Since Hamas and allies invaded Israel, killed 1,200 Israelis and others, and seized more than 240 hostages Oct. 7, Israel has conducted a methodical military campaign in Gaza that has uncovered hundreds of miles of tunnels, eliminated some of Hamas’ most senior leaders, and killed, by IDF estimates, more than 13,000 terrorist fighters. How important is an operation in the southern city of Rafah for mission success? What does the future hold for Gaza? What are the long-term effects on Israel’s relationship with the United States and the hopes for normalization with Saudi Arabia? What are the risks of a full-scale war with Hezbollah? Addressing those issues for CIE’s 25th weekly webinar, airing Wednesday, April 3, at noon ET, is reserve IDF Brig. Gen. Amir Avivi, the founder and chairman of the Israel Defense and Security Forum and a former deputy commander of the Gaza Division. He joins Dr. Ken Stein, CIE’s president and an Emory University emeritus professor of Middle East history, political science and Israel studies.
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May 15, 2008 Source: https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2008/05/20080515-1.html When George W. Bush became the third U.S. president to address the Knesset on May 15, 2008, he was not trying to finalize a peace treaty, as Jimmy Carter was…
#152 Contemporary Readings October 2025
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Annotated Hamas Bibliography: In-Depth Assessments, Analyses, Objectives, and Regional and International Implications
Among Palestinians, Hamas popularity soars, two state solution at lowest ebb, Rise in European Anti-semitism, and Michael Mihlstein’s insightful analysis an essential read.
President Trump Addresses Knesset on Gaza Ceasefire, Middle East Peace, October 2025
Donald Trump takes a victory lap and lays out short- and long-term visions for Gaza, Israel and the Middle East while becoming the fourth U.S. president to address the Knesset.
Envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff: U.S. “Can’t Afford to Fail” in Gaza, October 2025
U.S. Middle East envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff express confidence in a “60 Minutes” interview that the Trump peace plan will succeed in Gaza after two years of the Hamas-Israel war.
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Explainer: Three Jewish States or Commonwealths, 1030 B.C.E.-Present
The First Commonwealth: Kingdom of Israel/the United Monarchy (circa 1030-930 B.C.E.) under Kings Saul, David and Solomon. The monarchy split into two kingdoms in 930 B.C.E. The northern Kingdom of Israel endured until 722 B.C.E., when…
Yair Lapid to Knesset, “We Are Not Going Anywhere,” October 2025
Opposition leader Yair Lapid, addressing the Knesset, praises Donald Trump for brokering the Gaza peace plan, calls on his fellow Israelis to renew their values-based democracy, and warns Israel’s enemies in the Middle East and beyond that the Jewish state is here to stay.
Bibliography — BDS and Antisemitism
Articles and books on the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement and on antisemitism on U.S. campuses, with suggested sources to read on the history and politics of Zionism and modern Israel.