Ron Skolnik
@ronskolnik.bsky.social
Consultant, writer, speaker, Hebrew->English translator. Posting mostly on Israel-Palestine, plus some US politics. I'm all for conversation and nuance. If you're here for snark, simplism, slogans, don't follow me.
Reposted by Ron Skolnik
🔥@raskin.house.gov (MD08), @nadler.house.gov (NY12), Rep @jahimes.bsky.social (CT04), @sarajacobs.house.gov (CA51), @repdangoldman.bsky.social (NY10) are leading this Congressional letter demanding Netanyahu cancel his gov's demolition plans in Umm Al-Kheir, the embattled village in the southern WB.
November 7, 2025 at 8:48 PM
🔥@raskin.house.gov (MD08), @nadler.house.gov (NY12), Rep @jahimes.bsky.social (CT04), @sarajacobs.house.gov (CA51), @repdangoldman.bsky.social (NY10) are leading this Congressional letter demanding Netanyahu cancel his gov's demolition plans in Umm Al-Kheir, the embattled village in the southern WB.
"It is not clear how joining the accords will affect the already established Kazakh-Israeli ties. The countries established diplomatic relations in 1992." On its face, this seems like a Trump (and perhaps /Netanyahu) attempt to manufacture a headline. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11...
Kazakhstan, which already recognises Israel, to join ‘Abraham Accords’
The Central Asian country, which established formal ties with Israel in 1992, says being part of the deals is 'natural'.
www.aljazeera.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:15 PM
"It is not clear how joining the accords will affect the already established Kazakh-Israeli ties. The countries established diplomatic relations in 1992." On its face, this seems like a Trump (and perhaps /Netanyahu) attempt to manufacture a headline. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11...
"This basic understanding — that there are actions which must never be taken even against the vilest of detainees — no longer convinces everyone. I have had to act ... against an illegitimate and false campaign of delegitimization [and] real threats." www.timesofisrael.com/full-text-of...
Full text of top IDF lawyer’s resignation letter over detainee abuse video leak
Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi ends 30 years of service, including four-year tenure as Military Advocate General: 'I bear full responsibility for material released to the media'
www.timesofisrael.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:37 PM
"This basic understanding — that there are actions which must never be taken even against the vilest of detainees — no longer convinces everyone. I have had to act ... against an illegitimate and false campaign of delegitimization [and] real threats." www.timesofisrael.com/full-text-of...
"Even lifelong supporters of Israel from the party's moderate wing are finding it harder than ever to continue their support" due to the Netanyahu govt's actions and words. Unlike Netanyahu and his clamorous hasbara-ists, Amir Tibon sees the bigger picture. www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
For Israel, it's not only Mamdani's win that spells trouble ahead in the U.S.
Zohran Mamdani's Mayoral Victory in New York Was Only One Part of Tuesday's Blue Wave Election – All While U.S. Democrat Support for Israel Hits Record Lows in Public Opinion Surveys. Will Netanyahu's...
www.haaretz.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:14 PM
"Even lifelong supporters of Israel from the party's moderate wing are finding it harder than ever to continue their support" due to the Netanyahu govt's actions and words. Unlike Netanyahu and his clamorous hasbara-ists, Amir Tibon sees the bigger picture. www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
Come senators, congressmen
Please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway
Don't block up the hall
For he that gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled
www.youtube.com/watch?v=90WD...
Please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway
Don't block up the hall
For he that gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled
www.youtube.com/watch?v=90WD...
Bob Dylan - The Times They Are A-Changin' (Official Audio)
YouTube video by BobDylanVEVO
www.youtube.com
November 5, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Come senators, congressmen
Please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway
Don't block up the hall
For he that gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled
www.youtube.com/watch?v=90WD...
Please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway
Don't block up the hall
For he that gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled
www.youtube.com/watch?v=90WD...
Unfortunately, he's only echoing what too many Jewish people have said on various social media sites. That's not to excuse him - we must resist the low bar of the Trump presidency - but it is important context.
November 4, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Unfortunately, he's only echoing what too many Jewish people have said on various social media sites. That's not to excuse him - we must resist the low bar of the Trump presidency - but it is important context.
30 years since the political murder of Yitzhak Rabin at the end of a massive "Yes to Peace. No to Violence" rally in Tel Aviv.
