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On Today’s Episode:Biden Says the U.S. Will Not Supply Israel With Weapons to Attack Rafah, by Erica L. GreenWith a Gaza Cease-Fire in the Balance, Netanyahu Maneuvers to Keep Power, by Steven ErlangerStormy Daniels Returns to the Stand, by Matthew HaagJohnson Survives Greene’s Ouster Attempt as Democrats Join G.O.P. to Kill It, by Catie Edmondson, Carl Hulse and Kayla Guo

Persons: Biden, Erica L, Netanyahu, Steven Erlanger Stormy Daniels, Matthew Haag Johnson, Catie Edmondson, Carl Hulse, Kayla Guo Organizations: Will, Weapons, G.O.P Locations: U.S, Gaza

By saying that Israel will maintain security control over Gaza “for an indefinite period,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set off alarm bells in Washington and questions at home. The Biden administration, trying to manage severe criticism among Arab and European allies about the death toll in Gaza — now at more than 10,000 Gazan officials say — was quick to push back. That collaboration helps Mr. Abbas tamp down dissent in the West Bank, including from members of Hamas, while Israeli settlements continue to expand there. After the killing of so many Israelis by Hamas a month ago — about 1,400, officials say — Israel will want to ensure its own security so that such an invasion from Gaza can never happen again. Even then, it is highly unlikely, Israeli officials say, that Israel will ever completely trust any Palestinian or even international peacekeeping force to keep Israel safe.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden, —, “, Antony J, Blinken, Mahmoud, Abbas, Abbas tamp, Netanyahu Organizations: ”, West Bank, Palestinian Authority, Authority, Mr, Israel Locations: Israel, Gaza, Washington, Tokyo, Palestinian

Made up largely of veterans and reservists, the group that calls itself Brothers in Arms started nine months ago as a protest movement against the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It helped to organize giant weekly demonstrations against his plans to give the government unprecedented control over the judiciary. And many of its members vowed that they would not serve in the army if called. Not only did the reservists show up for duty, but Brothers in Arms has also transformed into the largest nongovernmental aid agency in Israel to help those affected by the war. It is feeding and clothing some of the perhaps 60,000 Israelis displaced from the area near Gaza after the Hamas assault.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, A.I, Netanyahu Organizations: Arms Locations: Israel, Gaza

☆ This Israeli-Hamas War Has Smashed Comforting Assumptions
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-23 | by ( Steven Erlanger | More About Steven Erlanger | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The sudden and unexpected terror attack by Hamas into Israel has been a crushing blow to a host of assumptions that have defined the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for years. Israelis compare the invasion and deaths of some 1,400 Israelis, most of them civilians, to the toll of Sept. 11, 2001, in the United States. And they compare the shocking surprise of the Hamas attack both to Sept. 11 and the Yom Kippur War of 1973, when Israeli forces were unprepared for an Arab attack led by Egypt and Syria that also exploded widely held assumptions. He worked to weaken the power of the Palestinian Authority, the governing body led by President Mahmoud Abbas, by allowing Hamas to retain control over Gaza. Israel allowed a small number of Gazans to work in Israel, but, with Egypt, kept most of the population locked inside what many called “an open air prison.”

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel, Mahmoud Abbas, ” Organizations: West Bank, Palestinian Authority Locations: Israel, United States, Egypt, Syria, Gaza, Qatar

☆ Israelis Praise Biden Visit but Fear U.S. Constraints on Action
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Steven Erlanger | More About Steven Erlanger | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

Mr. Biden embraced Israel, but also cautioned it not to overreach to its detriment in the region — and implicitly, to the detriment of the United States. He even attended a war cabinet to be briefed on Israel’s plans, as Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken did before him. If it has potential benefits for Mr. Netanyahu, it also carries risks. He seems to yearn to be the United States’ 51st state. Mr. Netanyahu has instead “brought the Americans into the decision-making process in the security cabinet and the emergency cabinet,” Mr. Barnea wrote.

Persons: Biden, “, Benjamin Netanyahu, Antony J, Blinken, Netanyahu, Israel, Ariel Sharon, ‘, ’ ”, Nadav Eyal, Nahum Barnea, Mr, ”, ” Mr, Barnea, Nechama Duek, Israel Hayom Organizations: U.S, Advance Locations: Israel, Gaza, United States, Washington, Yedioth

☆ New Global Divisions on View as Biden Goes to Israel and Putin to China
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( Steven Erlanger | More About Steven Erlanger | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

As President Biden lands in Israel on Wednesday, seeking to display steadfast American support for the country, President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia is in Beijing, seeking to display his “no limits” partnership with China’s top leader, Xi Jinping. Russia, China and Iran were already forming a new axis over Ukraine, one they have pursued diplomatically, economically, strategically and even ideologically. Russia relies on weapons from Iran and diplomatic support from China to fight in Ukraine. Iran has been isolated and only too happy to have new trading partners and some source of international legitimacy. China, whose economy is ailing, has saved billions of dollars by importing record amounts oil from countries under Western sanctions, like Russia and Iran.

