I have been screaming to anyone asking that there is no military solution to Mideast conflicts only a diplomatic one. I feel more estranged than ever that the “legacy” Jewish organizations can understand this.
I love Israel, all the reason why my heart sank when I heard the news of the attack on Iran's nuclear capability. I used to cheer when Israeli jets and agents on the ground attacked and debilitated Iran's nuclear threat years ago. But no more. I'm wholly with you Jeremy. Especially in the current political climate as Israel's actions in Gaza is exponentially cementing Israel as the pariah of the entire world. Hawks may say, Who Cares? Netanyahu is pulling all of us in the Diaspora down with him. Again. I love Israel. Your essay speaks the truth. But as members of J-Street, how do we do something practical besides screaming, "Enough is enough."
NYT's: This is how it is, it's called Reality! Iranian's hatred on display since the beginning of time in history; “We won’t relent until the complete destruction of Israel,” said a woman in a black and white checked scarf that indicates support for Iran’s security forces. “It’s not a question of revenge. Israel must be wiped off the page of time forever.”
President Franklin D. Roosevelt and General George Marshall opposed the creation of Israel. And decades ago, Netanyahu morphed into his ancestors' Nazi oppressors.
He and the "Settlers" and rabid Zionists have inflicted unspeakable and hideous crimes against their non-Jewish neighbors. In the process, anti-Semitism has reached levels globally that have not been seen since World War II, with much worse yet to come.
Iranian's hatred on display since the beginning of time in history; “We won’t relent until the complete destruction of Israel,” said a woman in a black and white checked scarf that indicates support for Iran’s security forces. “It’s not a question of revenge. Israel must be wiped off the page of time forever.”
Not the whole world, just those who hate, it's in their blood line. Remember some things can be true at the same time and then there not, time is a funny thing, if you can imagine or just know things that other's do not realize the inner Wizdom, ''Kabala''
The whole world, which is why anti-Semitism has reached levels globally that have not been seen since World War II, with much worse yet to come. Tragically, no Jew is safe anywhere.
Israel obviously would not have taken this military action against Iran if it didn't have at least the expectation, and likely overt promise, of support from the United States. For decades, the D.C. elites have allowed Israel to drive our foreign policy in the Middle East. Netanyahu knows all he has to do is shout "Hamas!" or "Iran!" and he has D.C. politicians eating out of his hand. Those who dare to criticize Israel's policies are disparaged as antisemitic. We have almost become a colony of Israel. Our fearless leaders need to step back and decide independently what is best for the United States and the world, to get out from under Israel's domination.
Well said, and totally accurate. Lots of us voted for Trump three times, but we vehemently oppose his support for the butcher Netanyahu and the Apartheid state of Israel.
“To understand the road not travelled, we need only go back to 2015 and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the diplomatic agreement which ensured Iran could not develop a nuclear weapon. The so-called “Iran deal” scaled back Iran’s nuclear program, locked it up and placed it under the strictest of international monitoring - permanently.”
This is factually not true. This is a lie! The JCPOA had a 10 year time limit on uranium enrichment and break-out time. You literally lied in this article!
Can discuss/debate....But the fact is that MOST Israel security experts did not believe JCPOA was a good deal. And Israelis across the spectrum felt that. Yes J Street found a few supporters of their view. in Israel. But they were a small minority. And the fact is that many of the least supportive-of-Israel organizations (to be charitable) in the US, were strong supporters of and advocates for JCPOA. That obviously doesn't in of itself invalidate it. But was telling.
That doesn't mean the Netanyahu-to-Congress was the best way to go. Doesn't mean a lot of things. The question was once it in place; what was the best way to ensure no Iranian nuclear. Doesn't mean getting rid of JCPOA when it place was the best way to go.
But for whatever, Iran has show over the years it antipathy towards Israel. It showed its intent through Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis and directly... And you can blame abandonment of JCPOA; but fact remains Iran was very near (or perhaps passed) its nuclear point. I'm not a nuclear expert. I wouldn't put my last penny on a policy advocated just by Netanyahu. But it's far broader than that: How to remove the Iranian nuclear threat
Some of this is of course theoretical. We are where we are now. Israel has done what it's done.