A lot of the takes in remembrance of him are ahistorical, fixing his beliefs in time, assuming to know what he would or wouldn't believe today. 1/
A lot of the takes in remembrance of him are ahistorical, fixing his beliefs in time, assuming to know what he would or wouldn't believe today. 1/
November 4, 2025 at 1:59 PM
30 years since the political murder of Yitzhak Rabin at the end of a massive "Yes to Peace. No to Violence" rally in Tel Aviv.
A lot of the takes in remembrance of him are ahistorical, fixing his beliefs in time, assuming to know what he would or wouldn't believe today. 1/
A lot of the takes in remembrance of him are ahistorical, fixing his beliefs in time, assuming to know what he would or wouldn't believe today. 1/
Trump endorses Cuomo.
November 3, 2025 at 11:17 PM
Trump endorses Cuomo.
"The one great issue in America today that outweighs all the others," is: "Will our system of democracy and pluralism survive? The future of Jews in the United States hinges on this point." www.haaretz.com/opinion/2025...
I oppose Mamdani's stance on Israel. This is why I am voting for him | Opinion
***
www.haaretz.com
November 3, 2025 at 10:15 PM
"The one great issue in America today that outweighs all the others," is: "Will our system of democracy and pluralism survive? The future of Jews in the United States hinges on this point." www.haaretz.com/opinion/2025...
"The Emerson poll found that among New Yorkers who had already voted, 58 percent had cast their ballots for Mr. Mamdani." There had been claims that older voters turning out heavily in early voting might be tipping the balance toward Cuomo. www.nytimes.com/live/2025/10...
New Polls Reflect Mamdani’s Steady Lead as Candidates Roam Soggy City
www.nytimes.com
October 31, 2025 at 9:47 PM
"The Emerson poll found that among New Yorkers who had already voted, 58 percent had cast their ballots for Mr. Mamdani." There had been claims that older voters turning out heavily in early voting might be tipping the balance toward Cuomo. www.nytimes.com/live/2025/10...
The IDF has forced out its top legal official and gatekeeper after she engaged in whistleblowing activity - leaking a video that showed Israeli soldiers severely abusing a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman prison.
www.timesofisrael.com/idfs-top-law...
www.timesofisrael.com/idfs-top-law...
IDF’s top lawyer quits; says she approved leak of detainee abuse video
Katz had said Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi would be ousted over leaked Sde Teiman footage; new military advocate general to be selected soon
www.timesofisrael.com
October 31, 2025 at 4:22 PM
The IDF has forced out its top legal official and gatekeeper after she engaged in whistleblowing activity - leaking a video that showed Israeli soldiers severely abusing a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman prison.
www.timesofisrael.com/idfs-top-law...
www.timesofisrael.com/idfs-top-law...
"Trump Press Secretary’s Text Feud Goes Public"
It doesn't seem romanticizing the past to say that, even 10 years ago, a Press Secretary who responded "your mom did" to a journalist's "Who suggested ...?" question would've resigned in disgrace.
www.msn.com/en-us/politi...
It doesn't seem romanticizing the past to say that, even 10 years ago, a Press Secretary who responded "your mom did" to a journalist's "Who suggested ...?" question would've resigned in disgrace.
www.msn.com/en-us/politi...
October 31, 2025 at 12:28 PM
"Trump Press Secretary’s Text Feud Goes Public"
It doesn't seem romanticizing the past to say that, even 10 years ago, a Press Secretary who responded "your mom did" to a journalist's "Who suggested ...?" question would've resigned in disgrace.
www.msn.com/en-us/politi...
It doesn't seem romanticizing the past to say that, even 10 years ago, a Press Secretary who responded "your mom did" to a journalist's "Who suggested ...?" question would've resigned in disgrace.
www.msn.com/en-us/politi...
I have my criticisms of Mamdani, some pretty severe. But the actual *fear* of him is overblown. Dare I say "Trumped-up"? This story is where the real danger to Jewish-Americans lies. www.haaretz.com/us-news/2025...
Tucker Carlson hosts avowed antisemite Nick Fuentes as far-right strengthens hold on GOP
Once Persona Non Grata Within the Republican Mainstream, Fuentes – an Avowed Antisemite and Holocaust Denier – Said That U.S. Jews Put the Interests of Themselves and Israel 'Before the Interests of T...
www.haaretz.com
October 30, 2025 at 10:35 PM
I have my criticisms of Mamdani, some pretty severe. But the actual *fear* of him is overblown. Dare I say "Trumped-up"? This story is where the real danger to Jewish-Americans lies. www.haaretz.com/us-news/2025...
