Gersonides’ Scientific Interpretation of the Tabernacle: Prof. Menachem Kellner, The Torah.com, Feb. 13, 2024 — Rabbi Levi ben Gershom (1288–1344),[1] known to the Jewish world by his acronym Ralbag and to the wider world as Gersonides, spent his fifty-six years in Provence.[2] While the names of his teachers remain unknown,[3] his erudition is staggering. Heavily influenced by Aristotelian philosophy, he is often considered a radical thinker.[4]
Gersonides wrote important and often groundbreaking works in biblical exegesis and halakhah, astronomy, astrology, geometry, logic, mathematics, philosophy, and philosophical theology. He also wrote extensive supercommentaries on the commentaries of Averroes (ibn Rushd, 1126–1198) on Aristotle.
WHEN DETERRENCE FAILED
WATCH: Myths vs. Reality on the Gaza Battlefield: Dr. Dan Diker, Khaled Abu Toameh, Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, Feb. 12, 2024 –– With Lahav Harkov – Senior political correspondent at Jewish Insider
Has Everyone Misunderstood Israel’s Failures on October 7?: Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, Feb. 14, 2024 — While some official probes are weeks away and others are months away, one of the most profound debates which is already ongoing within the highest levels of the defense establishment is when deterrence against Hamas really failed, The Jerusalem Post understands. Put differently, when did the “conceptzia” – or conceptual framework for understanding to what extent Israel could keep Hamas “contained” through a mix of limited use of force and economic incentives – fail?
Taking Rafah Is Essential to Defeat Hamas: Editorial, WSJ, Feb. 14, 2024
Sooner or Later, The IDF Will Enter Rafah. It May Have to Fight on Northern Border, Too: David Horovltz, Times of Israel, Feb. 14, 2024
Israel Facing Military, Diplomatic Dilemma as Attention Turns to Rafah: Ruth Marks Eglash, Jewish Insider, Feb. 15, 2024
Egypt is Gaza’s Most Fickle Friend: The President Hates Hamas, But His People Despise Israel: David Patrikarakos, Unherd, Feb. 14, 2024
FOR FURTHER REFERENCE:
David Cameron’s Patronising Advice Would Doom Israel to Defeat: Richard Kemp, The Telegraph, Feb. 14, 2024 — David Cameron has virtually called on Israel to surrender to Hamas as it prepares to destroy the terrorist group in Rafah. For that is surely the meaning of his words on Monday: “What we want is an immediate pause in the fighting and we want that pause to lead to a ceasefire”. That’s also exactly what Hamas wants, and has demanded from Israel — an end to the war that it is catastrophically losing.
‘We’ll Be Seen as Losers if We Don’t Complete the Job:’ Israeli Historian Benny Morris Addresses the War Against Hamas: Ben Cohen, Algemeiner, Feb. 15, 2024 –- “I dislike Benjamin Netanyahu intensely; he’s a crook,” the Israeli historian Benny Morris said, when asked about the future direction of the present war triggered by the pogrom executed by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7. “But he’s right that the war should continue until Hamas is crushed, if only because around the region, we will be seen as losers if we don’t complete the job.”
Republican Opposition to Israel Aid Is the Latest Headache for the Pro-Israel Community: Ron Kampeas, JTA, Feb. 14, 2024 — Since Oct. 7, a growing number of Democrats have called for a ceasefire in Gaza, harshly criticized Israel or refused to send it more money. But increasingly over the past few weeks, when both chambers of Congress sit down to vote, it is a faction of Republicans, allied with Donald Trump, who have impeded additional foreign aid to Israel. In control of the House of Representatives and with sway in the Senate, this group is pivoting away from something pro-Israel activists have long taken for granted: unfettered U.S. defense assistance for Israel.
Canada Joins Allies in Warning Israel That Ground Offensive in Rafah Would Be ‘Catastrophic’: Mouhamad Rachini, CBC News, Feb. 14, 2024 — As Israel threatens to launch a military ground offensive in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, members of the international community — including Canada — are urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reconsider.