Benjamin Netanyahu just delivered a stunning speech about peace at the United Nations. I must admit that I choked up at several points. This is an incredible speech and will be remembered by history.
https://x.com/netanyahu/status/1705233834705379535?s=20
Moreover, it comes at the end of a week in which Israeli commentators on both the left and the right are declaring Netanyahu's visit to the U.S. a success. He charmed Silicon Valley; he won an invite to the White House; he made Zelensky happy; and the Saudi Crown prince said all the right things (and left out all the right things) on Fox News. This is a turning point for Netanyahu.
By that, I mean two things. One: Netanyahu now has a chance of achieving a real peace with Saudi Arabia, and doing so independent of whoever is in control of the White House, whether Trump or Biden.
Two: Netanyahu's status has been enhanced, such that he will return home having been recognized as a statesman, not a pariah -- despite the Israeli opposition spending money in the U.S. to protest his visit.
It is possible that Netanyahu will return in further command of his coalition, and with the advantage on the issue of judicial reform, where he may be able to secure a broad political agreement.
And as for the corruption charges against him... what about that?
Truly, an inspiring display of leadership and vision, overcoming incredible threats and challenges, internal and external.
This is my first broadcast from the new office and studio in Washington, DC, where I'll be for a couple of years my neighborhood back in L.A. cleans up -- and as we follow the Trump administration from a little closer up than usual.
Topics:
- The anniversary of the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump
- The escalating tariff battle with various different trading partners
- The future of the Middle East peace talks, and ongoing antisemitism
- The Jeffrey Epstein files and whether they mean anything at all
- The continued crisis of the Texas floods, and stories of heroism and survival
And more!
Special guests:
- James Rosen - Newsmax chief Washington correspondent
- Bob Price - Breitbart News Texas reporter, on the ongoing floods
- Robert Cahill - Trafalgar Polling, on a new alliance of reliable pollsters
- Rabbi Yaakov Menken - Coalition for Jewish Values - on Israel & antisemitism
Tune in: 7-10 p.m. ET, 4-7 p.m. PT
Call: 866-957-2874
This week’s portion tells the grand story of the prophet who tried to curse people of Israel and instead ended up blessing them.
I am reminded that these portions continue to be relevant anew, as this particular reading lent the title for Israel’s recent 12 Day War against Iran, “Operation Rising Lion.”
This week's portion includes the commandment of the red heifer -- one of the classic "irrational" commandments whose fulfillment is an expression of faith. It also includes the regrettable episode in which Moses strikes the rock.
I referred to this story in a wedding speech last night. Why was Moses punished for striking the rock in Numbers, when he struck the rock without incident in Exodus -- both for the purpose of providing water to the people?
The answer is that in the interim, the Jewish people had received the Torah, which is like the marriage contract between the people of Israel and God. In a marriage, you do not resolve things by breaking boundaries, but through love.
The additional reading, from Judges Chapter 11, is the story of Jephthah (Yiftach), a man whom the leaders spurn, but to whom they must turn to save the nation. The parallels to our present political circumstances are striking.
Shabbat Shalom and Happy Fourth of July!
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