Israel operates with impunity??

[PaNTuXIa]

They're still pro-Israel though, correct?

If wanting Israel to be able to exist counts then yes, otherwise no. Also just because someone is Jewish doesn't mean they are pro-Israel.

yeah, but the vast majority still are though:
https://www.commentarymagazine.com/cult ... -minority/

[Novus Athenae]

Israel launches strikes into Syria to defend itself.

Yes, water is in fact wet.

[Pope Joan]

Our politicians are afraid of Tel Aviv.

Maybe it is the organized political clout they have in the US?

Or maybe it is outright fear, of harm to themselves or their families.

http://www.theamericanconservative.com/ ... n-america/


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_I ... ssinations

https://www.rt.com/usa/cia-mossad-israel-espionage-311/

[Geilinor]

They're still pro-Israel though, correct?

You claimed that they had Israeli citizenship.

[G-Tech Corporation]

Our politicians are afraid of Tel Aviv.

Maybe it is the organized political clout they have in the US?

Or maybe it is outright fear, of harm to themselves or their families.

http://www.theamericanconservative.com/ ... n-america/


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_I ... ssinations

https://www.rt.com/usa/cia-mossad-israel-espionage-311/

RT isn't a real source. Try again.

[The Knockout Gun Gals]

Based on the actions of Israel in the last few days it would appear they are exempt from UN action against their aggression. They have attacked targets inside Syria (a soverign nation), and flew through Lebanon (a soverign nation). They say it's to keep Hezbollah (a Lebanese militia) from aquiring the military equipment it needs to attack Israel. I personally think this is wrong, and Israel should be held accountable for violating other peoples airspace and even firing weapons in other nations without permission from the government.

What are you opinions on this?

Israel operates under the assumption that USA will solve the red tapes, administrations, and bureaucracy of anything that prove that the Israel's actions are illegal. And beside, UN has never been known for their ability against Israel, in general. And USA, too.

the reason Israel often goes uncriticized is because the media is made up of largely pro-Israel figures, or owned by pro-Israel companies. Another reason is the social stigma surrounding criticizing Israel, as the ADL are often quick to label anyone who criticizes the State a "anti-Semite." Also, the government of the US has had many high-ranking officials with dual Israeli-American citizenship. Examples include:

Attorney General – Michael Mukasey
Head of Homeland Security – Michael Chertoff
Chairman Pentagon’s Defense Policy Board – Richard Perle
Deputy Defense Secretary (Former) – Paul Wolfowitz
Under Secretary of Defense – Douglas Feith
National Security Council Advisor – Elliott Abrams
Vice President Dick Cheney’s Chief of Staff (Former) – “Scooter” Libby
White House Deputy Chief of Staff – Joshua Bolten
Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs – Marc Grossman
Director of Policy Planning at the State Department – Richard Haass
U.S. Trade Representative (Cabinet-level Position) – Robert Zoellick
Pentagon’s Defense Policy Board – James Schlesinger
UN Representative (Former) – John Bolton
Under Secretary for Arms Control – David Wurmser
Pentagon’s Defense Policy Board – Eliot Cohen
Senior Advisor to the President – Steve Goldsmith
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary – Christopher Gersten
Assistant Secretary of State – Lincoln Bloomfield
Deputy Assistant to the President – Jay Lefkowitz
White House Political Director – Ken Melman
National Security Study Group – Edward Luttwak
Pentagon’s Defense Policy Board – Kenneth Adelman
Defense Intelligence Agency Analyst (Former) – Lawrence (Larry) Franklin
National Security Council Advisor – Robert Satloff
President Export-Import Bank U.S. – Mel Sembler
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Administration for Children and Families – Christopher Gersten
Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for Public Affairs – Mark Weinberger
White House Speechwriter – David Frum
White House Spokesman (Former) – Ari Fleischer
Pentagon’s Defense Policy Board – Henry Kissinger
Deputy Secretary of Commerce – Samuel Bodman
Under Secretary of State for Management – Bonnie Cohen
Director of Foreign Service Institute – Ruth Davis
Federal Reserve Chair – Janet Yellen
Federal Reserve Vice-Chair – Stanley Fischer

As well as this, groups such as AIPAC and JStreetPac spend millions of dollars every year lobbying the federal government.

