GNITN - Special Edition

Israel At War – Day 219

Ending The War Tomorrow

Israel Celebrates Its Independence Day

It was 76 years ago that modern day Israel became a state. As Israel celebrates that fateful day back on May 14th, 1948, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation as we read in an article from The Jerusalem Post:

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed that while this Independence Day is different, it's a good opportunity to realize the significance of independence in a speech to the Israeli people on Independence Day on Monday evening.

"Independence means being a free people in our country, having the freedom to defend ourselves by ourselves, and the sovereignty to satisfy the behest of generations: Never again!" said Netanyahu.

"We are doing all this together, only together. Just like our courageous soldiers fight together, shoulder to shoulder, in tanks and armored vehicles, in tunnels, in aircraft and naval vessels. At the moment of truth, the entire country took up arms. What an incredible generation we have, a generation of triumphant heroes."

"The torches that we set ablaze this evening will shine a bright light on the miracle that is our country. They recount, in flames, the story of our incredible nation. We will raise our flags and torches in honor of our nation."

Much like Americans felt after 9/11, some believe that Israel let them down on October 7th of last year:

In his keynote speech at the ceremony, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana directly addressed hostages in Gaza and said that Independence Day was "not whole" without them.

"The State of Israel was not there on October 7 in its full might and power as we all hoped it would, but has acted every day since then to bring you home to your families," Ohana said.

"We will not despair nor cease [release efforts, and] you, please, do not lose hope," Ohana said.

President Herzog Encouraged Jews Everywhere

Others in the Israeli government decided to avoid blaming the Israel government in their Yom Ha’atzmaut comments and speeches:

President Isaac Herzog stressed that Israel's 76th year has been "marked by enormous pain and loss" in a video addressed to Diaspora Jewry on Monday to mark Independence Day.

"There is no question that this year, our Independence Day celebrations are different. Israel’s 76th year has been marked by enormous pain and loss. Not just for Israel, but for Jewish communities throughout the world," said Herzog.

Herzog went on to note that Israel and its people have been shaken, but they are resilient:

The president pointed to the October 7 massacre and the reemergence of antisemitism across the world. "All of these have shaken the earth beneath our feet. But, my brothers and sisters, this is only part of the truth. We must recognize that these times of real loss have also been a time of important achievements. They have reminded us why we rose up from tragedy and found the strength and determination to establish a beautiful and beloved national home, the miracle that is the State of Israel."

He also added that the people’s achievements are good reminders:

Herzog noted that the achievements in the past year have "reminded us, also, of our core qualities, of our power as a people to stand up, again and again, against hatred. To survive and speak our truth. Of our deep and sustaining caring for one another. Of our connection to the call that we have carried across the ages: To do good, to pursue peace, Tikum Olam and to repair our fractured world."

"My friends, we have seen our people step forward this year for one another. To offer one another protection, support, empathy, and care and love. We have shown that we truly belong to one another. And that, no matter what happens, we can tap into deep resources of caring, connection, love and belonging."

He concluded with these words of encouragement:

"May we continue to raise our voices and fight for what matters - for the immediate release of our hostages. For our safety and our future in a thriving and secure Jewish and democratic State of Israel, and for a world of peace, harmony, and goodwill. See you soon in Israel, in Jerusalem, Happy Independence Day, and Am Yisrael Chai,” added Herzog.

The War Can Be Over Tomorrow

While I agree with the PM on how the war can end, I highly doubt Hamas will agree to his advice as we see in a report on Netanyahu’s remarks from i24news.tv:

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suggested the possibility of exiling Hamas leaders from Gaza as a means to end the ongoing war.

Netanyahu added more ways Hamas can end the conflict:

In a recent interview on Dan Senor's podcast "Call Me Back," Netanyahu reiterated his stance that the war could end immediately if Hamas were to lay down its arms and release hostages.

"This war can be over tomorrow," Netanyahu emphasized. "Hamas lays down its arms, surrenders, and returns the hostages, the war is over. It's up to them."

He offered more details on the exile option:

When pressed about the option of exile for Hamas leaders, Netanyahu stated that while the idea has been discussed, the priority is for Hamas to surrender and disarm.

Netanyahu reiterated his firm stance against allowing Hamas to maintain control in Gaza, emphasizing that as long as the group remains active, Israel will not permit Gazans to govern the territory.

As many inside and outside his government are pushing for details on the post war Gaza, the PM said this:

Regarding the aftermath of the conflict, Netanyahu indicated that discussions about the future would only occur after Hamas has been neutralized.

Netanyahu made it clear that only Israel can keep themselves safe:

He underscored Israel's commitment to defending itself against threats, stressing that the nation would not rely on external assistance for its security.

All of this makes perfect sense, at least to those who understand what Israel has endured for all of the last 76 years. This is the time for all terrorist threats to be dealt with and not just Hamas. Hezbollah, the Houthis and all of the other Iranian proxies in the area. Of course Iran’s nuclear ambitions need to be dealt with as well. As we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, some of the specifics are right here in this report.