When Prime Minister Netanyahu gets up to speak in the UN, he knows that he is speaking to an international audience in the millions even if the room just has a handful of people who did not walk out for his speech. His speeches are always exactly what the doctor ordered, a powerful message of pride, truth and setting the record straight. But this speech had a different goal too, and it will not just be remembered for the message that Netanyahu delivered, but for how it was delivered.
This speech was not just heard via television screens. It was broadcast with massive loudspeakers into Gaza so that the few remaining live Israeli hostages could hear it and still retain hope of being rescued and returned home.
But also, it was heard by the Arabs in Gaza, many of whom are also having some second thoughts about whether or not they want to fight till the very end. It is clear that Israel will finish off Hamas. The only question is whether or not there will be another lull or two in the middle while Israel agrees to a ceasefire to free some more hostages. But Hamas will not stay in power under Netanyahu. Either Netanyahu removes Hamas or Israel will remove Netanyahu from power. It’s that simple.
That is why Israelis are not that concerned that President Trump’s pressure will include Israel selling out on their war’s accomplishments. The State of Israel is more unified today about what Israel must do about Hamas than at any other time. But any way one views the situation, it is excruciatingly difficult to attack an enemy that has tens of your hostages in their midst. Israel simply cannot take the risk of killing its own hostages and therefore is limited to slugging it out one building after another.
But as Netanyahu said, Israel will not stop till the hostages are returned and Hamas is out of power. He is able to stand up to the superpowers because he has the vast majority of the Israeli population behind him.