Um just about every single one of those is false. None of them have dual citizenship and only sites of dubious intent claim this. This is just another form of "the Jews did it" conspiracy.

Also James Schlesinger wasn't what ever you say he was he was SECDEF and CIA director, David Wurmser was an adviser not an under secretary, I can find absolutely nothing about anyone named Christopher Gersten that worked in the government.

Probably not "the Jews did it", but "the Israelis did it".

[Crockerland]

Our politicians are afraid of Tel Aviv.

I doubt they are afraid of a random Israeli city.

[Community Values]

If wanting Israel to be able to exist counts then yes, otherwise no. Also just because someone is Jewish doesn't mean they are pro-Israel.

yeah, but the vast majority still are though:
https://www.commentarymagazine.com/cult ... -minority/

I love how the pew research article it linked wasn't the right one, as it had not included opinions on Israel (it only had the highlights), and after a minute of looking, found this picture on another pew site.

The article never referenced the building of settlements, which most seemed to be against, or didn't really care. All they referenced was that first one about feelings towards Israel, which I guess would be like asking for Catholics feelings towards Vatican City.

[Thermodolia]

Based on the actions of Israel in the last few days it would appear they are exempt from UN action against their aggression. They have attacked targets inside Syria (a soverign nation), and flew through Lebanon (a soverign nation). They say it's to keep Hezbollah (a Lebanese militia) from aquiring the military equipment it needs to attack Israel. I personally think this is wrong, and Israel should be held accountable for violating other peoples airspace and even firing weapons in other nations without permission from the government.

What are you opinions on this?

Israel operates under the assumption that USA will solve the red tapes, administrations, and bureaucracy of anything that prove that the Israel's actions are illegal. And beside, UN has never been known for their ability against Israel, in general. And USA, too.

Um just about every single one of those is false. None of them have dual citizenship and only sites of dubious intent claim this. This is just another form of "the Jews did it" conspiracy.

Also James Schlesinger wasn't what ever you say he was he was SECDEF and CIA director, David Wurmser was an adviser not an under secretary, I can find absolutely nothing about anyone named Christopher Gersten that worked in the government.

Probably not "the Jews did it", but "the Israelis did it".

But not one of those listed are Israeli the majority are Jewish or have Jewish heritage therefore the "Jews did it" fits

[Proctopeo]

the reason Israel often goes uncriticized is because the media is made up of largely pro-Israel figures, or owned by pro-Israel companies. Another reason is the social stigma surrounding criticizing Israel, as the ADL are often quick to label anyone who criticizes the State a "anti-Semite." Also, the government of the US has had many high-ranking officials with pro-Israel views. Examples include:
-snip-

The only thing I agree with you on here is that the ADL is, frankly, a joke.

[Betoni]

Israel is defending itself. Good for them.

This. Besides half of Europe is in Syria right now fighting. Are you saying that Israel a nation that borders Syria can't invade to protect itself but it's all fine for Europe to do so OP?

Half of Europe? Would love to see the mental gymnastics involved in that calculation.

And apparently Russia isn't particularly happy about it.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/assad-ally-russia-summons-israeli-diplomat-syria-strike-46248880

[Novus Athenae]

This. Besides half of Europe is in Syria right now fighting. Are you saying that Israel a nation that borders Syria can't invade to protect itself but it's all fine for Europe to do so OP?

Half of Europe? Would love to see the mental gymnastics involved in that calculation.

And apparently Russia isn't particularly happy about it.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/assad-ally-russia-summons-israeli-diplomat-syria-strike-46248880

Germany, Italy, Norway, the United Kingdom, France, more or less Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands, Poland, Belgium, and that's just the Europeans currently. I know not every one of the mentioned nations is involved in combat operations, but they are contributing directly to the campaign. Many other Euro nations indirectly support the effort through supply of weapons or logistics.

[Pope Joan]

Our politicians are afraid of Tel Aviv.

Maybe it is the organized political clout they have in the US?

