Hamas knows exactly what it is doing. Starvation is a bargaining chip; the emaciated hostage is a living press release.

Bradskii · Aug 5, 2025

tampasteve said:
Israel offered $5 million and free passage for the family of anyone that gives solid information about the hostages .- No Questions Asked - NOT ONE PERSON IN GAZA TOOK THEM UP ON THEIR OFFER. There are no innocent "civilians" in Gaza. It is high time Israel evicted the savages and made the land the paradise that it can be. Send them all to Hell and let God sort them out.

Like I said, @MrMoe, these awful comments are par for the course these days. Would you like the opportunity to comment?

Bradskii · Aug 5, 2025

DaisyDay said:
"The die has been cast. We're going for the full conquest of the Gaza Strip – and defeating Hamas,"

That is quite a telling way of expressing what Netanyahu actually wants to do.

tampasteve · Aug 6, 2025

DaisyDay said:
Do you even see them as "people"?

They certainly don't act like it.

PK_VDMA · Friday at 8:29 PM

Yup. Paid for by USA taxpayers money—Israel (not to be confused with biblical Israel—the Church). It’s OK if Israel murders Christians. They have a script; Hamas, Hamas, Hamas, October 7th, October 7th, October 7th, antisemitism, antisemitism, antisemitism—ad nauseam.

Hentenza · Friday at 9:19 PM

PK_VDMA said:
Yup. Paid for by USA taxpayers money—Israel (not to be confused with biblical Israel—the Church). It’s OK if Israel murders Christians. They have a script; Hamas, Hamas, Hamas, October 7th, October 7th, October 7th, antisemitism, antisemitism, antisemitism—ad nauseam.
View attachment 369289

Hamas will probably kill them first just to blame Israel for their deaths and further their disinformation campaign. You guys defend the terrorists, nice.

PK_VDMA · Saturday at 6:50 AM

Hentenza said:
Hamas will probably kill them first just to blame Israel for their deaths and further their disinformation campaign. You guys defend the terrorists, nice.

No, neocon boomer not wanting to send American taxpayers money and weapons to anti-Christian Israel (not to be confused with biblical Israel—the Church) and American kids to die for Netanyahu desert wars doesn’t mean cheering for the Mohammedans and hate Jews. Maybe lay off the Schofield reference Bible and AIPAC Kool-Aid. The situation has never been binary.

Sticking to the script; Hamas, Hamas, Hamas, October 7th, October 7th, October 7th, antisemitism, antisemitism, antisemitism. Honestly, as a Christian, who is an infantryman combat vet who fought in the Iraq War for Israel, who had to carry flag draped ⚰️ on a C-17 for Israel, I have little care for Israel (they offer America little to no strategic interest in the Middle East) l do care about the Christians in that region.

Hentenza · Saturday at 7:09 AM

PK_VDMA said:
No, neocon boomer not wanting to send American taxpayers money and weapons to anti-Christian Israel (not to be confused with biblical Israel—the Church) and American kids to die for Netanyahu desert wars doesn’t mean cheering for the Mohammedans and hate Jews. Maybe lay off the Schofield reference Bible and AIPAC Kool-Aid. The situation has never been binary.

Sticking to the script; Hamas, Hamas, Hamas, October 7th, October 7th, October 7th, antisemitism, antisemitism, antisemitism. Honestly, as a Christian, who is an infantryman combat vet who fought in the Iraq War for Israel, who had to carry flag draped ⚰️ on a C-17 for Israel, I have little care for Israel (they offer America little to no strategic interest in the Middle East) l do care about the Christians in that region.

The formula is really quite simple. The PLO and Israel had reached an imperfect Oslo Accords which worked toward a two state solution. They recognized each other which was a tremendous step forward and Israel left Gaza and the West Bank. In comes Hamas and destroys all the work that had already been done. Hamas began to attack Israel with rockets, suicide bombers, and other terroristic means. This began in 2007 and continued until the October 7 attack.

