Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
12 July 2024 | 14:45 CAT
2 min read

According to Dr James M. Dorsey, for Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, the Gaza ceasefire negotiations are a delicate balancing act, maneuvering between conflicting interests to maintain a middle ground.

“Netanyahu clearly states there will be no end to the war,” said Dorsey.

Americans are putting a spin on the situation, and we are also witnessing the Israeli Prime Minister speaking out of both sides of his mouth.

Biden’s proposal is a three-phase proposal that could lead to an end to the war, but Netanyahu opposes bringing the war to a close.

“Netanyahu is trying to buy time in the belief that his address to the congress will create sufficient pressure on Biden not to pressure the Israeli PM that is permanent. He will address both houses of the US Congress, including meeting with Biden on July 24^th 2024,” said Dorsey.

He pointed out that although Israel envisions itself as a safe haven for Jews, irrespective of their political or ideological beliefs, Netanyahu has shown a preference for far-right ideology and alliances over the broader interests of the Jewish diaspora.

A report has documented significant efforts and substantial investment on social media aimed at undermining Qatar’s credibility has surfaced.

Dorsey explained that the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), run by a former advisor to former Prime ministers Yitzhak Shamir and Yitzhak Rabin, has been campaigning for months against Qatar and has recently released unverified documents.

“They suggest Qatar paid 50 million dollars to maintain its status in terms of funding the government apparatus in Gaza at Israel’s request with US acquiescence. If they prove true, then this comes on top of the 3 legal cases Netanyahu is confronting regarding corruption issues,” he added.

Dorsey highlighted the BDS Movement has been active for several years with relatively little impact, but it has been perceived as a major threat to Israel’s standing by various Netanyahu governments. Now, with the war in Gaza and mass protests along with controversies surrounding the encampments, the boycott “is starting to bite”.

He noted that Israeli academics are experiencing the impact, with joint research programs being cancelled and reduced invitations to international conferences. Additionally, one of Israel’s most crucial economic sectors, the tech industry, is likely to feel the effects in terms of decreased foreign investment.

“For the first time because of the Gaza war, sanctions and boycotts of Israel are starting to be felt by Israelis,” he said.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Habib Bobat and Dr James M. Dorsey, here.