Persons: Biden, Vladimir V, Putin, China’s, Xi, Russia’s Organizations: West Locations: Israel, Russia, Beijing, Ukraine, Gaza, China, Iran, United States

☆ Finland’s President, No Stranger to Russia, Warns Europe About Complacency
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-17 | by ( Steven Erlanger | More About Steven Erlanger | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The president of Finland, Sauli Niinisto, is the person considered most responsible for bringing his country into the NATO alliance — and Sweden, too, which is awaiting ratification — following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. President Biden has consulted him about Russia and its president, Vladimir V. Putin, whom Mr. Niinisto has met numerous times. The war in Ukraine will last a long time, he said, and wars can take unexpected paths, even toward the use of nuclear weapons. The invasion, Mr. Niinisto said, was “a wake-up call” for Europe and NATO. That might be a good question — whether all Europeans realize that this is a European issue.”

Persons: Sauli, —, Biden, Vladimir V, Putin, Niinisto, ” Organizations: NATO, Mr, Ukraine Locations: Finland, Sweden, Ukraine, Russia, Helsinki, Europe

☆ Earthquake Puts Morocco’s Elusive King in Spotlight
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( Steven Erlanger | More About Steven Erlanger | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

When a devastating earthquake hit Morocco on Friday night, killing more than 2,900 people, King Mohammed VI was in Paris, where he spends a great deal of his time. It took him most of a day to return to his country and make his only public statement so far — a terse communiqué. Later on Saturday, television showed him presiding over a cabinet meeting, but there was no sound. But his low visibility and silence, coupled with the government’s response to the earthquake, have been criticized, with some saying officials are paralyzed because they are awaiting authorization for action from the king. Moroccan officials argue that they are on top of the crisis and will ask for help as they need it, adding that the king was guiding the response from the beginning.

Persons: King Mohammed VI Locations: Morocco, Paris

☆ As Ukraine’s Fight Grinds On, Talk of Negotiations Becomes Nearly Taboo
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( Steven Erlanger | More About Steven Erlanger | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Stian Jenssen, the chief of staff to the secretary general of NATO, recently had his knuckles rapped when he commented on possible options for an end to the war in Ukraine that did not envision a complete Russian defeat. He also said that “it must be up to Ukraine to decide when and on what terms they want to negotiate,” which is NATO’s standard line. But the damage was done. The remarks provoked an angry condemnation from the Ukrainians; a clarification from his boss, Jens Stoltenberg; and ultimately an apology from Mr. Jenssen. The contretemps, say some analysts who have been similarly chastised, reflects a closing down of public discussion on options for Ukraine just at a moment when imaginative diplomacy is most needed, they say.

Persons: Stian Jenssen, “ I’m, ”, Jens Stoltenberg, Jenssen Organizations: NATO Locations: Ukraine, Norway

☆ In Europe, Few Even Want to Talk About Trump Part 2
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-19 | by ( Steven Erlanger | More About Steven Erlanger | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

President Emmanuel Macron of France has made it clear that he believes a politically polarized United States, more focused on China, will inevitably reduce its commitments to Europe. He has been pushing Europeans to do more for their own defense and interests, which are not perfectly aligned with Washington’s. So far he has largely failed in that ambition and, given the war in Ukraine, has instead embraced a stronger European pillar within NATO. But even Mr. Macron would not welcome an American withdrawal from the alliance. “It’s absolutely clear that Putin intends to continue the war, at least until the American elections, and hopes for Trump,” as does China’s leader, Xi Jinping, said Thomas Gomart, the director of the French Institute of International Relations.

Persons: Emmanuel Macron, Macron, “, Putin, Xi Jinping, Thomas Gomart, ” Organizations: Trump, French Institute of International Relations Locations: France, Britain, Washington, States, China, Europe, Ukraine

The battle for control of the sea could have implications for global energy markets and world food supplies. In Washington, Biden administration officials had expressed reservations early in the war about Ukraine striking targets or conducting sabotage inside Russia, including its Black Sea ports, fearing that such attacks would only escalate tensions with President Vladimir V. Putin. The United States has prohibited the use of American weapons in any attack against Russian territory, and American officials say they do not pick targets for Ukraine. But the United States and Western allies have long provided intelligence to Ukraine that, along with its own extensive intelligence-gathering networks, Kyiv uses to select targets. The Battle to Project PowerFor centuries, the Black Sea has been at the center of Russia’s efforts to extend its geopolitical and economic influence, leading to clashes with other world powers, including multiple wars with the Ottoman Empire.

