The untold story of the Iran war: How Israel did the unthinkable
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
Israel’s Embrace of Trump’s Gaza Plan Is ‘Atrocious, Unthinkable and Morally Wrong’
Haaretz editor-in-chief Aluf Benn says Donald Trump’s Gaza takeover plan is popular in Israel. He says it gives Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the ability to embrace the concept of ethnic cleansing openly. Benn and Haaretz Podcast host Allison Kaplan Sommer also discuss the precarious state of the Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal.
Haaretz editor-in-chief Aluf Benn said on the Haaretz Podcast, that “very sadly, the transfer idea is extremely popular within Israeli Jewish society.” He traces the mainstreaming of the concept throughout the years of Netanyahu’s leadership, and notes how October 7 acted as a catalyst.
One of the primary pillars of opposition to the “voluntary migration” schemes pushed by Israel’s far-right leaders has been the fear of international condemnation. Now, explains Benn, the American president himself eliminated that fear.
The fact that it was Donald Trump putting the idea of moving Palestinians out of Gaza on the table gives Netanyahu – and other Israelis – the ability to embrace the concept of ethnic cleansing openly.
“It was really unthinkable to have the American president calling time and again for ethnic cleansing of people, most of whom are not Hamas, are not terrorist and were not part of October 7. They are already suffering because of the war – and to just tell them to go away and never come back? This was really beyond belief,” Benn said.
Benn and Haaretz Podcast host Allison Kaplan Sommer also discussed the precarious state of the Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal, and the “very high” chances of returning to full-fledged war in Gaza.
Trump’s meeting with Sharaa, unthinkable just months ago, boosts Syrians’ hopes
Trump’s meeting with Sharaa, unthinkable just months ago, boosts Syrians’ hopes. Trump acknowledged it was these two leaders who had convinced him to also lift the US’s punishing Syria sanctions. Removing restrictions which cut Syria off from the international financial system will enable greater engagement by aid agencies and encourage foreign investment and trade. “It’s a new light at the end of this tunnel,” exclaimed Hind Kabawat, minister of social affairs and labour, in the interim government. The meeting took place on the second day of Trump’s four-day tour of the Gulf.
14 May 2025 Share Save Lyse Doucet Chief international correspondent Reporting from Riyadh Share Save
Reuters Donald Trump and Ahmed al-Sharaa met in Riyadh on Wednesday
Donald Trump has said his administration is now exploring the possibility of normalising relations with Syria – his comments coming shortly after he met Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose forces ended the decades-long dictatorship of the Assad family. The extraordinary encounter, unthinkable just months ago, was short but significant. “I think he has got the potential,” Trump remarked after his meeting in Riyadh, 37 minutes long, with the former Syrian fighter formerly linked to al-Qaeda. The $10m US bounty on his head was only lifted in December.
Video footage of their conversation in a lavish Saudi royal palace showed some initial awkwardness as they spoke through a translator. A beaming Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammad bin Salman, sat next to them. The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan joined them by telephone. Trump acknowledged it was these two leaders who had convinced him to also lift the US’s punishing Syria sanctions. His sudden announcement on Tuesday night at a major US-Saudi investment forum in Riyadh won him a standing ovation. It was a volte-face after his many previous posts on social media that the US had “no interest in Syria”.
Watch: ‘Young, attractive guy’ – Trump talks about Syrian president
“Tough guy, very strong past,” is how Trump later described Sharaa to journalists travelling with his high-powered American delegation on his first official four-day tour. It was a very Trump gloss about Sharaa’s old links to al-Qaeda. His Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), was al-Qaeda’s affiliate in Syria until he severed ties in 2016. HTS is still designated as a terrorist organisation by the UN, US and UK. Since assuming power in December, Sharaa has been wearing Western business suits and trying to present himself as a president for all Syrians. “It’s a new light at the end of this tunnel,” exclaimed Hind Kabawat, minister of social affairs and labour, in the interim government. She told the BBC’s Newshour programme they had been calling for sanctions relief ever since their “Liberation Day”. The US decision sparked celebrations across a county where 90% of Syrians are said to be living in poverty, after more than a decade of civil war and profound suffering. Removing restrictions which cut Syria off from the international financial system will enable greater engagement by aid agencies and encourage foreign investment and trade.
