Call Me Back - with Dan Senor A Shift in the War - with Haviv Rettig Gur
Dec 24, 2023
Journalist Haviv Rettig Gur joins the podcast to discuss the ongoing Hamas-Israel War, its implications, and the emerging third phase. They explore the complexity of Israeli society, analysis of national security views, and leaked reports of preemptive strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The conversation also delves into the concerns and speculations regarding the political environment and potential elections.
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Sealing Tunnels Over Storming Them
- Tunnels are heavily booby-trapped and dangerous, so the IDF often seals or buries them rather than storming every passage.
- Patience and time are crucial to minimize Israeli casualties while dismantling subterranean networks.
Hamas's Hostage Stance Hurts Its Case
- Hamas's public refusal of hostage exchanges until war end weakens their negotiating leverage and reduces pressure on Israel.
- Haviv reads this as either incapacity or tactic, effectively removing hostage exchanges from immediate bargaining.
PR Versus Military Reality
- The perceived gap critics highlight is often between political rhetoric and political actors, not between the IDF and reality.
- The IDF has been careful, modest, and specific in its public statements about operations like Shujaiya.