By Adam Roberts\Digital Editor\The Economist
Photos: YouTube
Is Israel losing? The Israel Defence Forces dominate most of Gaza. Much talk swirls of a supposed future attack on Rafah, said to be Hamas’s last stronghold. Yet Israeli hostages are not being released or rescued.
Five months after the conflict exploded, the most senior leaders of Hamas have not been killed or captured.
Meanwhile the prolonged, miserable plight of large numbers of innocent Palestinian civilians has grown. This ill-treatment of civilians is ever more unacceptable, even to Israel’s friends. Allowing the threat of famine to spread, while refusing humanitarian aid to reach the starving, is no way to conduct a war.
Some of Israel’s closest allies, understandably, are out of patience with the government of Binyamin Netanyahu. Last week Chuck Schumer, the Senate majority leader, called for new elections in Israel, saying Mr Netanyahu should be replaced.
It’s extremely rare for a senior American elected official to criticise a foreign democracy in such an open way. But Mr Schumer is right.
The Democrats, including Joe Biden, are recalibrating their position after months of stalwart support for Israel. We’ve published a story, setting out the various ways in which Israel could dump Mr Netanyahu as leader.
I’ll be watching to see if other American leaders, beyond Mr Schumer, and more prominent Israelis turn against him.