Reuters The meeting took place on the second day of Trump’s four-day tour of the Gulf
Beneath the Surface: Is the Trump-Netanyahu ‘Unthinkable’ About to Erupt?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent visit to Washington was no ordinary trip. The consensus among Israeli analysts is that Netanyahu was not invited but summoned by US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu rarely travels to the US without extensive Israeli media fanfare. He is perceived as a failed political leader and military strategist, unable to secure decisive victories or extract political concessions from his adversaries, writes Ramzy Baroud. But if Netanyahu believes he can replicate the success of Donald Trump, he is mistaken, Baroud says, as Trump is not a populist leader, but a leader of a populist party. He asks if Netanyahu will finally submit to American pressure? Baroud: If he does not, he will be isolated by his own political class, who did not attend and who appeared to be disgusted by his performance in the White House press conference in Washington. He concludes that Netanyahu is a “failed political leader” who is “inexperienced” and “out of touch” with his own people.
Netanyahu’s political standing is diminished. He is perceived as a failed political leader and military strategist, unable to secure decisive victories or extract political concessions from his adversaries.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent visit to Washington was no ordinary trip. The consensus among Israeli analysts, barring a few remaining loyalists, is that Netanyahu was not invited but , rather, summoned by US President Donald Trump.
All evidence supports this assertion. Netanyahu rarely travels to the US without extensive Israeli media fanfare, leveraging his touted relationships with various US administrations as a “hasbara” opportunity to reinforce his image as Israel’s strongman.
This time, there was no room for such campaigns. Netanyahu was informed of Trump’s summons while on an official trip to Hungary. There, he was received by Hungarian President Viktor Orbán with exaggerated diplomatic accolades, signaling defiance against international condemnation of Netanyahu, an accused war criminal wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), and portraying him as anything but an isolated leader of an increasingly pariah state.
The capstone of Netanyahu’s short-lived Hungarian victory lap was Orbán’s announcement of Hungary’s withdrawal from the ICC, a move with profoundly unsettling implications.
It would have been convenient for Netanyahu to use his Washington visit to deflect from his failed war in Gaza and internal strife in Israel. However, as the Arabic saying goes, “the wind often blows contrary to the ship’s desires.”
The notion that Netanyahu was summoned, not invited, is corroborated by Israeli media reports that he attempted to postpone the visit under various pretexts. He failed, ultimately flying to Washington on the date determined by the White House. Initially, reports circulated that no press conference would be held, denying Netanyahu the platform to tout Washington’s unwavering support for his military actions and to expound on the “special relationship” between the two countries.
A press conference was held, though it was largely dominated by Trump’s contradictory messages and typical rhetoric. Netanyahu spoke briefly, attempting to project the same confident body language observed during his previous Washington visit, where he sat with an erect posture and spread out his legs, as if in command. But this time, his body language betrayed him; his eyes shifted nervously, and he appeared stiff and surprised, particularly when Trump announced that the US and Iran would begin direct talks in Oman soon.
Trump also mentioned the need to end the war in Gaza, but the Iran announcement clearly shocked Netanyahu. He desperately tried to align his discourse with Trump’s, referencing Libya’s disarmament under Muammar Gaddafi. But that was never part of Israel’s official regional plan. Israel had consistently advocated for US military intervention against Iran, despite the certainty that such a war would destabilize the entire region, potentially drawing the US into a conflict far more protracted and devastating than the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Further evidence of the US’ diverging views from Israel’s regional ambitions—centered on perpetual war, territorial expansion, and geopolitical dominance—lies in the fact that key political and intellectual figures within the Trump administration recognize the futility of such conflicts. In leaked exchanges on the encrypted messaging platform Signal, JD Vance protested that escalating the war in Yemen benefits Europe, not the US, a continent with which the US is increasingly decoupling, if not engaging in a trade war.
