Netanyahu includes Hamas in Iran’s ‘axis of evil’ before anticipated attack.
Hamas: Part of an Axis of Evil
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has labeled Hamas as part of an “axis of evil” alongside Iran. He condemned this alliance of adversaries while preparing to escalate the Israeli military campaign against the terrorists.
A Struggle Between Light and Darkness
“Hamas is part of the axis of evil of Iran, Hezbollah, and their minions,” Netanyahu declared in the Israeli parliament, known as the Knesset. “This is a struggle between the children of light and the children of darkness, between humanity and the law of the jungle.”
Israel War: Evacuation of Americans
As the conflict intensifies, the United States plans to evacuate stranded Americans by sea.
Drawing on American Rhetoric
Netanyahu’s sweeping condemnation seemed to draw inspiration from American political rhetoric, reminiscent of George W. Bush’s 2002 State of the Union address where he listed Iran as part of an “axis of evil” alongside North Korea and Saddam Hussein’s Iraq. Netanyahu also referenced George H.W. Bush’s characterization of the first Persian Gulf Crisis as an opportunity to establish a “new world order” based on the rule of law.
By framing the upcoming conflict in civilizational terms, Netanyahu aimed to resonate with Western leaders.
A Call to the Enlightened World
“They want to return the Middle East to the abyss of the barbaric fanaticism of the Middle Ages, whereas we want to take the Middle East forward to the heights of progress of the 21st century,” Netanyahu emphasized. He referred to the Iran-backed terrorists who recently carried out a massacre, killing over 1,400 people in southern Israel on October 7. Netanyahu urged the enlightened world to stand united, stating, “Our war is also your war. If we do not stand together in a united front, it will reach you as well.”
Preparing for a Major Offensive
Israeli forces have called for an evacuation of the Gaza Strip north of the Gaza River, indicating preparations for a significant ground offensive into Gaza City. Russia and Iran have warned that this campaign could escalate into a multi-front war, with the Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah forces ready to launch a vast arsenal of rockets at Israeli positions.
A Potentially Unpredictable Situation
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi expressed concern that the war and clashes in Gaza could spread to other fronts, making it more challenging to control the situation. Russian President Vladimir Putin echoed this warning to exert diplomatic pressure on Netanyahu. However, experts suggest that Moscow may not desire a major expansion of the conflict.
Former Estonian diplomat Peeter Raudsik stated, “As for the Russians, they don’t feel that it’s contained… it’s unpredictable, and I doubt the Russians are very happy with this.” He added that no party involved truly wants a ground offensive, including Netanyahu, but circumstances have left him with no other choice.
Diplomatic Efforts and Israeli Focus
Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Netanyahu during his second trip to Israel in less than a week. U.S. officials are reportedly urging the Israel Defense Forces to develop a strategy that goes beyond the initial goal of destroying Hamas. However, Israeli officials have expressed hesitation.
Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan, who leads the Israeli mission to the United Nations, emphasized, “We’re not thinking now about what will happen the day after the war. We need to win this war, and that’s the only thing that we’re focused on.”
Netanyahu’s Determination for Victory
Netanyahu vowed that Israeli forces would be “storming forward” to destroy Hamas. He declared, ”Our goal is victory, a crushing victory over Hamas, toppling its regime, and removing its threat to the State of Israel once and for all.” Netanyahu acknowledged that achieving this victory would require determination, sacrifice, and overcoming difficult moments and pitfalls. However, he remained confident that Israel would prevail, as their very existence in the region is threatened by dark forces.
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What role does Iran play in supporting Hamas and Hezbollah?
Dangerous Alliance
The alliance between Hamas, Iran, and Hezbollah poses a significant threat not only to Israel but also to the stability and security of the entire region. Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist organization, has long been designated as a terrorist group by countries such as the United States, Canada, and the European Union. With its extremist ideology and violent tactics, Hamas has shown time and again its disregard for innocent lives and its commitment to the destruction of Israel. Iran, on the other hand, has consistently supported Hamas financially, militarily, and politically. The Islamic Republic sees Hamas as a powerful proxy in its struggle against Israel, providing it with weapons, training, and expertise. This alliance has allowed Hamas to build a vast arsenal of rockets and other weapons, posing a direct threat to Israeli civilians. Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shia militant group, is also backed by Iran and shares a similar hostile stance towards Israel. With its extensive network and vast stockpile of rockets, Hezbollah has the capabilities to strike deep into Israeli territory, causing immense damage and loss of life. Given the dangerous nature of this alliance, it is crucial for the international community to unite in condemning and taking action against this axis of evil. It is not only Israel that is at risk, but the principles of freedom, democracy, and peace that we hold dear are also under threat. The United States, as a global leader and advocate for democracy, must play a pivotal role in mobilizing the international community against Hamas, Iran, and Hezbollah. It is essential for Western countries to recognize the gravity of the situation and stand in solidarity with Israel. This is a battle that extends beyond borders, and the fight against terrorism and extremism is a shared responsibility. While it is important to focus on the immediate threats posed by Hamas and its allies, we must not forget the true enemy at the core of this axis of evil – radical Islamic ideology. Hamas, Iran, and Hezbollah are not isolated entities but part of a broader global network of extremism that seeks to undermine peace, stability, and human rights. By tackling the root causes of extremism, addressing socioeconomic disparities, and promoting interfaith dialogue, we can work towards a future where terrorism and violence are no longer the norm. It is a long and arduous journey, but one that is essential for the well-being of future generations. In facing the axis of evil consisting of Hamas, Iran, and Hezbollah, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is making a call for the international community to stand together against these destructive forces. This is not just a battle for Israel’s survival, but a battle for the values that define our modern world. We cannot afford to wait until the threats become more severe, as the cost of inaction may be catastrophic. It is time for world leaders to step up, condemn terrorism in all its forms, and take decisive actions to neutralize the axis of evil. Only by united and determined action can we hope to defeat the forces of darkness and create a brighter future for generations to come.A Case for International Action
The Real Enemy
The Time for Action is Now
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