The blood of the Gazans is in Hamas hands. All of their war and terror infrastructure was near or even in areas of civilian concentrations knowing that they could use the casualties for their disinformation campaign that apparently you bought into. Even after the attack all they had to do was return the hostages and negotiate. It is you who is drinking the Hamas kool aid. Also notice that I did not mention Israel as being the Israel of old in my argument so I’m not interested in deflections.

Also, thank you for your service,

ThatRobGuy · Saturday at 8:15 AM

ozso said:
It's a strange world where certain people side with crazed radical terrorists and vilify the civized democracy they attacked, blaming Israel for the suffering and death brought on by an extremist terrorist jihad.

I think the issues that people have with the situation are multi-faceted. Some are shallow, but others have merit.

There are some people who take a very superficial "Israel is aligned with the western colonizers, so no matter what happens, they're the bad guy"

...but that's not representative of all of the objections.

Speaking personally, my objections are:
1) Disproportionality of the response - I was initially supportive of Israel's response in the weeks immediately following the attack, and didn't have any expectation of perfect proportionality, as that would be incredibly naive for people to think that's how war works.

However, when you have an attack that took 1200 lives, once the response reaches 50,000 Palestinians dead and 60% of civilian infrastructure levelled, it's gone well past the point of (figurative and literal) "overkill".

If someone breaks into my car, and I respond by lighting all their cars on fire, burning down their house, their neighbor's houses, and shooting their dog, that goes well beyond "understandable retaliatory vengeance"

2) Netanyahu, more and more with each passing month, has made it clear that this seems to be less about avenging the events of Oct 7 at this point, and becoming more and more about territorial ambitions.

3) They're doing it with our money. Even if Israel was constrained in their response, and using precision, restraint, and avoid civilian casualties as much as humanly possible, that still doesn't explain why we're feeding billions of dollars into a foreign government that has a balanced budget.

If I'm dealing with 3 maxxed out credit cards, and you're sitting flush, even if I agreed 100% with what you were doing, it's unreasonable for you to ask me for the money to do it if your financial situation is better than mine.

PK_VDMA · Saturday at 11:50 AM

Hentenza said:
The formula is really quite simple. The PLO and Israel had reached an imperfect Oslo Accords which worked toward a two state solution. They recognized each other which was a tremendous step forward and Israel left Gaza and the West Bank. In comes Hamas and destroys all the work that had already been done. Hamas began to attack Israel with rockets, suicide bombers, and other terroristic means. This began in 2007 and continued until the October 7 attack.

The blood of the Gazans is in Hamas hands. All of their war and terror infrastructure was near or even in areas of civilian concentrations knowing that they could use the casualties for their disinformation campaign that apparently you bought into. Even after the attack all they had to do was return the hostages and negotiate. It is you who is drinking the Hamas kool aid. Also notice that I did not mention Israel as being the Israel of old in my argument so I’m not interested in deflections.

Also, thank you for your service,

I see you are still sticking with the script written by AIPAC. This didn’t start in 2007 it started with Balfour Declaration. The Balfour Declaration was a major mistake by the British which lead to creation of 1948 LGBT+ progressives Israel. Both 1948 Israel and Hamas are bad news. Israel has never wanted a two state solution because they want the greater Israel plan. They want to take more land than that started with the Balfour Declaration.

Who suffered most because of these poor decisions, the Christians. Christian Zionism is an oxymoron. It makes no sense. There is zero theological reason why Christians need to support a modern Israel. Not only is dispensationalism eschatological heresy it undermined the Gospel, it is a neocon warmongering heresy.

You are stuck on this narrative that it’s binary when a situation has never been binary. Hamas—bad, Israel—good. No, Hamas—bad, Israel—almost as equally as bad. This unholy anti-Christian allegiance to Israel is pathetic, and it needs to be driven out of the fabric of our politicians, both Republican and Democrat. The good news— the younger generation is not drinking the AIPAC KOOL-AID. Israel gets more money a year than 20 states!! You think Ukraine got a lot of money? It’s named close compared to Israel. We’ve spent trillions on this country (with wars fought on their behalf).

