Benny Avni

1 week ago | nysun.com | Benny Avni

Israel, increasingly cognizant of an existential threat, is concerned that President Trump is rushing to make a quick deal with Tehran that would miss an opportunity to neutralize the Islamic Republic’s nuclear capabilities. “Israel is thinking long term, Trump thinks short term,” an Iran watcher at Misgav Institute, Yossi Mansharof, tells the Sun. “Following the trauma of October 7 Israelis are more aware of the existential threat Iran represents.

1 week ago | nysun.com | Benny Avni

At the United Nations on Wednesday, the wall-to-wall condemnations of Israel contradicted one of the most significant developments in the 600-day Mideast war: an American-backed effort to feed Gazans independently of Hamas. Depriving Hamas of one of its top sources of income — selling confiscated foreign aid to Gazans at exorbitant prices — could end the terror organization’s hold over the Strip’s population and hasten the end of the war, Israelis say.

1 week ago | nysun.com | Benny Avni

Cold War-era critics of President Reagan’s “Star Wars” idea are back, with Communist China, Russia, and North Korea slamming President Trump’s plan to shield America under a Golden Dome. Foreign foes are joined by home critics who contend that Mr. Trump’s bling edition of Israel’s Iron Dome would only exacerbate a global arms race, that it would launch outer space wars, and that the idea of shielding the country from enemy attack is unrealistic.

1 week ago | nysun.com | Benny Avni

Prime Minister Netanyahu is indicating Monday that a deal for a Gaza cease-fire in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages could be close at hand. President Trump a day earlier also hinted at progress in talks to end a war that on Wednesday will mark its 600th day. Yet, a Reuters report Monday claiming Hamas has agreed to a deal was quickly shot down by Mr. Trump’s special Mideast envoy, Steven Witkoff.

2 weeks ago | nysun.com | Benny Avni

The United Nations is resisting an American plan, approved  by Israel, to deliver aid to Gaza while bypassing Hamas. The planned humanitarian mechanism, scheduled to launch this weekend, was highlighted Wednesday night at a fateful event at the Capital Jewish Museum, where two employees of the Israeli embassy were gunned down. Yaron Lischinsky and his soon-to-be fiancée, Sarah Milgrim, were killed by an apparent Israel hater at the museum entrance.