Podcasts > The Ben Shapiro Show > Israel Pulls Off MIRACLE Rescue

Israel Pulls Off MIRACLE Rescue

By Ben Shapiro

In this episode of The Ben Shapiro Show, Shapiro examines Israel's recent hostage rescue operation in Gaza. He highlights the mission's skilled execution and alleges double standards in reactions to it, arguing that public narratives misrepresent aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Shapiro posits that the successful hostage rescue challenges myths about Israel's military capabilities, Hamas' willingness for prisoner releases, and the separation between Palestinian civilians and terrorists. He criticizes the administration and media for allegedly dishonest portrayals of Israel's actions and implicit justification of Hamas.

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Israel Pulls Off MIRACLE Rescue

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Israel Pulls Off MIRACLE Rescue

1-Page Summary

The Israeli Hostage Rescue Operation

In the view of Ben Shapiro and others, the Israeli military's recent hostage rescue operation in Gaza demonstrated impressive capabilities and exposed flawed narratives about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Operation's Skilled Execution

Israeli soldiers located 4 hostages held by Hamas in 2 nearby buildings in Gaza and conducted a complex, precise raid to free them. Peter Lerner highlights this mission's "ingenious" intelligence and planning.

Reactions Expose Double Standards

Despite the successful rescue, Shapiro alleges hypocritical condemnation from activists and media outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post, which suggested Israel used excessive force. Shapiro argues violence from Hamas faces apologetics while Israel's actions draw intense criticism.

The hostage rescue operation undercut these 3 myths, according to Shapiro and Lerner:

1. Israel Cannot Free Hostages Militarily

The operation disproved the premise that Israel's military cannot effectively recover hostages.

2. Hamas Is Open to Release Deals

As keeping hostages benefits Hamas' leverage over Israel, Shapiro argues Hamas has little motivation to release them through deals.

3. Palestinian Civilians and Terrorists Are Separate

Shapiro claims there is no clear separation: Polling shows public support for Hamas, and locals likely knew about the hostage situation.

Dishonesty Around the Operation

Shapiro accuses the Biden administration of dishonestly pushing for ceasefires despite Israel's operation's success and Hamas' unwillingness to negotiate. He also alleges the mainstream media misleadingly frames Israel's actions as excessive amid concerns over internal divisions.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Ben Shapiro is a conservative political commentator known for his strong support of Israel and his critical views on issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He often provides commentary that challenges mainstream narratives and advocates for Israel's actions in the region. Shapiro's perspectives are influential in shaping discussions around the conflict, particularly in conservative circles and media outlets. His analysis tends to emphasize Israel's security concerns and the need for a strong response to threats posed by groups like Hamas.
  • The alleged hypocritical condemnation from activists and media outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post suggests that these sources are being criticized for showing bias or inconsistency in their coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This criticism implies that these outlets may be applying different standards or levels of scrutiny to the actions of Israel compared to other parties involved in the conflict.
  • Shapiro and Lerner challenged three myths regarding the hostage rescue operation: 1. Israel's inability to free hostages militarily, 2. Hamas' willingness to engage in release deals, and 3. The clear separation between Palestinian civilians and terrorists.
  • In the context of Israel and Hamas, hostage situations often involve political leverage and power dynamics. Hamas may use hostages to negotiate for political gains or prisoner exchanges. Israel, in turn, faces complex decisions balancing security concerns with international perceptions when responding to such situations. These incidents are intertwined with the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, adding layers of complexity to each hostage rescue operation.
  • The mainstream media has been criticized for portraying Israel's actions as excessive amid concerns over internal divisions within Israel. This criticism suggests that media coverage may not accurately reflect the complexities and nuances of the situation, potentially leading to biased or one-sided narratives. Internal divisions within Israel could pertain to differing opinions or debates within the country regarding the handling of the conflict, which may influence how the media reports on Israeli actions. The portrayal of Israel's actions and internal divisions in the media can impact public perception and international reactions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Counterarguments

  • The operation's success does not necessarily negate the possibility of excessive force; the two can be mutually exclusive.
  • The condemnation from media outlets and activists may stem from concerns about civilian casualties and the broader humanitarian impact, rather than hypocrisy.
  • The effectiveness of a single military operation does not fully address the complexities of hostage negotiations and the potential for peaceful resolutions.
  • Public support for Hamas among Palestinians can be multifaceted and does not inherently equate to support for hostage-taking or terrorism.
  • The presence of international media scrutiny and criticism can serve as a check on military operations to ensure adherence to international law and human rights standards.
  • The push for ceasefires by the Biden administration or others could be based on a broader strategy to reduce tensions and prevent escalation, rather than a direct response to the success of a specific operation.
  • Accusations of media dishonesty should be substantiated with specific examples of misleading reporting; media outlets have editorial standards that typically aim to provide balanced coverage.
  • The notion that there is no clear separation between civilians and terrorists is a complex issue and blanket statements may overlook the nuances of individual beliefs and actions within a population.

