perilously close to the postmodern penchant for “speaking Western Wall, is the locus of Jewish longing. It is not one’s truth.” Thus did a politician — who is not a historian, difficult to ack nowledge, and it is important to do so for theologian, or Judaic scholar of any kind — summarily many reasons, but for one above all: It is true. And as long redefine the Jewish faith. Thus was the Ninth of Av as lies and ignorance persist about the Jewish relationship followed by governmental figures denying all that Jews with the Temple Mount, Jewish visits to what is have mourned on that day. undeniably Judaism’s most sacred site will b ecome more Ultimately the problem with statements such as these important than ever. is not their ignorance but that they give ammunition to Mr. Soloveichik is the rabbi of Congregation Shearith Israel in New enemies of Israel, who seek to lie about Jewish history. York City and the director of the Straus Center for Torah and The hard truth is that in the past 54 years since the Western Thought at University.

C urrent iss u e also available at suburbanorthodox.org . If you see something, se nd something” – editor