MEF Dispatch: Victory for Israel Means Defeating Hamas

пятница, 17 октября 2025 г.

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View on web  |  Read what you missed Victory for Israel Means Defeating Hamas; European Antisemitism; Texas and EPIC By Winfield Myers ● Oct 17, 2025 Smart Brevity® count: 9 mins...2321 words Rafael Bardaji argues that, while celebration of the hostages' return is appropriate, real victory for Israel can't come until Hamas is defeated. In a second article, Bardaji analyzes what he calls Israel's five wars, from Hamas to PR. He attributes the emergence of a stronger and more prosperous Israel to President Trump and, even more so, Benjamin Netanyahu. Of the massive protests in Europe falsely accusing Israel (again) of "genocide" in Gaza, Michael Rubin writes that "European hypocrisy has rarely been on greater display." Europeans should "look in the mirror and recognize that they have changed very little since a century ago." Dexter Van Zile reports on the Texas Attorney General's intensified investigation of the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), which critics charge "constitutes a form of 'Islamist enclave' masked as a suburban community." EPIC's leader, Yasir Qadhi, has a record of expressing antisemitism, Holocaust revisionism, and refusing to condemn Hamas. We also feature articles by Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi, Elizabeth Samson, Joe Adam George, and Jules Gomes. Time for Joy in Israel, Not Complacency By: Rafael Bardaji With the return of 20 Israelis kidnapped by Hamas, Israel marks a significant milestone in the Gaza conflict. Why it matters: This achievement reflects Israel's strategic objectives in weakening Hamas's military threat. The U.S. diplomatic efforts, led by President Trump, and Israel's military campaign were crucial in securing the release. The big picture: Israel's goal to remove Hamas as Gaza's ruling authority remains, awaiting further developments. Real peace will only come after Israel achieves a clear victory—or, if you prefer, after the complete defeat of its enemies. As difficult as it is to acknowledge, what remains of Hamas has yet to accept its defeat. For now, it still controls the weapons necessary to regain power in Gaza. More importantly, it continues to cling to the belief that its sole mission is to destroy the State of Israel. Policy implications: Security enforcement: Israel should push for international guarantees to enforce the disarmament of Hamas and ensure IDF's right to operate a security strip within Gaza. Education reform: Advocate for international aid to support a reformed Palestinian education system that discourages incitement and promotes coexistence. Reconstruction strategy: Collaborate with global partners to focus on both infrastructure rebuilding and political stabilization in Gaza. Regional alliances: Strengthen alliances with neighboring countries to support a sustainable peace framework and counter Hamas's influence in the West Bank. What's next: Israel's defense strategy should focus on maintaining military supremacy and addressing internal and external threats, such as the presence of Hamas in the West Bank and its 700,000 supporters. Israel should embrace not only a period of relief and recovery but also a process of reconciliation. To read the full article, click here. ICYMI – The Forum Roundtable: Islamism, Israel, and the Decline of Western Civilization Across the West—from North America to Europe and Australia—antisemitism is rising alongside the spread of radical Islam. For Islamists, Jews are the first target, Christians the next, and Western civilization the ultimate prize. Yet Western leaders remain blind—or complicit—through permissive immigration, weak enforcement, and speech laws that hasten decline. As Israel fights for its survival, can the West still defend the Judeo-Christian foundations that once made it strong? Josh Hammer is the senior editor-at-large at Newsweek and the author of Israel and Civilization: The Fate of the Jewish Nation and the Destiny of the West. Danielle Pletka is a writer and a distinguished senior fellow in Foreign and Defense Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute. Lee Smith is a journalist and columnist at Tablet Magazine and the author of Disappearing the President: Trump, Truth Social, and the Fight for the Republic. Lauri Regan is vice president and treasurer of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East. *Note: a previous edition of the Dispatch included a link to an incomplete recording of this Roundtable. The problem has since been resolved. To watch the full podcast episode, click here. Israel's Five Wars By: Rafael Bardaji The ceasefire in Gaza and the return of hostages is a cause for joy, but these goals are due to the determination of the American president but, above all, to the obstinacy and vision of the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, although no one wants to admit it. Why it matters: Netanyahu's strategic vision has been pivotal in overcoming diplomatic hurdles and military challenges. His leadership ensured a robust military response, incapacitating immediate threats from Hamas and undermining regional adversaries like Iran and Hezbollah. Five simultaneous wars: Israel navigated complex fronts, from direct military engagements to diplomatic skirmishes. Direct enemies: Israel successfully neutralized threats from Hamas, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Iranian proxy forces, dismantling Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities. Allies' restraints: Despite