Col. Douglas Macgregor: Is WWIII Around the Corner?

Summary

In this episode of 'Judging Freedom', Judge Andrew Napolitano and Colonel Douglas McGregor discuss the complex situation in Israel and Gaza, focusing on Prime Minister Netanyahu's stated goals of eradicating Hamas and returning hostages. McGregor expresses skepticism about achieving these goals and critiques the broader Israeli strategy, which he perceives as aiming for a greater Israel free of Palestinians. The dialogue touches on the Israeli public's support, potential real goals behind Netanyahu's policies, and the international response. McGregor warns of the consequences of the current trajectory, including potential regional war and the implications for U.S. foreign policy and military presence in the Middle East.

Takeaways

• 😟 Netanyahu's stated goal of eradicating Hamas in Gaza seems unlikely given Israel's focus on expelling or killing the population there
• 😡 Israel aims to control all territory from the River to the Sea, removing Palestinians entirely
• 😠 The Israeli public overwhelmingly supports the expulsion and removal of Arabs from Gaza and the West Bank
• 🤨 U.S. politicians benefit from pro-Israel lobbying money and largely support Israel's actions in Gaza
• 😔 Without public opposition, the U.S. will continue enabling Israel's actions against Palestinians
• 😩 Regional Arab populations are ready to fight Israel regardless of costs to destroy it
• 😰 War between Israel and regional actors seems inevitable at this point
• 😨 Iran has extensive capabilities to precisely strike U.S. bases and ships in the region
• 😱 Israel, the U.S., and allies seem unprepared for the full-scale regional war they are provoking
• 😫 U.S. withdrawal seems the only way to avoid catastrophic escalation toward nuclear conflict

Q & A

What are Israel's publicly stated goals according to Prime Minister Netanyahu?

Netanyahu has publicly stated goals of eradicating Hamas and returning hostages held by Hamas.

What does Colonel McGregor believe is the real goal of Israel's military campaign?

McGregor believes Israel's real goal is to remove the Arab population from Gaza, the West Bank, and establish control over all the land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea.

What indication is there that the Israeli public supports Netanyahu's goals?

Polls show the Israeli public overwhelmingly supports Netanyahu's goals, with 100% behind expelling or killing the Arab population to establish control over greater Israel.

Why does Colonel McGregor believe Netanyahu made a mistake in stating Israel's goals?

McGregor believes stating the goal as an existential issue for Israel's survival closed the door on potential compromise solutions and made the conflict an all or nothing proposition.

How could the U.S. potentially influence Israel's actions?

The U.S. provides enormous financial and political support to Israel. By threatening to withdraw that support, the U.S. could potentially influence Israel to halt or modify its military campaign.

What danger does the current situation pose for a wider regional war?

Public anger against Israel is rising across the Middle East, pushing governments toward confrontation even though they wish to avoid war. This moves the region to the precipice of a conflict that could culminate in Israel's destruction.

Why are U.S. forces being attacked in the region?

Because the U.S. provides unconditional support for Israel's actions, U.S. forces are seen as legitimate targets by Arab militias wishing to oppose Israel's campaign against Palestinians.

What capabilities does Iran have to retaliate against a U.S. or Israeli attack?

Iran has a large arsenal of precise, long-range missiles that could be used to devastating effect against U.S. bases, Israel, and shipping in the region. This includes hypersonic missiles against which there is no defense.

How could the conflict impact the U.S. homeland?

Hezbollah and other militant groups have presence in Mexico, threatening a second front along the U.S.-Mexico border. Terror attacks inside the U.S. are also a possibility.

What are the risks of a wider war involving Russia?

Russia sees Iran as a key strategic partner and would likely come to its defense in the event of a U.S. or Israeli attack. This raises the risk of turning a regional conflict into a global one.