Netanyahu Convenes Emergency Cabinet Meeting

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Facts

  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened the country's first emergency cabinet meeting in Tel Aviv on Sunday. It followed a deal struck between Netanyahu and former opposition leader Benny Gantz, as well as several members of his party, to form a war-time unity government last week.1
  • In the meeting — which began with ministers paying tribute to the 1.3K Israelis killed in an attack by Hamas on Oct. 7 — Netanyahu said: 'Hamas thought we would be demolished. It is we who will demolish Hamas.'1
  • This comes amid widespread anticipation of an Israeli ground offensive into Gaza. In a statement on Sunday, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said its troops were 'preparing to implement a wide range of offensive operative plans' as part of 'an integrated and coordinated attack from the air, sea, and land.'2
  • According to the IDF, Israel's aim will be 'the rout of Hamas and the elimination of its leaders after the slaughter they perpetrated.' The IDF added that Hamas 'will not rule Gaza militarily and politically.'3
  • As Israel continues to amass troops along the Gaza border, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian warned of regional escalation on Sunday, if a ground offensive is launched.4
  • Meanwhile, on Monday, US Sec. of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to visit Israel for talks with leaders. His trip follows several meetings with heads of Middle-Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain, as well as leaders of Palestinian territories.5

Sources: 1Reuters, 2CNBC, 3The New York Times, 4Al Jazeera and 5The Week.

Narratives

  • Anti-Israel narrative, as provided by Haaretz. While Israel has a right to defend itself in the face of Hamas’ attacks of unprecedented brutality, it must be done within the parameters of international humanitarian law. There’s no justification for committing war crimes and attempting genocide.
  • Pro-Israel narrative, as provided by The Times of Israel. Hamas', not Israel's actions violate international criminal law and amount to genocide, as they have been carried out with the intent to destroy a nation. Israel must wipe out those terrorists who have butchered children and the elderly, and who indiscriminately fire rockets on innocent civilians.

Predictions