The question is: How can the US and Israel take advantage of what has now happened - and if possible permanently remove the Iranian nuclear possibility. Not have a pause so they can rebuild and rearm. And revert to their nuclear goal. Not have token piece of paper or agreements which don't actually remove the threat.
Now obviously not everyone is against the Iranians having nuclear weapons (or I imagine them using them on Israel.) But that's not where you are.
So final: NOW - given where we are: How to take advantage and just remove this threat. It's not just Netanyahu or the far right. It's almost all Israelis who feel this way; have lived under this growing threat. And I would say it behooves American Jews who say they support Israel to acknowledge this.
Doesn't mean you have to like Netanyahu or the settlements or Gaza (or the Judicial reform or treatment of Reform Judaism in Israel.) But perhaps acknowledge that the "Zionist left" in Israel -Yair Lapid for example is on the same page as Netanyahu re Iran. As are most others. And even IF what Israel did was the wrong action; they're in it now. And whatever J Street's position (which as I noted you were among the last of US Jewish Orgs to issue a response). NOW is not a week ago. And should be a little pragmatic in doing real things re the Iranian threat. Not just "trust us" and have a paper agreement.
AP reported the following on June 12: "Iran said it has built and will activate a third nuclear enrichment facility, ratcheting up tensions with the U.N. on Thursday immediately after its atomic watchdog agency censured Iran for failing to comply with nonproliferation obligations meant to prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon." An immediate Israeli response was predictable. I would like to know of a possible diplomatic strategy going forward that will hold Iran to a nuclear de-escalation plan. Perhaps Iranian regime change coupled with an abandonment of the goal to destroy Israel would open some diplomatic doors to peace? What incentives could break the pattern of failed nuclear diplomacy?
Hi Jeremy, I support J Street and I donate to your organization. I think there needs to be a two state solution in Gaza. However, on this Iran issue I feel differently from you and I think that there are potential nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles the spread of which need to be dealt with definitively. The two issues are connected, though, once Iran is hopefully defanged it will not be aiding Hamas in her Gaza. Therefore the United States can push for a 2 state solution. If Iran is disarmed, Hamas is no longer a threat.
I have not seen these two threads pulled together, but I'm sure others have voiced it. What are your thoughts on this?
Thanks for the comment, Janet. Yes - Iran's nuclear program needed (needs?) to be dealt with, but a key point is whether military action can actually do that. We (unfortunately) will now find out. My contention (and many in the 'pro-diplomacy' camp) argue that military action won't ultimately end Iran's program but actually may push Iran toward weaponization more quickly. A diplomatic agreement already proved effective at preventing Iran from moving its program forward. If there's any chance of getting back to the negotiating table, that is the better way to achieve the goal we both have.
There should be ZERO doubts that Netanyahu is a madman. His multi-decade atrocities underscore that conclusion in spades. And he is supported by contemptible "Israel firsters" like Mark Levin, who has gone off the rails.
Not only would they drag us into World War III, and have no qualms about doing so, but don't rule out the possibility that Netanyahu and his fellow butchers will attack an American vessel and deny doing so, like the USS Liberty was attacked by Israel.
Tucker Carlson has described the present situation accurately.
Jeremy is well-intentioned but "naive." When Netanyahu loses power, he goes to jail for his many crimes, and rightfully so. Hence, he has no interest in a genuine settlement, and never has.
I only hope , there will be time to reach a diplomatic resolution. Potenial Russian military assistance to Iran could well force the US to join Israel in their campaign.
Donald Trump has pledged that there will be no American involvement in foreign wars, yet his parade in Washington, D.C. yesterday showcased equipment that we had given to Ukraine, and we are increasingly being drawn into Netanyahu’s war.
I have been screaming to anyone asking that there is no military solution to Mideast conflicts only a diplomatic one. I feel more estranged than ever that the “legacy” Jewish organizations can understand this.