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Israel Pulls Off MIRACLE Rescue

The details and significance of the Israeli hostage rescue operation

The Israeli military demonstrated a high level of intelligence and planning in a hostage rescue operation that has garnered both attention and acclaim for its precision and success.

The Israeli military's intelligence and planning behind the hostage rescue

On a Saturday morning, Israeli Defense Forces conducted a complex and daring operation in the Gaza Strip's center, Nusayrat, to rescue four hostages who had been held by Hamas for over 240 days. Israeli teams managed to successfully overwhelm the captors, who were positioned in apartment blocks set about 200 meters apart.

Israeli forces successfully located and extracted 4 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza

In May, Israel discovered the location of the female hostage, Noa Arghamani, inside a low-rise apartment block in Nusayrat, and then located three male hostages in another nearby building. Shapiro highlighted the effectiveness of the operation by referencing dramatic footage showing soldiers rushing one of the hostages to a helicopter. This footage proved the Israeli forces' success in locating and extracting the hostages.

The operation was a daring and complex military action carried with precision

Peter Lerner points out that the Israeli military emphasizes returning hostages home, which underscores the importance of intelligence and intricate planning. The operation, overseen directly by the Israeli military's chief of staff, Hersey Halevi, from a command center, proceeded with his go-ahead. Shapiro described the operation as "ingenious, daring, and heroic," demonstrating a sophisticated execution of military strategy.

The importance of the operation and its impact

The operation not only resulted in the safe return of hostages but also had a significant impact on the perception of Israel's military capabilities and the narrative around the conflict with Hamas.

The rescue demonstrated Isr ...

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The details and significance of the Israeli hostage rescue operation

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Military terminology and jargon are specialized terms used within the military to communicate effectively and precisely. These terms can include acronyms, codes, and specific phrases that may not be easily understood by those outside the military. They are essential for clear communication and operational security during military missions. Military terminology evolves to adapt to changing technologies, strategies, and operational needs.
  • The conflict between Israel and Hamas is a long-standing and complex one, primarily centered around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Hamas is a Palestinian militant group that controls the Gaza Strip and is c ...

Counterarguments

  • While the operation demonstrates a high level of military competence, it also raises questions about the long-term implications for peace and stability in the region.
  • The success of the operation in rescuring hostages does not address the broader issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including the conditions that may lead to such hostage situations.
  • The operation's impact on the perception of Israel's military capabilities may not necessarily translate into a change in the dynamics of the conflict with Hamas or lead to a reduction in hostilities.
  • The narrative of military success may overshadow the need for diplomatic efforts and could potentially escalate tensions if not accompanied by parallel peace initiatives.
  • The focus on military action might detract from discussions about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the impact of the blockade on its residents.
  • Th ...

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Israel Pulls Off MIRACLE Rescue

The international and media reaction to the operation

The international community and media response to Israel's recent hostage rescue operation has drawn criticism and accusations of hypocrisy from commentators such as Shapiro.

Criticism and condemnation from the international community and media

Shapiro acknowledges that the media and international community have reacted negatively to the hostage rescue operation conducted by Israel.

Media outlets framed the rescue as a "deadly wall of fire" and questioned Israel's actions

The portrayal of the hostage rescue in the media was markedly critical, with Shapiro suggesting that media outlets framed the event in a negative light. The New York Times emphasized the intensity of the Israeli raid and its effects on Gazans, referring to the bombings as "unimaginably intense." Similarly, The Washington Post characterized the Israeli effort using the phrase "secret plans and a deadly wall of fire." Crystal Ball added to the criticism, commenting that U.S. officials appeared to celebrate a bloodbath that would have otherwise been condemned had Hamas been the one rescuing Palestinians.

Activists and protesters condemned the operation and accused Israel of excessive force

Shapiro also noted that the international reaction included protests, with activists signaling that Israel had crossed a red line with the rescue operation, due to their method of trying to free their citizens and kill terrorists, not because of Hamas’ actions. The protests outside the White House illustrated the criticisms levied against Israel, rather than a condemnation of Hamas’s activities.

Hypocrisy and double standards in the reaction

Some commentators have pointed out what they perceive to be a double standard in the international response to ...

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The international and media reaction to the operation

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The criticism and accusations of hypocrisy surrounding the international response to Israel's hostage rescue operation stem from perceived double standards in how Israel's actions are condemned while violence from groups like Hamas often receives more leniency or apologetics. This comparison highlights a broader issue of moral equivalence drawn between Israel and its adversaries, leading to questions about the fairness and consistency of the reactions from the media and the international community. The criticism suggests a bias in how different actors in the conflict are judged, with so ...

Counterarguments

  • The international community and media have a responsibility to scrutinize military operations, especially when civilian casualties are involved, regardless of the country conducting the operation.
  • Media outlets may emphasize the intensity of military actions to highlight the potential humanitarian impact and the importance of adhering to international law.
  • Activists and protesters often focus on the methods used in military operations, advocating for the protection of human rights and questioning whether all peaceful alternatives were exhausted.
  • Accusations of a double standard could be countered by arguing that each situation is unique and requires a separate analysis based on its own merits and context.
  • The condemnation of Israel's actions in some media and activist circles may stem from a broader concern for the escalation of violence and the pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
  • The criticis ...