An institution notorious for its sinecures is now about to give a board position, "with a salary similar to that of a government minister, including an office and car", to a nepo child - and a far, far-right one at that.
www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_ent...
www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_ent...
World Zionist Organization vice chairman slams surprise Yair Netanyahu appointment
* * *
www.timesofisrael.com
October 30, 2025 at 12:11 PM
An institution notorious for its sinecures is now about to give a board position, "with a salary similar to that of a government minister, including an office and car", to a nepo child - and a far, far-right one at that.
www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_ent...
www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_ent...
Cuomo asked Democratic voters for their endorsement. And decided afterward not to respect that choice. His potential victory (not impossible) would be a body blow to the vital coalition against authoritarianism, encapsulated by "Vote Blue-No Matter Who". MAGAworld is licking its chops.
October 29, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Cuomo asked Democratic voters for their endorsement. And decided afterward not to respect that choice. His potential victory (not impossible) would be a body blow to the vital coalition against authoritarianism, encapsulated by "Vote Blue-No Matter Who". MAGAworld is licking its chops.
A ceasefire means that peace, i.e. a political solution, hasn't yet been achieved, but that there's a mutual willingness to suspend armed hostilities - until that willingness is gone. Without a political solution, this is going to be rinse and repeat, at best. www.timesofisrael.com/vance-downpl...
Vance downplays Israel-Hamas flareup, argues Gaza ceasefire is holding
Red Cross issues rare condemnation of Hamas for staging recovery of hostage's remains; terror group tells mediators that it hasn’t violated ceasefire, accuses Israel of repeatedly doing so
www.timesofisrael.com
October 29, 2025 at 12:41 AM
A ceasefire means that peace, i.e. a political solution, hasn't yet been achieved, but that there's a mutual willingness to suspend armed hostilities - until that willingness is gone. Without a political solution, this is going to be rinse and repeat, at best. www.timesofisrael.com/vance-downpl...
A tremendously sad analysis and a trenchant reminder that the connection between Trump's half-baked 20-point plan and anything that could properly be referred to as 'peace' (let alone "Eternal Peace"!) is tenuous, at best. www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
Israel would love to blow up the Gaza cease-fire, but Trump promised Arab states otherwise
Clearly, Hamas Will Be Required to Lay Down Its Weapons, but What It Is Willing to Concede in the Second Phase of the Cease-fire Doesn't Even Come Close to the Minimum Netanyahu Would Be Willing to Sw...
www.haaretz.com
October 28, 2025 at 9:21 PM
A tremendously sad analysis and a trenchant reminder that the connection between Trump's half-baked 20-point plan and anything that could properly be referred to as 'peace' (let alone "Eternal Peace"!) is tenuous, at best. www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
"Gabavics says radio recordings showed Israeli soldiers knew journalists were present and had faced no gunfire from their direction. He says his investigation showed that ... a sniper would have clearly seen the reporters with their 'Press' identification." www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_ent...
US officer who probed Shireen Abu Akleh’s shooting says he’s certain she was targeted
* * *
www.timesofisrael.com
October 28, 2025 at 5:13 PM
"Gabavics says radio recordings showed Israeli soldiers knew journalists were present and had faced no gunfire from their direction. He says his investigation showed that ... a sniper would have clearly seen the reporters with their 'Press' identification." www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_ent...
What a surprise- journo considered a pipeline for Netanyahu's thinking says @haaretzcom.bsky.social is "number one threat" to Israel's int'l standing. We know where this "enemies within" narrative leads. If you can, subscribe to Haaretz and/or @haaretzcom.bsky.social.
www.haaretz.com/opinion/2025...
www.haaretz.com/opinion/2025...
Creative bullshit: Why 'journalist' Amit Segal calls Haaretz Israel's greatest threat | Opinion
***
www.haaretz.com
October 28, 2025 at 1:12 PM
What a surprise- journo considered a pipeline for Netanyahu's thinking says @haaretzcom.bsky.social is "number one threat" to Israel's int'l standing. We know where this "enemies within" narrative leads. If you can, subscribe to Haaretz and/or @haaretzcom.bsky.social.
www.haaretz.com/opinion/2025...
www.haaretz.com/opinion/2025...