pressures from the Biden administration and European governments, Israel maintained its strategic autonomy, ensuring continuous military supply lines and support. Internal tensions: Navigated discord within the IDF, aligning military objectives with political directives to achieve operational goals. Political strife: Managed domestic political opposition, which leveraged the humanitarian crisis to challenge Netanyahu's leadership. Global narrative: Countered Hamas's media strategy that aimed to delegitimize Israel, reinforcing the narrative of Israel's right to self-defense. Policy implications: Israel must strengthen military readiness and foster international cooperation for Gaza's reconstruction and political stabilization. The emphasis should be on reforming Palestinian education to promote peace and reduce radicalization. What's next: With a stronger Israel emerging, there is potential for a new Middle East marked by peace and prosperity. Continued diplomatic engagement and strategic defense initiatives will be crucial in shaping a stable regional landscape. To read the full article, click here. Israel Now Forum 2025 — Featuring Gregg Roman The Israel Now Forum returns to North Texas for a full-day event uniting experts, advocates, and community members in support of Israel. When & where: Sun, Nov. 16, 2025 • 8:30 AM–5 PM • Plano, TX This immersive program helps attendees deepen their understanding of Israel's challenges and opportunities while engaging directly with thought leaders. Gregg Roman, Executive Director of the Middle East Forum, joins a lineup including Gilad Erdan, Yoram Ettinger, and other notable voices. Details: Choose from 25+ expert sessions and small-group discussions Create your own agenda around security, diplomacy, and media advocacy Tickets: $36 adult / $18 student (includes kosher lunch) Advance registration required To register, click here. Israeli Arrests in Southern Syria: A Recent Case in the Yarmouk Basin By: Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi Israeli forces have arrested individuals in southern Syria, stirring controversy and local unrest. Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi focuses here on the case of Muhammad Muhanna al-Baridi and show why it is unlikely that these arrests are random or merely aimed at intimidating local populations. Why it matters: The recent arrest of al-Baridi highlights Israel's security concerns in the region. Al-Baridi's past affiliation with the Islamic State-linked Jaysh Khalid bin al-Walid makes him a figure of interest for Israel. Local reactions: Social media calls for the release of al-Baridi and others, citing fears among families and local populations. Posts describe the arrests as sudden and terrifying, contributing to a narrative of Israeli intimidation. Israeli perspective: Despite criticisms, Israel's actions aim to preempt threats from groups perceived as hostile. Intelligence reports and local informants guide these operations, targeting those with historical links to militant activities. Strategic implications: While some view Israel's tactics as overly aggressive, the strategy underscores a broader security agenda. Balancing military actions with diplomatic overtures could enhance regional stability without escalating tensions. To read the full article, click here. Europe's Anti-Israel Protests Expose Its Antisemitism and Racism By: Michael Rubin From Dublin to Rome, the streets of Europe swarmed with protesters decrying Israel's alleged genocide against Palestinians — a stark display of selective outrage. Why it matters: While Europe loudly condemns Israel, it turns a blind eye to genuine humanitarian catastrophes elsewhere. In Sudan, half a million children perish with barely a whisper from the same European leaders. Hypocrisy exposed: Europe's leaders preach human rights but practice double standards. Finnish President Alexander Stubb vilifies Israel while colluding with Nigeria's genocidal regime, imprisoning Biafra's leader, Simon Ekpa, on flimsy charges. Money over morals: European actions reveal a prioritization of financial gain over genuine humanitarian concern. Engaging with oppressive regimes like Turkey and Qatar shows Europe's willingness to trade principles for profit. The bottom line: Europe's obsession with Israel distracts from more pressing global crises, reflecting deep-seated bias. Obsession with Israel and uncritical acceptance of a false genocide narrative matter, though, especially when European elites ignore and enable real genocides. It is time Europeans look in the mirror and recognize that they have changed very little since a century ago. To read the full article, click here. Can the Vatican Claim Moral Authority in Gaza Without Legal Accuracy? By: Elizabeth Samson In the wake of the October 7 anniversary, the Vatican criticizes Israel, ignoring the true perpetrators of Palestinian suffering. Why it matters: The Vatican's accusations of "massacre" against Israel distort the reality of asymmetric warfare and international law. By failing to condemn Hamas, the Vatican overlooks the terrorist group's use of Palestinians as human shields, a blatant war crime. Legal misinterpretations: The Vatican's claims of disproportionality ignore international law's complexities. Proportionality is a nuanced balance, not a simplistic tally of casualties, as legal experts confirm Israel's adherence to lawful conduct. Moral implications: The Vatican's stance absolves Hamas of its atrocities, undermining its own credibility. By branding Israel's actions as a "massacre," the Vatican fuels antisemitism and fails to