I challenge you to name one benefit America has received from Israel. I’ll wait for your responses.

1948 Israel as one giant example of breaking the first, second and third commandment. It’s a piece of blasphemy that is readily visible, with the increasing constriction and hostility towards Christians by first the various Zionist agencies and then by the modern state of Israel.

Hentenza · Saturday at 1:31 PM

PK_VDMA said:
I see you are still sticking with the script written by AIPAC. This didn’t start in 2007 it started with Balfour Declaration. The Balfour Declaration was a major mistake by the British which lead to creation of 1948 LGBT+ progressives Israel. Both 1948 Israel and Hamas are bad news. Israel has never wanted a two state solution because they want the greater Israel plan. They want to take more land than that started with the Balfour Declaration.

Who suffered most because of these poor decisions, the Christians. Christian Zionism is an oxymoron. It makes no sense. There is zero theological reason why Christians need to support a modern Israel. Not only is dispensationalism eschatological heresy it undermined the Gospel, it is a neocon warmongering heresy.

You are stuck on this narrative that it’s binary when a situation has never been binary. Hamas—bad, Israel—good. No, Hamas—bad, Israel—almost as equally as bad. This unholy anti-Christian allegiance to Israel is pathetic, and it needs to be driven out of the fabric of our politicians, both Republican and Democrat. The good news— the younger generation is not drinking the AIPAC KOOL-AID. Israel gets more money a year than 20 states!! You think Ukraine got a lot of money? It’s named close compared to Israel. We’ve spent trillions on this country (with wars fought on their behalf).

I challenge you to name one benefit America has received from Israel. I’ll wait for your responses.

1948 Israel as one giant example of breaking the first, second and third commandment. It’s a piece of blasphemy that is readily visible, with the increasing constriction and hostility towards Christians by first the various Zionist agencies and then by the modern state of Israel.

If you wanted I go further back in history I would have been happy to. The clans that lived in the Lavant for centuries had all that time to form a Palestinian state but did not. The problem with your hatred for Israel is that the ship has already sailed. Israel is there to stay so if the Palestinians, without Hamas, want to negotiate then go for it.

I don’t appreciate you disrespectful tone so I won’t be replying to your posts anymore. The love of Christ should steer your ship not your hatred at everything Israel. Bye.

PK_VDMA · Monday at 6:38 AM

Hentenza said:
If you wanted I go further back in history I would have been happy to. The clans that lived in the Lavant for centuries had all that time to form a Palestinian state but did not. The problem with your hatred for Israel is that the ship has already sailed. Israel is there to stay so if the Palestinians, without Hamas, want to negotiate then go for it.

I don’t appreciate you disrespectful tone so I won’t be replying to your posts anymore. The love of Christ should steer your ship not your hatred at everything Israel. Bye.

I don’t appreciate the disrespect Christian received from our politicians and so-called American evangelicals towards the Christians who live in the Middle East. They put 1948 Israel over Christians. I don’t know if you follow the made-up eschatological dispensationalism heresy or just buy into the AIPAC propaganda.

Joel Berry and the Babylon Bee mock the Christian martyrs killed by Israel—sick. No doubt Seth Dillon and Joel Berry are Baptists who follow the eschatological dispensationalism warmongering heresy.

This is not about October 7th—October 7 was an excuse to bomb the ghetto/open prisons they’ve been forced into by Israel. It is really shocking. Ironically, Israel helped create Hamas to stabilize the region. This blind unchecked support to modern Israel is idolatry!!

PK_VDMA · Monday at 10:10 AM

Hentenza said:
If you wanted I go further back in history I would have been happy to. The clans that lived in the Lavant for centuries had all that time to form a Palestinian state but did not. The problem with your hatred for Israel is that the ship has already sailed. Israel is there to stay so if the Palestinians, without Hamas, want to negotiate then go for it.

I don’t appreciate you disrespectful tone so I won’t be replying to your posts anymore. The love of Christ should steer your ship not your hatred at everything Israel. Bye.

“The problem with your hatred for Israel.”