The Yemen war, like a potential conflict with Iran, is widely perceived as being waged on Israel’s behalf. Figures like Tucker Carlson, a prominent commentator, articulated the growing frustration among right-wing intellectuals in the US, tweeting that “anyone advocating for conflict with Iran is not an ally of the United States, but an enemy.”
Trump’s willingness to openly challenge Netanyahu’s policies remains unclear. His conflicting statements, such as calling for an end to the Gaza war while simultaneously advocating for the expulsion of Palestinians, add to the ambiguity. However, recent reports suggest a determined US intention to end the war in Gaza as part of a broader strategy, linking Gaza to Yemen, Lebanon, and Iran. This aligns with Washington’s need to stabilize the region as it prepares for a new phase of competition with China, requiring comprehensive economic, political, and military readiness.
Should Trump prove capable of doing what others could not, will Netanyahu finally submit to American pressure?
In 2015, Netanyahu demonstrated Israel’s unparalleled influence on US foreign and domestic policy when he addressed both chambers of Congress. Despite a few insignificant protests, Republican and Democratic policymakers applauded enthusiastically as Netanyahu criticized then-President Barack Obama, who did not attend and appeared isolated by his own political class.
However, if Netanyahu believes he can replicate that moment, he is mistaken. Those years are long gone. Trump, a populist leader, is not beholden to finding political balances in Congress. Now in his second and final term, he could, in theory, abandon the US’s ingrained reliance on Israel’s approval and its aggressive lobby in Washington.
Moreover, Netanyahu’s political standing is diminished. He is perceived as a failed political leader and military strategist, unable to secure decisive victories or extract political concessions from his adversaries. He is a leader without a clear plan, grappling with a legitimacy crisis unlike any faced by his predecessors.
Ultimately, the outcome hinges on Trump’s willingness to confront Netanyahu. If he does, and sustains the pressure, Netanyahu could find himself in an unenviable position, marking a rare instance in modern history where the US dictates its terms, and Israel listens. Time will tell.
Time for Jews to Leave Europe Before It’s Too Late
Last week’s pogrom in Amsterdam should be the final wake-up call for Dutch Jews. Since 1972, over 100,000 French Jews have left (out of half a million) Before 2012, 500 Jews left France every year. I really wonder what a Jew with children and grandchildren has left to do in Europe. What remains of Jewish life in Europe today works like this: synagogues are protected fortresses, schools have no signs, houses have removed the outside mezuzah. Jews do not wear a kippah in the street or a necklace with the Star of David. They tell their children not to speak Hebrew in public, there are no Israeli flags in their windows. The optimists stayed and were saved. The pessimists ran away and were killed.
2011. … It seems like a century ago. I could dig through the archives for more similar headlines. But it has actually become annoying to be right in hindsight. Last week’s pogrom in Amsterdam should be the final wake-up call for Dutch Jews, but I doubt it will be.
The Chief Rabbi of the Great Synagogue of Paris, Moshe Sebbag, recently called for departure: “There is no future for Jews in France. I tell all young people to go to Israel or to a safer country.”
“There is no future for Jews in France. I tell all young people to go to Israel or to a safer country.” Rabbi Moshe Sebbag
Last year, 1,100 French Jews left for Israel. This year, there will be 4,500. Since 1972, over 100,000 French Jews have left (out of half a million). Before 2012, 500 Jews left France every year. Tenfold numbers.
These are impressive numbers, but not enough. I really wonder what a Jew with children and grandchildren has left to do in Europe.
The Chief Rabbi of Barcelona, Meir Bar Hen, also invited the Jews to pack their bags. “This place is lost. Better to leave sooner rather than later” to Israel. Our community “is condemned” both because of radical Islam and the reluctance of the authorities to confront it. “I encouraged them (the Jews) to buy a house in Israel.”
