Judging Freedom Alastair Crooke : Trump's Bait and Switch; Netanyahu's Extortion.
Dec 8, 2025
Alastair Crooke, a former diplomat and political analyst focused on Middle East affairs, dives into the intricate interplay of politics in Israel and Gaza. He reveals Netanyahu's audacious pardon demands and his threats to undermine Israeli institutions. Crooke discusses the precarious situation in Gaza and the fragility of ceasefires amidst ongoing Israeli strikes. He critiques the contrasting approaches of U.S. and Russian negotiators, underscoring the need for legally binding agreements, while highlighting Europe’s strategic interests in prolonging the conflict.
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Netanyahu's System-Burning Leverage
- Benjamin Netanyahu is explicitly threatening to "burn the system" to avoid accountability.
- Alastair Crooke says Netanyahu leverages weakening institutions to pressure President Herzog for a pardon.
Three Pillars Under Siege
- Israel's three key pillars—the Supreme Court, judiciary, and military—are under sustained pressure and losing influence.
- Crooke argues the Israeli right is winning what he calls a civil war against the 'deep state.'
Invisible 'Yellow Line' And Civilian Killings
- Crooke describes Palestinians being corralled into progressively smaller zones with an invisible "yellow line."
- He recounts children being shot for crossing that unseen boundary while fetching bread.