The Eighth Commandment. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

Why are you calling me an antisemite? Ideologist Israel worshipers are insufferable, and we’ll go to any length to slander their neighbor in defense of 1948 Israel. Wake up. No, genius not wanting to send American taxpayers money and weapons to anti-Christian Israel and American kids to die for Netanyahu/Israel desert wars doesn’t mean cheering for the Mohammedans and hating modern Israel.

The current Israel conflict depleted 20% of the USA’s military defense (THAAD) missiles. The military-industrial complex is loving this conflict. Israel cannot survive without billions from the USA. They can’t handle their own affairs without being propped up by the USA taxpayer and US military backing. Israel is not our problem or friend. If the USA wants peace for Israel, cut off their USA tax funding and military aid, and Israel will do everything in their power to make peace with their neighbors for the first time in the country’s short history.

Again. I challenge you to name one benefit America has received from Israel. I’ll wait for your responses.

Yup. Crickets.

Aaron112 · Monday at 10:15 AM

PK_VDMA said:
Again. I challenge you to name one benefit America has received from Israel. I’ll wait for your responses.

I have not seen any other posts or info about you other than apparently "Lutheran".
Regardless of history though, for anyone,
do you read and agree with God's Word (Scripture) ?

The Creator's blessings in particular. And associated curses as well. Usually along with every promise or blessing in Scripture, there's a curse also.

Aaron112 · Monday at 10:17 AM

tampasteve said:
They certainly don't act like it.

Not at all knowing what's actually going on over there today,
in the past,
another group (Not Hebrew nor Israel nor Jewish as far as known)
of religious leaders claimed that anyone not one of their group
was not human and thus could be exterminated without penalty, without being a sin.
Too many of that group currently control too much online and in the world to name them by name.

Hentenza · Monday at 10:19 AM

Aaron112 said:
I have not seen any other posts or info about you other than apparently "Lutheran".
Regardless of history though, for anyone,
do you read and agree with God's Word (Scripture) ?

The Creator's blessings in particular. And associated curses as well. Usually along with every promise or blessing in Scripture, there's a curse also.

Looks like this guy just joined to bash Israel. Make me wonder what his actual motivation is.

Hentenza · Monday at 10:25 AM

PK_VDMA said:
Again. I challenge you to name one benefit America has received from Israel. I’ll wait for your responses.

Yup. Crickets.

Israel continues to help the United States deal with traditional security threats. The two countries share intelligence on terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and Middle Eastern politics. Israel's military experiences have shaped the United States' approach to counterterrorism and homeland security. The two governments work together to develop sophisticated military technology, such as the David's Sling counter-rocket and Arrow missile defense systems, which may soon be ready for export to other U.S. allies. Israel has also emerged as an important niche defense supplier to the U.S. military, with sales growing from $300 million per year before September 11 to $1.1 billion in 2006, due to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Israel's military research and development complex has pioneered many cutting-edge technologies that are transforming the face of modern war, including cyberweapons, unmanned vehicles (such as land robots and aerial drones), sensors and electronic warfare systems, and advanced defenses for military vehicles.

The U.S.-Israeli alliance has paved the way for the countries to cooperate on far more than just traditional security issues. In part because of the long-standing political and security relationship between the United States and Israel, most Israelis know the United States and harbor positive feelings toward it. Israeli companies looking for a global market for their products have often viewed their American counterparts as partners of choice. So today, Israeli civilian technological innovations are helping the United States maintain its economic competitiveness, promote sustainable development, and address a range of non-military security challenges.

Dozens of leading U.S. companies have set up technology incubators in Israel to take advantage of the country's penchant for new ideas, which is why Bill Gates observed in 2006 that the "innovation going on in Israel is critical to the future of the technology business." Likewise, Israeli high-tech firms often turn to U.S. companies as partners for joint production and marketing opportunities in the United States and elsewhere, creating tens of thousands of American jobs. And although Israelis make up just three percent of the population of the Middle East, in 2011 Israel was the destination of 25 percent of all U.S. exports to the region, having recently eclipsed Saudi Arabia as the top market there for American products.