Or maybe it is outright fear, of harm to themselves or their families.

http://www.theamericanconservative.com/ ... n-america/


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_I ... ssinations

https://www.rt.com/usa/cia-mossad-israel-espionage-311/

RT isn't a real source. Try again.

Yeah, I anticipated that reaction. But it is hard to find an non slanted source in the US.

[Thermodolia]

RT isn't a real source. Try again.

Yeah, I anticipated that reaction. But it is hard to find an non slanted source in the US.

So you go with Putin's propaganda outlet? You do know that the BBC exists right?

[Braecland]

I'm just struggling to figure out what Israel hopes to achieve by attacking the Syrian government, they are of no real threat to them; at least, for the moment.

This mad world just doesn't make sense sometimes.

[Thermodolia]

I'm just struggling to figure out what Israel hopes to achieve by attacking the Syrian government, they are of no real threat to them; at least, for the moment.

This mad world just doesn't make sense sometimes.

The Syrian government publicly supports hezbollah, which has stated that Israel should be wiped off the map and all Jews should die. I think Israel knows what they are doing

[Betoni]

Half of Europe? Would love to see the mental gymnastics involved in that calculation.

And apparently Russia isn't particularly happy about it.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/assad-ally-russia-summons-israeli-diplomat-syria-strike-46248880

Germany, Italy, Norway, the United Kingdom, France, more or less Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands, Poland, Belgium, and that's just the Europeans currently. I know not every one of the mentioned nations is involved in combat operations, but they are contributing directly to the campaign. Many other Euro nations indirectly support the effort through supply of weapons or logistics.

That's still not half of Europe and if you look at the post I quoted the word fighting was in there somewhere. Besides, if the original point was to justify Israeli military action in Syria against Hezbollah by claiming that half of the European nations much farther away are actively fighting in the very same area for similar reasons, it completely fails if most of the European Nations aren't actually doing it.

[Greater USA]

The State of Israel has a vibrant democracy, freedom of religion, and other political features that make it an oasis in a region of the world beset by oppression. Muslims, Jews, and Christians coexist in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other major areas in Israel. The country has offered significant concessions to Palestinians since the 1940's in proposing permanent borders between the nations -- which were always rejected by the other side. And militants have shown no qualms about committing acts of terror against innocent Israeli citizens. Sure, Israel has gone too far in settling the West Bank. And their military has done some sketchy things. But if you compare the overall records between Palestine and Israel, trying to argue for moral equivalency is bunk. It's ironic that many progressives (who claim that Donald Trump is trying to "usurp" democracy) are willing to undermine one of the few stable republics in the Middle East, in favor of folks who believe in gender inequality, Islamism, etc.

[Novus Athenae]

Germany, Italy, Norway, the United Kingdom, France, more or less Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands, Poland, Belgium, and that's just the Europeans currently. I know not every one of the mentioned nations is involved in combat operations, but they are contributing directly to the campaign. Many other Euro nations indirectly support the effort through supply of weapons or logistics.

That's still not half of Europe and if you look at the post I quoted the word fighting was in there somewhere. Besides, if the original point was to justify Israeli military action in Syria against Hezbollah by claiming that half of the European nations much farther away are actively fighting in the very same area for similar reasons, it completely fails if most of the European Nations aren't actually doing it.

Wasn't. Exactly trying to refute your statement, was just trying to add some information. Did I say you were wrong explicitly? No, but I was stating some of the European countries directly involved in combat operations.

The whole "half of Europe is fighting in Syria" argument needs a more specific measure of what "half" means. I get it that it most likely means half of the countries in Europe, but I don't really care at this point.

My main point for the topic is : Israel good, Syria bad. Fuck Syria.

[The Knockout Gun Gals]

The State of Israel has a vibrant democracy, freedom of religion, and other political features that make it an oasis in a region of the world beset by oppression. Muslims, Jews, and Christians coexist in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other major areas in Israel. The country has offered significant concessions to Palestinians since the 1940's in proposing permanent borders between the nations -- which were always rejected by the other side. And militants have shown no qualms about committing acts of terror against innocent Israeli citizens. Sure, Israel has gone too far in settling the West Bank. And their military has done some sketchy things. But if you compare the overall records between Palestine and Israel, trying to argue for moral equivalency is bunk. It's ironic that many progressives (who claim that Donald Trump is trying to "usurp" democracy) are willing to undermine one of the few stable republics in the Middle East, in favor of folks who believe in gender inequality, Islamism, etc.

