Some thoughts about Trump’s deal

Trump’s plan has certain advantages, and certain disadvantages. What’s interesting is how all nations, from east and west, are on board.

The advantages are that it calls for Hamas to disarm, and for all hostages to be quickly released.

The disadvantages are, that it pushes Israel out of Gaza, and refers (albeit vaguely) to a Palestinian state.

So far Smotrich and Ben Gvir haven’t said that they will leave the coalition. Their red lines were to defeat Hamas (which ostensibly will be accomplished by disarming them), and to not create a Palestinian state. The deal doesn’t cross those red lines.

If Hamas accepts the deal and disarms, then Israel can claim that they won the war, defeating Hamas, Hezbollah, Syria, and Iran.

The problem is, that self-autonomy in Gaza is risky, since historically self-autonomy has led to independence.

But Israel is torn with the plight of the hostages. Israel desperately wants them back.

Fortunately, the Knesset is moving forward with legislation, to be able to give the death penalty to terrorists who perpetrated acts against humanity on October 7. This will dispense justice, and will also help to prevent future kidnappings. (Because once these terrorists are given the death penalty and are gone, then the incentive to kidnap and trade for them is gone.)

When we look back and reflect on the amazing and miraculous comeback after October 7, (and the miracle on October 7 itself, that Hezbollah and Iran didn’t join in on the attack that day), we feel appreciation and trust that the Almighty will continue to protect His people.

And October 7 has shown all, the danger of giving away land.

As the anniversaries of the Yom Kippur war and the Shmini-Atzeret-Simchat-Torah war (October 7) approach, we have mixed feelings — sadness, but also confidence that we will win, that the Almighty will redeem us with Moshiach, and that the Jewish nation will be at peace in the holy land forever.

And that Israel’s efforts to destroy evil, and to bring the light of G-d’s moral instruction to all nations, will bring peace to the entire world.