I love Israel, all the reason why my heart sank when I heard the news of the attack on Iran's nuclear capability. I used to cheer when Israeli jets and agents on the ground attacked and debilitated Iran's nuclear threat years ago. But no more. I'm wholly with you Jeremy. Especially in the current political climate as Israel's actions in Gaza is exponentially cementing Israel as the pariah of the entire world. Hawks may say, Who Cares? Netanyahu is pulling all of us in the Diaspora down with him. Again. I love Israel. Your essay speaks the truth. But as members of J-Street, how do we do something practical besides screaming, "Enough is enough."
sadly, exactly right as always
Thank you for a clear and thoughtful analysis. The JCPOA would have led us down a much better path. This war will only make things worse.
It certainly worked for Neville Chamberlain.
Amen!
NYT's: This is how it is, it's called Reality! Iranian's hatred on display since the beginning of time in history; “We won’t relent until the complete destruction of Israel,” said a woman in a black and white checked scarf that indicates support for Iran’s security forces. “It’s not a question of revenge. Israel must be wiped off the page of time forever.”
For better or worse, the world agrees.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt and General George Marshall opposed the creation of Israel. And decades ago, Netanyahu morphed into his ancestors' Nazi oppressors.
He and the "Settlers" and rabid Zionists have inflicted unspeakable and hideous crimes against their non-Jewish neighbors. In the process, anti-Semitism has reached levels globally that have not been seen since World War II, with much worse yet to come.
This is Netanyahu’s "gift" to global Jewry.
Iranian's hatred on display since the beginning of time in history; “We won’t relent until the complete destruction of Israel,” said a woman in a black and white checked scarf that indicates support for Iran’s security forces. “It’s not a question of revenge. Israel must be wiped off the page of time forever.”
The world agrees with her.
Not the whole world, just those who hate, it's in their blood line. Remember some things can be true at the same time and then there not, time is a funny thing, if you can imagine or just know things that other's do not realize the inner Wizdom, ''Kabala''
The whole world, which is why anti-Semitism has reached levels globally that have not been seen since World War II, with much worse yet to come. Tragically, no Jew is safe anywhere.
I feel safe. Right here right now. Depends on, I Quess where you are, I'm in Canada. It's a safe, I n Isreal I would, feel safe. Do you agree? Timothy
Israel obviously would not have taken this military action against Iran if it didn't have at least the expectation, and likely overt promise, of support from the United States. For decades, the D.C. elites have allowed Israel to drive our foreign policy in the Middle East. Netanyahu knows all he has to do is shout "Hamas!" or "Iran!" and he has D.C. politicians eating out of his hand. Those who dare to criticize Israel's policies are disparaged as antisemitic. We have almost become a colony of Israel. Our fearless leaders need to step back and decide independently what is best for the United States and the world, to get out from under Israel's domination.
Well said, and totally accurate. Lots of us voted for Trump three times, but we vehemently oppose his support for the butcher Netanyahu and the Apartheid state of Israel.
The IAEA just learned that Iran was cheating on its commitments and building nukes. Cowabunga it is.
I agree - but the psychopathologic one and his cult have decimated the Stafe Department.
“To understand the road not travelled, we need only go back to 2015 and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the diplomatic agreement which ensured Iran could not develop a nuclear weapon. The so-called “Iran deal” scaled back Iran’s nuclear program, locked it up and placed it under the strictest of international monitoring - permanently.”
This is factually not true. This is a lie! The JCPOA had a 10 year time limit on uranium enrichment and break-out time. You literally lied in this article!
Can discuss/debate....But the fact is that MOST Israel security experts did not believe JCPOA was a good deal. And Israelis across the spectrum felt that. Yes J Street found a few supporters of their view. in Israel. But they were a small minority. And the fact is that many of the least supportive-of-Israel organizations (to be charitable) in the US, were strong supporters of and advocates for JCPOA. That obviously doesn't in of itself invalidate it. But was telling.
That doesn't mean the Netanyahu-to-Congress was the best way to go. Doesn't mean a lot of things. The question was once it in place; what was the best way to ensure no Iranian nuclear. Doesn't mean getting rid of JCPOA when it place was the best way to go.
But for whatever, Iran has show over the years it antipathy towards Israel. It showed its intent through Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis and directly... And you can blame abandonment of JCPOA; but fact remains Iran was very near (or perhaps passed) its nuclear point. I'm not a nuclear expert. I wouldn't put my last penny on a policy advocated just by Netanyahu. But it's far broader than that: How to remove the Iranian nuclear threat
Some of this is of course theoretical. We are where we are now. Israel has done what it's done.