Gilad Kariv, a very laudable MK, calls for a joint run (not a merger) of Israel's "liberal camp", in which he includes the Labor/Meretz union-"The Democrats", Yesh Atid, and Gadi Eisenkot. That begs the question: Is Yair Lapid actually a liberal? www.haaretz.co.il/opinions/202...
אלטרנטיבה ברורה לנתניהו, סמוטריץ' וסטרוק תסלול את הדרך להובלה | דעה
במאמר שפרסמתי כאן ב–11 במאי 2023 קראתי לשילוב של העבודה ומרצ כלקח מתחייב מהכישלון בבחירות. היו אלה ימיה הסוערים של ההפיכה המשטרית; איש לא שיער את עוצמת השבר שיג
www.haaretz.co.il
October 27, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Gilad Kariv, a very laudable MK, calls for a joint run (not a merger) of Israel's "liberal camp", in which he includes the Labor/Meretz union-"The Democrats", Yesh Atid, and Gadi Eisenkot. That begs the question: Is Yair Lapid actually a liberal? www.haaretz.co.il/opinions/202...
Amid declining numbers in the polls, Yair Lapid seems to be flailing to maintain the perceived social, political centrality he once enjoyed. (Also: This is a godawful idea that contributes further to the decline of democracy.) www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_ent...
Lapid suggests revoking voting rights for Haredim who do not enlist
* * *
www.timesofisrael.com
October 27, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Amid declining numbers in the polls, Yair Lapid seems to be flailing to maintain the perceived social, political centrality he once enjoyed. (Also: This is a godawful idea that contributes further to the decline of democracy.) www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_ent...
Haaretz is the only major Israeli news outlet that includes the predominantly Arab parties when it refers to "the Opposition". www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
Poll: Israel's opposition parties gain large Knesset majority, Smotrich and Gantz left out
The Channel 12 Poll Found That Current Opposition Parties Would Reach 69 Seats Even Without Benny Gantz's Party, Which Wouldn't Pass the Electoral Threshold The Netanyahu Coalition Would Hold on to 51...
www.haaretz.com
October 24, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Haaretz is the only major Israeli news outlet that includes the predominantly Arab parties when it refers to "the Opposition". www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
The East Wing as national metaphor.
October 24, 2025 at 12:36 PM
The East Wing as national metaphor.
Reposted by Ron Skolnik
And you'll never guess how old the Arab Peace Initiative www.britannica.com/topic/Arab-P... is.
Twenty-three. It's 23 yrs old.
And it was offered to Israel not once, not twice, but three times.
I wrote about how official Israel buried the API back when it was only 11 years old.
archive.is/7BQ87
Twenty-three. It's 23 yrs old.
And it was offered to Israel not once, not twice, but three times.
I wrote about how official Israel buried the API back when it was only 11 years old.
archive.is/7BQ87
October 23, 2025 at 9:29 PM
And you'll never guess how old the Arab Peace Initiative www.britannica.com/topic/Arab-P... is.
Twenty-three. It's 23 yrs old.
And it was offered to Israel not once, not twice, but three times.
I wrote about how official Israel buried the API back when it was only 11 years old.
archive.is/7BQ87
Twenty-three. It's 23 yrs old.
And it was offered to Israel not once, not twice, but three times.
I wrote about how official Israel buried the API back when it was only 11 years old.
archive.is/7BQ87
Thorough rejoinder to 3 trumped-up fears.
1. Mamdani has a solid anti-hate crime program. Cuomo focuses on the Left, and not so much right-wing antisemitism. And Sliwa said "Jews must protect themselves" [sic]. forward.com/opinion/7782...
1/
1. Mamdani has a solid anti-hate crime program. Cuomo focuses on the Left, and not so much right-wing antisemitism. And Sliwa said "Jews must protect themselves" [sic]. forward.com/opinion/7782...
1/
Jews are worried about Zohran Mamdani. Here's why they shouldn't be
Zohran Mamdani's run for New York City mayor has been marred by charges of antisemitism. Here's why Jews should trust the candidate.
forward.com
October 23, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Thorough rejoinder to 3 trumped-up fears.
1. Mamdani has a solid anti-hate crime program. Cuomo focuses on the Left, and not so much right-wing antisemitism. And Sliwa said "Jews must protect themselves" [sic]. forward.com/opinion/7782...
1/
1. Mamdani has a solid anti-hate crime program. Cuomo focuses on the Left, and not so much right-wing antisemitism. And Sliwa said "Jews must protect themselves" [sic]. forward.com/opinion/7782...
1/