Is Assassination now the new norm?

 NETANYAHU MAY NEED TO STAY IN A BUNKER

U.S CREDIBILITY TAKES ANOTHER HIT

Yesterday we saw that Israel proudly attempted to assassinate the Hamas negotiating team in Doha, Qatar. The negotiators were there to consider the Trump administrations ceasefire plan for Gaza. I expect this will end any attempt at any negotiation, not only for Gaza, but for most any conflict worldwide. 

We saw the Ukraine attack on the Russian strategic nuclear deterrent while negotiations were ongoing in Turkey. We saw Israel decapitate much of the leadership of Iran while Iran was in negotiations with the U.S. With this attack yesterday, we can only assume that this is the new policy of the U.S. and Israel. So far, none of these attacks have had any serious effect on ending any conflicts, but it may very well translate to ending conflicts in future, nearly impossible. Maybe that is the convoluted hope of amateur Machiavellians or out of control intelligence agencies.

We can only also assume that what is good for the goose is good for the gander, and if this is the new norm, we can expect lots assassinations in many diverse places. I suspect it will not be positive development for anyone. 

One must wonder what Israel is thinking, how is such an attack going to further their cause? I actually can not put my finger on what is their cause anymore. World public opinion it seems is irrelevant, does being a U.S. ally create the impression that opinion is no longer relevant. 

As for the U.S. what is the U.S. policy in all these attacks. Does it help plan, coordinate and endorse these policies? Are there rogue forces that allow these plans to go forward? So far, there is only weak, denials and attempts at deniability. If these plans are not green lighted by the white house, they better make that clear and those responsible made accountable. I suspect that the ability to engage in negotiations by the U.S. with anyone, both friends and foes, concerning anything, is being greatly diminished. Is that the real goal by those who advocate for these policies?

I suspect that the leadership of Israel does not want an end to this Gaza crisis, they want them all dead or gone, any way it can be accomplished. I suspect the same applies to the west bank. I still think a better approach would be raise the funds to buy these properties from those people, rather than spend it on bombs. At least then these people without options would have a nest egg to accomplish a voluntary resettlement.

As for Hamas, they have no choice but to fight to the last, as any surrender will  end in execution for anyone labeled as Hamas.  I suspect we will see the IDF enter Gaza and begin a systematic annihilation of everyone. It may be the end of Hamas, and probably Israel, as we know it.