Freedom of religion? The parliamentary of Israel ban the sounds of Adzan in Israel to be heard.

[Braecland]

I'm just struggling to figure out what Israel hopes to achieve by attacking the Syrian government, they are of no real threat to them; at least, for the moment.

This mad world just doesn't make sense sometimes.

The Syrian government publicly supports hezbollah, which has stated that Israel should be wiped off the map and all Jews should die. I think Israel knows what they are doing

As I recall, most of Israel's neighbours are anti-Semitic, support Hamas or Hezbollah and directly challenge Israel's existence. Israel doesn't attack them all, they are not being directly attacked by the Syrian government yet they lash out, this only further destabilises the situation in Syria.

[Thermodolia]

Germany, Italy, Norway, the United Kingdom, France, more or less Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands, Poland, Belgium, and that's just the Europeans currently. I know not every one of the mentioned nations is involved in combat operations, but they are contributing directly to the campaign. Many other Euro nations indirectly support the effort through supply of weapons or logistics.

That's still not half of Europe and if you look at the post I quoted the word fighting was in there somewhere. Besides, if the original point was to justify Israeli military action in Syria against Hezbollah by claiming that half of the European nations much farther away are actively fighting in the very same area for similar reasons, it completely fails if most of the European Nations aren't actually doing it.

Well it's the half of Europe that anyone actually cares about except when Russia invades it.

[Kartofian]

Okay okay okay I just want to hear you answer in the affirmative: because Islamic extremists killed 3,000 Americans, you think it's okay that the American War in Afghanistan and Iraq led to the deaths of approx. 130,000 civilians in both Iraq and Afghanistan? Much the same way that Hezbollah attacks Israelis with knives, Israel now has the legitimacy to claim self-defense and kill thousands of Lebanese and Palestinian civilians?

Yes. I mean we dropped two A-bombs on Japan during WW2 after they killed less than 3,000 Americans. If it's justified for us to do that than surely it's justified for Israel to do the same

This is one of the reasons Americans astound me, and i genuinely hope that this was a sarcastic comment written out of cynicism. But nuking Japan twice was not justifiable in any sense of the word. I think we can all agree that it was done to show off American strength and intimidate Stalin, and not as some say in order to prevent the deaths of millions that would happen as a result of an invasion of an enemy that was essentially already on their knees. The killings of civilians in one country do not justify retaliatory action against the civilians of the supposed perpetrator. Regardless of history and who has the rightful claim to that blood-soaked sliver of land, i think we can all agree that both the Israeli government's and Hezbollah's actions are unjustifiable. But to be honest; i did expect more from Israel, somebody has got to take the higher ground and i hoped it would be them.

[Thermodolia]

Yes. I mean we dropped two A-bombs on Japan during WW2 after they killed less than 3,000 Americans. If it's justified for us to do that than surely it's justified for Israel to do the same

This is one of the reasons Americans astound me, and i genuinely hope that this was a sarcastic comment written out of cynicism. But nuking Japan twice was not justifiable in any sense of the word. I think we can all agree that it was done to show off American strength and intimidate Stalin, and not as some say in order to prevent the deaths of millions that would happen as a result of an invasion of an enemy that was essentially already on their knees. The killings of civilians in one country do not justify retaliatory action against the civilians of the supposed perpetrator. Regardless of history and who has the rightful claim to that blood-soaked sliver of land, i think we can all agree that both the Israeli government's and Hezbollah's actions are unjustifiable. But to be honest; i did expect more from Israel, somebody has got to take the higher ground and i hoped it would be them.

No I'm not going to agree Hezbollah isn't going to go quietly into the night Israel has every right to defend their people

[Greece1917]

Is that a question? Just look at their nuclear program and compare its size and international reaction to that of the DPRK.