The author and Genesis 123 Foundation founder explains why Hamas is buying all sorts of time while releasing a minority of their hostages.
Though many see the Israel/Hamas ceasefire that’s currently happening as beneficial when it comes to the safety of the released hostages, Genesis 123 Foundation founder and author Jonathan Feldstein instead sees a different side.
In his latest column for Townhall, Feldstein discusses how Hamas is using this situation to its advantage. “Israelis are conflicted because we know that it’s not sound military strategy to give Hamas an opportunity to catch their beath and regroup when they are on the ropes. Now is the time for a knockout punch, not concessions, even as painful as that is for us in the losses that we continue to suffer,” he notes.
What’s more, Feldstein believes Hamas will use the scenario to “further entrench in the south,” using the chance to “entrench themselves, their weapons, and the remaining hostages as their human shields further.” This could make Israel’s job further as it continues to fight back against Hamas’ forces.
He also believes the psychological warfare advantage Hamas uses will continue, “including taunting the families of those who they still hold hostage, or maybe even parading out a few bodies of those who are already dead as a threat to others.” To solidify his point, he brought up Lt. Hadar Goldin, who was kidnapped and killed in a ceasefire over a decade ago. His remains still continue to be held by Hamas.
Feldstein joins us now to talk about the matter further, as well as what will come next.
Q&A:
- Do you believe the ceasefire is a mistake, considering the advantage it could give Hamas?
- What should have been done instead by the Israeli forces? An all-out attack on hospitals? Something with a different tactical advantage?
- Hamas has reportedly been asking for an extension of the ceasefire. Do you believe Israel should refuse? Would it potentially make them look bad in the press?
- Where do you see this ongoing fight between Israel and Hamas going in the months ahead? Will the situation get worse before it gets better?
- You’ve recently put together a petition, asking for Israel to free the hostages now. What are you hoping to accomplish with it?
- Tell us about the Genesis 123 Foundation.
- Answer: It is a nonprofit whose mission is to build bridges between Jews and Christians with Israel in ways that are new, unique, and meaningful.
- Where may we find more information on the Genesis 123 Foundation?
- Answer: You can learn more at the official website at https://love.genesis123.co/.
About Jonathan Feldstein…
Jonathan lives in Israel and has a son and son-in-law currently serving in the IDF. He has established an emergency fund through his Genesis 123 Foundation:
Israel has suffered barrages of thousands of rockets and missiles fired at Israeli communities creating death, damage, injuries, fear and trauma. The security threats, deaths, injuries, and trauma are at a level unseen in years.
The Genesis 123 Foundation is standing in the gap to provide emergency needs including civilian security, soldiers’ welfare, those suffering trauma, people whose homes have been destroyed, and emergency medical needs.
Every donation of any size makes a huge difference. https://love.genesis123.co/
Jonathan Feldstein is president and founder of The Genesis 123 Foundation. Jonathan was born and educated in the U.S. and immigrated to Israel in 2004. He is married and the father of six.
Throughout his life and career, he has been blessed by the calling to fellowship with Christians to serve as a bridge between Jews and Christians and to help connect Christians to Israel in a meaningful way.
CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin, 919-437-0001 or geraldmcg@outlook.com.
