This week may seem to be laden with diplomatic activity, but it appears that nothing involves real substance, with the possible exception of President Isaac Herzog's visit to Turkey.
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Secretary of State Antony Blinken talked about the need to transfer fighter jets to Ukraine under a special arrangement through Poland. But perhaps it is the UK's Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin who said the smartest thing: "The advice that we, as senior military professionals are giving our politicians, is to avoid doing things that are tactically ineffective and definitely to avoid doing things that tactically might lead to miscalculation or escalation."
This is good advice for all politicians, including in Israel. In light of Russian President Vladimir Putin's objectives in the current conflict, there are big question marks over the benefit of having Prime Minister Naftali Bennett fly to Moscow several days ago.ย This is the second time that Putin has made Bennett suspend his Shabbat observance.ย
The long-term goal of both sides in this conflict could be much more dramatic than they seem โ Russia may seek to change the make-up of the population of Ukraine, while the US could seek regime change in Russia. In light of this, both the US and Russia appear to need a lengthy timetable. The chatter on ceasefires that could end the war is nothing but a smokescreen. It is part of every modern military campaign, which involves courting both domestic and international legitimacy. Bennett has found himself caught in between Germany and Russia and between the US and Russia. This is not where Israel should find itself in.ย
For the past three days, the internet is replete with posts showing the Russian representative the nuclear talks in Vienna talking about how generous the world powers were toward the Iranians in the negotiations, giving Iran above and beyond what it had set about to achieve. Analysts in the US are talking about the need for an urgent substitute for Russian oil because of the soaring prices. Biden, who is beholden to the radical Left, cannot change his policy by shoring up production at home. That's why Iran will fill up gas tanks for Americans, and to hell with the existential threat on Israel. This is what Bennett should have fought about, but the current government is not keen on putting a spoke in the wheels of the Biden administration.ย
It is best if the politicians, including the prime minister, avoid being part of Putin's plan, which is already being scrutinized by the jurists at the Hague.
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