“The Jews have no future in Europe,” echoed Avraham Gigi, Chief Rabbi of Brussels.
What remains of Jewish life in Europe today works like this: synagogues are protected fortresses, schools have no signs but they do have many private police and security guards, houses have removed the outside mezuzah, Jews do not wear a kippah in the street or a necklace with the Star of David, they do not give their Hebrew surname to taxis, they tell their children not to speak Hebrew in public, there are no Israeli flags in their windows.
Is this Jewish life?
Meanwhile, Frederik Sieradzki, spokesman for the Jewish community of Malmö, says that Sweden’s third largest city could lose all its Jews by 2029.
Before the Holocaust, the pessimists ran away and were saved. The optimists stayed and were killed. Who really wants to bet on optimism anymore?
Samuel Hayek, president of the Jewish National Fund, predicted: “Jews have no future in the United Kingdom.” This was said by Hayek, who has lived in the United Kingdom for 40 years and is one of the country’s most famous philanthropists.
What was unthinkable yesterday is plausible today and will be certain tomorrow.
Jüdische Allgemeine is the newspaper of German Jews. Editor-in-chief Philipp Peyman Engel said in an interview with the Welt that “Jewish in Germany is becoming invisible.”
A civilization that loses its Jews inevitably condemns itself to death. But as Ayaan Hirsi Ali wrote in the Die Welt, “the West is on the road to submission.”
Before the Holocaust, the pessimists ran away and were saved. The optimists stayed and were killed. Who really wants to bet on optimism anymore?
Published originally under the title “Europe’s Jews Should Leave Now Before It’s Too Late.”
Roars of delight from the Maga faithful as Donald Trump does the unthinkable
At Donald Trump’s election watch party, a lurid spectacle in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Tuesday night and the early hours of Wednesday morning. The unthinkable had happened. Once seemingly down and out, Trump, a twice impeached convicted criminal, appeared to have fought his way back to the White House. “I think that we just witnessed the greatest political comeback in the history of the United States of America,” said Senator JD Vance, now set to be vice-president. For the rest of the world, it may have sounded like the ugly threat of a superpower bully it no longer understands. For those who has been present at Trump’s party in New York in 2016, there was a distinct sense of deja vu. History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce. The Maga fans began to believe their man was going to win. The fog of uncertainty that had dominated this election was slowly lifting. A surge of confidence was palpable. The crowd broke into chants of “USA! USA! USA!” – for them, a positive affirmation.
The crowd broke into chants of “USA! USA! USA!” – for them, a positive affirmation. For the rest of the world, it may have sounded like the ugly threat of a superpower bully it no longer understands.
This was the scene at Donald Trump’s election watch party, a lurid spectacle in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Tuesday night and the early hours of Wednesday morning. The unthinkable had happened. Once seemingly down and out, Trump, a twice impeached convicted criminal, appeared to have fought his way back to the White House.
“I think that we just witnessed the greatest political comeback in the history of the United States of America,” said Senator JD Vance, now set to be vice-president.
2:01 Trump declares ‘magnificent victory’ in speech at election watch party – video
That may well be true. But to at least some of Trump’s critics, it will go down as the moment America elected its first fascist president.
The people in the room scoffed at such a description. They welcome Trump’s tough stance on immigration and policies they believe will make the economy thrive. They believe Trump has been the victim of Democratic hoaxes and sabotage for years. Now it was payback time.
The party was held in a somewhat nondescript convention centre. Inside a cavernous exhibition hall of blacks and greys, a giant “Trump will fix it!” banner hung on one wall and “Dream big again” banner hung opposite. People chatted, drank, milled around and helped themselves to a buffet of cheese and wine and other snacks.
The guests were blonder, more tanned and more bejewelled than average. There was a blond woman with a gold necklace, gold and diamond bracelet and red leather dress; a 16-year-old African American girl in a Maga cap; a man in a checked suit and red Maga cap; a young Black man in a double-breasted grey suit and a Maga cap; a woman in a long red dress with floral tattoos climbing her right arm and a Maga cap.