hold the true oppressors accountable. The bottom line: The Vatican's rhetoric endangers both Israeli and Palestinian lives, promoting a skewed narrative that supports terrorism. True accountability requires recognizing Hamas's role in Palestinian suffering and supporting Israel's right to self-defense. To read the full article, click here. Texas Attorney General Accuses Muslim Residential Project of 'Fraudulent' Conduct By: Dexter Van Zile Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is intensifying scrutiny on the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC City), questioning its true motives and potential as an Islamist foothold in the U.S. Why it matters: Advertised as a community project, EPIC City faces allegations of being a covert "Islamist enclave," raising security alarms. The project, backed by EPIC's development arm, Community Capital Partners, is accused of "fraudulent conduct" and securities violations, suggesting deeper issues. EPIC's leadership has campaigned for the release of Aafia Siddiqui, an al-Qaeda operative convicted in 2010 for attempting to murder U.S. personnel in Afghanistan. Siddiqui, who demanded that Jews be barred from her jury and accused unnamed Jews of orchestrating her prosecution, received an 86-year prison sentence for planning a "mass casualty attack" against Americans and allied forces. Qadhi's radical influence: Yasir Qadhi, a controversial figure known for inflammatory rhetoric, raises red flags with his past endorsements of extremist ideologies. Concerns about Qadhi's history of antisemitic remarks and defense of extremist actions cast doubt on EPIC City's intentions. Political stakes: With Governor Greg Abbott calling for action against "Sharia cities," the project faces heightened scrutiny amid fears of radicalization. EPIC City's portrayal as a "Muslim-centric" community adds to suspicions about its real agenda, despite claims of inclusivity. The bottom line: Earlier this year, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality ordered cessation of construction until required permits are obtained. Abbott's administration has also instructed various state agencies to probe EPIC for alleged discrimination, unlicensed operations, and other misconduct. To read the full article, click here. Controversial Shiite Mosque in Canada Holds Nasrallah Memorial By: Joe Adam George Ahlul Bayt Mosque in Windsor, Ontario, hosted a memorial for Hezbollah's Hassan Nasrallah, raising concerns about the endorsement of Islamist extremism within Canada. Why it matters: Such events at the mosque legitimize terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Iran's IRGC, both designated terrorist entities in Canada. The glorification of figures like Nasrallah blurs lines between faith and militancy, potentially radicalizing youth. Radical influence: Mohammed al-Latif, a mosque member, promotes extremist leaders and defends the event as protected under Canadian law. His arrest for kidnapping and extortion highlights the dangerous potential of such radical narratives. Threat to society: The Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation warns that youth indoctrination can lead to antisocial behaviors and extremist sympathies. The Ahlul Bayt Mosque's repeated glorification of terrorists underscore an urgent reality: the threat of Islamist extremism to Canada is not confined to online spaces or foreign battlefields. It is taking root in local institutions, exploiting legal protections and societal tolerance to normalize hatred and division. The bottom line: Canada must safeguard its pluralistic democracy by confronting the normalization of extremist narratives. Protecting freedom requires the courage to defend it from those who would abuse it. To read the full article, click here. U.K. Court Overturns 'Blasphemy' Verdict Against Qur'an-Burning Activist By: Jules Gomes In a landmark ruling, a U.K. court overturned the conviction of Hamit Coskun, who burned a Qur'an, emphasizing the protection of free speech. Why it matters: This decision challenges Islamist efforts to criminalize what they consider blasphemy and reinforces the right to express controversial views. Justice Joel Nathan Bennathan declared there is no blasphemy offense in U.K. law, defending the right to express views that "offend, shock, or disturb." Legal implications: The court clarified that expressing hostility towards a religious group isn't a crime unless accompanied by another offense. Coskun's conviction under the Crime and Disorder Act was overturned, highlighting the distinction between disturbing public order and criticizing ideologies. Political response: Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick calls for a review of the case, opposing the criminalization of heresy. The Free Speech Union celebrates the verdict as a victory against religious fundamentalism attempting to enforce blasphemy codes. The bottom line: The ruling reinforces the U.K.'s commitment to free speech, even when it challenges religious sensitivities. It sends a message that anti-religious protests, however offensive, must be tolerated in a democratic society. To read the full article, click here. Thank you for relying on the Middle East Forum for up-to-date analyses and reporting. If you enjoyed this issue of the MEF Dispatch, please forward it to a friend. We invite you to use the comments feature to let us know your thoughts on the Dispatch and the issues we cover. Sincerely, Winfield Myers Managing Editor, Middle East Forum Director, Campus Watch Was this edition useful? 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