The question is: How can the US and Israel take advantage of what has now happened - and if possible permanently remove the Iranian nuclear possibility. Not have a pause so they can rebuild and rearm. And revert to their nuclear goal. Not have token piece of paper or agreements which don't actually remove the threat.
Now obviously not everyone is against the Iranians having nuclear weapons (or I imagine them using them on Israel.) But that's not where you are.
So final: NOW - given where we are: How to take advantage and just remove this threat. It's not just Netanyahu or the far right. It's almost all Israelis who feel this way; have lived under this growing threat. And I would say it behooves American Jews who say they support Israel to acknowledge this.
Doesn't mean you have to like Netanyahu or the settlements or Gaza (or the Judicial reform or treatment of Reform Judaism in Israel.) But perhaps acknowledge that the "Zionist left" in Israel -Yair Lapid for example is on the same page as Netanyahu re Iran. As are most others. And even IF what Israel did was the wrong action; they're in it now. And whatever J Street's position (which as I noted you were among the last of US Jewish Orgs to issue a response). NOW is not a week ago. And should be a little pragmatic in doing real things re the Iranian threat. Not just "trust us" and have a paper agreement.
Nuclear Dimplomacy with Iran has been a joke. Shame on you.
AP reported the following on June 12: "Iran said it has built and will activate a third nuclear enrichment facility, ratcheting up tensions with the U.N. on Thursday immediately after its atomic watchdog agency censured Iran for failing to comply with nonproliferation obligations meant to prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon." An immediate Israeli response was predictable. I would like to know of a possible diplomatic strategy going forward that will hold Iran to a nuclear de-escalation plan. Perhaps Iranian regime change coupled with an abandonment of the goal to destroy Israel would open some diplomatic doors to peace? What incentives could break the pattern of failed nuclear diplomacy?
Hi Jeremy, I support J Street and I donate to your organization. I think there needs to be a two state solution in Gaza. However, on this Iran issue I feel differently from you and I think that there are potential nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles the spread of which need to be dealt with definitively. The two issues are connected, though, once Iran is hopefully defanged it will not be aiding Hamas in her Gaza. Therefore the United States can push for a 2 state solution. If Iran is disarmed, Hamas is no longer a threat.
I have not seen these two threads pulled together, but I'm sure others have voiced it. What are your thoughts on this?
Thanks for the comment, Janet. Yes - Iran's nuclear program needed (needs?) to be dealt with, but a key point is whether military action can actually do that. We (unfortunately) will now find out. My contention (and many in the 'pro-diplomacy' camp) argue that military action won't ultimately end Iran's program but actually may push Iran toward weaponization more quickly. A diplomatic agreement already proved effective at preventing Iran from moving its program forward. If there's any chance of getting back to the negotiating table, that is the better way to achieve the goal we both have.
There should be ZERO doubts that Netanyahu is a madman. His multi-decade atrocities underscore that conclusion in spades. And he is supported by contemptible "Israel firsters" like Mark Levin, who has gone off the rails.
Not only would they drag us into World War III, and have no qualms about doing so, but don't rule out the possibility that Netanyahu and his fellow butchers will attack an American vessel and deny doing so, like the USS Liberty was attacked by Israel.
Tucker Carlson has described the present situation accurately.
See https://www.newsmax.com/politics/tucker-carlson-criticized-donald-trump/2025/06/14/id/1214961/ ("Tucker Carlson Hits Trump, Hannity, Levin Over Iran"); see also
https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2025/06/13/netanyahu-is-a-madman/ ("Netanyahu Is A Madman")
Jeremy is well-intentioned but "naive." When Netanyahu loses power, he goes to jail for his many crimes, and rightfully so. Hence, he has no interest in a genuine settlement, and never has.
I only hope , there will be time to reach a diplomatic resolution. Potenial Russian military assistance to Iran could well force the US to join Israel in their campaign.
Donald Trump has pledged that there will be no American involvement in foreign wars, yet his parade in Washington, D.C. yesterday showcased equipment that we had given to Ukraine, and we are increasingly being drawn into Netanyahu’s war.