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Israel Pulls Off MIRACLE Rescue

The false narratives about Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that the operation exposed

Shapiro and Lerner discuss the misconceptions surrounding Israel's approaches and the realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that were brought to light by a recent operation.

The myth that Israel's military cannot effectively free hostages

Shapiro refutes the premise that Israeli military action cannot free hostages, arguing that the successful hostage rescue operation conducted by Israel's military disproved this myth. Lerner also comments on the operation's success, which counters the narrative that Israel's military is incapable of effectively conducting hostage rescues.

The fantasy that Hamas is willing to make a deal to release hostages

Shapiro criticizes the view that Hamas is close to making a deal to release hostages. He argues that as long as keeping hostages benefits Hamas by giving them leverage, they have no incentive to release them. This is indicative of a strategy to maintain leverage over Israel by using hostages.

The illusion of a clear separation between Palestinian civilians and terrorists

Shapiro challenges the notion that there is a clear distinction between Palestinian civilians and terrorists, stating that it is a false separation. He contends that much of the Palestinian population in Gaza supports and even collaborates with Hamas—this is supported by polling data, and is further demonstrated by the fact that many in the area likely knew hostag ...

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The false narratives about Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that the operation exposed

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Israel and Hamas have a complex and adversarial relationship. Hamas is a Palestinian militant group that controls the Gaza Strip and is considered a terrorist organization by Israel. The conflict between them involves issues such as control of territory, security concerns, and differing political goals. The relationship is marked by ongoing violence, including rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel ...

Counterarguments

  • While Israel's military may have successfully conducted a hostage rescue operation, this does not necessarily refute the premise that such operations can always be effective; each situation has unique challenges and complexities.
  • The assumption that Hamas has no incentive to release hostages overlooks the potential for political and diplomatic pressures or negotiations that could change the strategic calculus for Hamas.
  • The claim that there is no clear separation between Palestinian civilians and terrorists can be overly simplistic and risks demonizing the entire civilian population; it is important to recognize the diversity of views and experiences ...

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Israel Pulls Off MIRACLE Rescue

The corruption and dishonesty of the Biden administration and the mainstream media

Ben Shapiro discusses perceptions of dishonesty within the Biden administration regarding conflicts abroad and the president's own family business involvement, as well as the mainstream media's coverage of these issues.

Biden administration's dishonest and misguided statements about the conflict

Shapiro asserts that the Biden administration is being dishonest about Hamas' willingness to negotiate and Israeli military actions. He suggests that the administration is pushing for a ceasefire despite Israel's success in hostage rescue operations and Hamas's track record, indicating a lack of support or understanding of the situation.

Mainstream media's biased and misleading coverage

Framing Israel's actions as excessive and morally questionable

Shapiro highlights how The New York Times and The Washington Post frame Israel’s actions negatively. He cites headlines which suggest that Israel's concerns about internal divisions are portrayed unfairly against the backdrop of the country's successful hostage rescue, painting the military actions as excessive. Crystal Ball adds that if the roles were reversed, the actions of Israel would likely be universally condemned, reinforcing the view that media and officials frame Israel’s actions as morally questionable.

Downplaying the corruption and lies of the Biden administration

Shapiro touches on Biden's personal connections to potentially questionable business dealings. He mentions that Joe Biden’s personal bookkeeper during his term as vice president was also Hunter Biden's business partner and bookkeeper, signaling potential conflicts of interest that Shapiro believes are not being fully ...

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The corruption and dishonesty of the Biden administration and the mainstream media

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Joe Biden's "tall tales" typically reference personal anecdotes or stories that may be exaggerated or embellished for effect. On the other hand, Donald Trump's claims about the 2020 election primarily revolved around unsubstantiated allegations of widespread voter fraud and election rigging. The comparison highlights how the media may portray Biden's embellishments more leniently compared to T ...

Counterarguments

  • The Biden administration's approach to the conflict may be informed by diplomatic considerations and intelligence that are not publicly disclosed, aiming for de-escalation to prevent further loss of life.
  • The administration's push for a ceasefire could be seen as an attempt to uphold international law and protect civilians, rather than a lack of support for Israel.
  • Mainstream media outlets often have editorial standards and may provide context that portrays actions as excessive based on the impact on civilians and international humanitarian law.
  • The portrayal of Israel's actions in the media can be a reflection of the complex nature of the conflict and the differing perspectives on the use of military force.
  • The universal condemnation of military actions is not necessarily a given and can depend on the specific circumstances and the perceived legitimacy of actions taken.
  • Accusations of media downplaying corruption must be substantiated with evidence, and the level of coverage can vary based on the verifiability and impact of the allegations.
  • Business connections and potential conflicts ...

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