Annexation As Seen From Here

Yes, “the time is now’ or “seize the day”. Israel knows that Trump is the best ever for Israel’s side. So why wait until after the US election?

I used to think Israel should act unilaterally on borders. “The time is now” but that was then. Now, today’s now, is an anti-Israel shift in the Democratic party; it is powerful and daily gaining numbers. This will not be reversed. Nor will American Jews be of much help. Jews here, especially younger ones, are embracing tikkun olam, not as a substitute for Zionism but as opposition to Zionism and this is seen and noted by the Jews in the US Congress.

Now, between Trump and Biden it is even odds who will win. Biden’s incapacity does not seem to be an issue; even Biden supporters toppling the statute of George Washington does not seem to have registered against the Biden campaign. So I think the election depends on the economy as of the first week in November.

If Israel proceeds with annexation now, and if Biden wins, there will be serious problems for Israel vis-à-vis the USA. As already mentioned, the many Jews in the US Congress will not support Israel; Israel is delusional if it thinks otherwise. AIPAC, which has the longest and best sense of the mood in the Congress, sees this and Israel should believe AIPAC.

What is “serious”? Start with a hold on money, military liaison, and add diplomatic “neutrality”, plus a green light to the media with its ongoing anti-Israel attacks. “Blame Israel” will be in full chorus. Can Israel face Iran alone? What will be the Israeli response to a Hezbollah rocket barrage without new supplies from the USA; surely Israel has not forgotten the Yom Kippur war.

If Israel delays now and If Trump wins, then Israel will have waited only three months. But if Trump loses, then Israel can hope to retain at least some of the status quo.