Friends with Benefits: Why the U.S.-Israeli Alliance Is Good for America

The bilateral relationship is based on tangible, steadily increasing security and economic interests, not just shared values.

www.washingtoninstitute.org

Aaron112 · Monday at 10:42 AM

Hentenza said:
Looks like this guy just joined to bash Israel. Make me wonder what his actual motivation is.

It's very awkward, takes time to wonder about motivation - when it is possible to expopse the motivation (for most posts in every thread, almost) , a lot of speculation and debate does not need to be used up or time lost. People get offended much too easily and quickly, sinfully even, but they are sometimes quick to use the forum rules to silence anything that brings or tries to bring motivation to light.

Desk trauma · Monday at 10:43 AM

Hentenza said:
Looks like this guy just joined to bash Israel. Make me wonder what his actual motivation is.

Likely venting their spleen anonymously like the rest of us.

FireDragon76 · Tuesday at 7:34 AM

Hentenza said:
Israel continues to help the United States deal with traditional security threats. The two countries share intelligence on terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and Middle Eastern politics. Israel's military experiences have shaped the United States' approach to counterterrorism and homeland security. The two governments work together to develop sophisticated military technology, such as the David's Sling counter-rocket and Arrow missile defense systems, which may soon be ready for export to other U.S. allies. Israel has also emerged as an important niche defense supplier to the U.S. military, with sales growing from $300 million per year before September 11 to $1.1 billion in 2006, due to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Israel's military research and development complex has pioneered many cutting-edge technologies that are transforming the face of modern war, including cyberweapons, unmanned vehicles (such as land robots and aerial drones), sensors and electronic warfare systems, and advanced defenses for military vehicles.

The U.S.-Israeli alliance has paved the way for the countries to cooperate on far more than just traditional security issues. In part because of the long-standing political and security relationship between the United States and Israel, most Israelis know the United States and harbor positive feelings toward it. Israeli companies looking for a global market for their products have often viewed their American counterparts as partners of choice. So today, Israeli civilian technological innovations are helping the United States maintain its economic competitiveness, promote sustainable development, and address a range of non-military security challenges.

Dozens of leading U.S. companies have set up technology incubators in Israel to take advantage of the country's penchant for new ideas, which is why Bill Gates observed in 2006 that the "innovation going on in Israel is critical to the future of the technology business." Likewise, Israeli high-tech firms often turn to U.S. companies as partners for joint production and marketing opportunities in the United States and elsewhere, creating tens of thousands of American jobs. And although Israelis make up just three percent of the population of the Middle East, in 2011 Israel was the destination of 25 percent of all U.S. exports to the region, having recently eclipsed Saudi Arabia as the top market there for American products.

Friends with Benefits: Why the U.S.-Israeli Alliance Is Good for America

The bilateral relationship is based on tangible, steadily increasing security and economic interests, not just shared values.

www.washingtoninstitute.org

The US-Israeli relationship is mostly a relic of the Cold War. Like the US involvement in Vietnam, it's part of a colonial legacy that has been bequeathed to the US. Now that the Cold War is over, and Israel is firmly in the hands of a government opposed to liberal democratic norms and international law, the calculus of the relationship has shifted more towards liability than asset.

Hentenza · Tuesday at 9:07 AM

FireDragon76 said:
The US-Israeli relationship is mostly a relic of the Cold War. Like the US involvement in Vietnam, it's part of a colonial legacy that has been bequeathed to the US. Now that the Cold War is over, and Israel is firmly in the hands of a government opposed to liberal democratic norms and international law, the calculus of the relationship has shifted more towards liability than asset.

That’s not what the paper I cited concluded. Please read the paper and respond accordingly.

Hamas knows exactly what it is doing. Starvation is a bargaining chip; the emaciated hostage is a living press release.

Old age should burn and rave at close of day;

Old age should burn and rave at close of day;

Not everyone who says, “Lord, Lord,” will be saved

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Part of the IT crowd

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The pickles are up to something

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