View image in fullscreen Trump supporters at his watch party in Florida. Photograph: Callaghan O’Hare/Reuters
Three red, two white and three blue lights were suspended above a stage against the backdrop of a deep blue curtain and a giant Stars and Stripes. There were about 50 US flags on poles. Before them a blue lectern boasted: “Trump will fix it.”
Two giant TV screens flicked between election coverage on CNN and Fox News. When Kamala Harris won Colorado and Illinois, the crowd booed. But as Trump picked up states, they erupted in cheers. The fog of uncertainty that had dominated this election was slowly lifting. A surge of confidence was palpable. The Maga fans began to believe their man was going to win.
At 12.46am, the TVs showed an announcement from Washington that Harris would not be delivering an address. Immediately the Village People’s YMCA boomed from loudspeakers as the screens showed Trump pumping his fists at various rallies – an object of ridicule for his detractors; a sign of affection here.
For those who has been present at Trump’s party in New York in 2016, there was a distinct sense of deja vu. History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.
2:33 How the night of Trump’s presidential comeback unfolded – video timeline
People gathered in front of the stage, forming a sea of red caps. Prominent among them was Blake Marnell, a rally regular who wears a suit styled after Trump’s wall. For a few minutes he held up a phone on which a message scrolled: “Trump will win!” Meanwhile a man studied the New York Times on his phone, anxious for updates.
Then came the Pennsylvania announcement and bedlam ensued. Ethan Kirkegaard, 25, a property developer, said: “This is magical. We’re creating history right here. We’re on the right side of history, I truly believe. We’re so close to a victory. We just need a few more states to come through and I think we’re going to pull it off.”
At 1.48am, the TV screens displayed: “Fox projects Trump elected 47th president.” There were more screams of delight. A group of young men in Maga caps hugged each other. “Let’s fucking go!” someone shouted. More chants of “USA! USA! USA!” Tricia Weldon, 52, clutching a drink, said: “This is history. I’m so excited. I feel like it’s a surreal moment.”
At 2.24am the crowd’s patience was rewarded when Trump – wearing his customary dark suit, white shirt and long red tie – took the stage. The crowd joined in with his regular theme song God Bless the USA and raised a forest of phones to shoot photos and videos. “We love you, Trump!” one yelled.
Melania Trump stood near her husband and was joined by Barron, the former president’s youngest son, whose pale white face contrasted with his father’s orange complexion. Trump’s older children – Don Jr, Eric, Ivanka and Tiffany – were all on stage too.
“I want to thank my beautiful wife Melania!” Trump said. She smiled and waved. He praised her new book and went over to hug and kiss her. She kept smiling.
Trump delivered a relatively low-energy speech for a man who, shadowed by criminal convictions and investigations, had just landed the ultimate get-out-of-jail card: the American presidency.
“It’s time to put the divisions of the past four years behind us,” the uniquely divisive Trump said. “It’s time to unite.” The architect of the January 6 insurrection claimed again without irony: “This was also a massive victory for democracy and for freedom.”
But the remarks were also freighted with grim omens for the second Trump administration. He gave a shout-out to Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X, who has become one of his most high-profile supporters. “We have a new star,” he said. “A star is born: Elon.”
Trump also lavished praise on vaccine conspiracy theorist Robert Kennedy Jr, promising that he would help “make America healthy again”. The crowd chanted “Bobby! Bobby!”
He left the stage to the familiar strains of YMCA. People danced and punched the air. Barron turned briefly and gave a farewell wave.
It was a different universe from the mood for millions of Americans who will wake on Wednesday with ashen faces and sick stomachs, struggling to understand that Trump was not an aberration after all. His political resurrection is complete.
The world, too, will be reeling. It has long known the most powerful nation on earth committed war crimes from Vietnam to Iraq. Many will now take the view that has also committed a crime against decency and democracy itself.