Persons: Oleksiy Neizhpapa, Biden, Vladimir V, Putin Organizations: Ukrainian, NATO, United Locations: Russian, Washington, Ukraine, Russia, United States, Ottoman Empire

☆ What NATO Said About Ukraine: Highlights of the Alliance’s Communiqué
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-12 | by ( Steven Erlanger | More About Steven Erlanger | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

After weeks of tense negotiations, NATO on Tuesday invited Ukraine to join the alliance at some unspecified point in the future, but only when allies agree that conditions are ripe and that Ukraine has met the qualifications to join. The wording essentially marked a victory for President Biden, who recently declared that “Ukraine isn’t ready for NATO membership.” Just hours before the communiqué was issued, Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine sharply criticized the “uncertainty” over Ukraine’s path to membership in the alliance. Alliance leaders struggled to agree on language about how to describe a timeline and conditions for what everyone agrees will be Ukraine’s eventual membership in NATO. The battle inside NATO was not over whether Ukraine would join, but how and under what conditions. Some countries wanted an immediate invitation after the war ends; other countries, like the United States, wanted to avoid any notion that entry would be automatic.

Persons: ”, Biden, Volodymyr Zelensky Organizations: NATO, Tuesday, Alliance Locations: Ukraine, Russia, United States

☆ Despite Successes at NATO Summit, Divisions Remain
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-12 | by ( Steven Erlanger | More About Steven Erlanger | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

VILNIUS, Lithuania — NATO had some significant successes at its summit that ended Wednesday as it worked hard to project unity in support of Ukraine’s bloody defense against Russia’s invasion. And all 31 member states agreed that Ukraine belongs in NATO, a significant shift stemming from its brave, resilient defense of its country and of Western values. Even so, the summit’s final communiqué, with its ambiguous diplomatic language, does not disguise some serious strains among alliance members in the bitter fight over how to describe Ukraine’s path toward NATO membership. Ukraine was promised an invitation “when allies agree and conditions are met,” leaving both the timing and the conditions safely unsaid. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and his most vocal Central European supporters wanted more, and made it loud and clear.

Persons: ”, Volodymyr Zelensky Organizations: Lithuania — NATO, Kyiv, NATO, Ukraine, Central Locations: VILNIUS, Lithuania, Turkey, Ukraine

NATO declared on Tuesday that Ukraine would be invited to join the alliance, but did not say how or when, disappointing its president but reflecting the resolve by President Biden and other leaders not to be drawn directly into Ukraine’s war with Russia. The wording means that Mr. Biden, who declared last week that “Ukraine isn’t ready for NATO membership,” and like-minded allies had prevailed over Poland and Baltic nations that wanted a formal invitation for Ukraine to join the alliance as soon as the war ends. NATO leaders released the document, a compromise product after weeks of argument, at a summit meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania. Hours earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, apparently aware of what it would say, issued a blast at the NATO leadership. “It’s unprecedented and absurd when a time frame is not set, neither for the invitation nor for Ukraine’s membership,” he wrote on Twitter before landing in Vilnius.

Persons: Biden, Volodymyr Zelensky, “, ” Organizations: NATO, Russia, Twitter Locations: Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Baltic, Vilnius, Lithuania

Mr. Biden has authorized the shipment of cluster munitions, controversial within the alliance, to fill the gap until more shells can be produced for Ukrainian artillery — and, though it was left unsaid, to better be able to destroy Russians in their deeply dug trenches. The concern is that the munitions create a post-conflict hazard much like land mines. “Duds” that are scattered around the battlefield can explode years later, often when children pick them up. Mr. Sullivan noted on Friday that signatories to the treaty cannot ship them to Ukraine or help the United States in doing so, but he said that they did not vocally oppose Mr. Biden’s decision. In fact, Mr. Biden has received more criticism from some members of his own party than from the members of the treaty.

Persons: Vladimir V, Putin, Mr, Biden, Jake Sullivan, Biden’s, Germany —, Sullivan Organizations: NATO, Cluster Munitions Locations: Moscow, Russia, Britain, France, Germany, United States, Ukraine

☆ NATO Tries to Remember What It Means to Fight a European War
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-09 | by ( Steven Erlanger | More About Steven Erlanger | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Late last month, a German convoy of 1,000 troops with tanks, drones and armored vehicles made its way some 750 miles to a Lithuanian military compound in Pabrade in three days, using trains, ferries, trucks and planes — all NATO practice for a possible incursion by foreign (read: Russian) troops. The huge military exercise, integrating German and Lithuanian troops, began with reconnaissance and turned into a noisy, dusty battle that, not surprisingly, NATO won. The NATO exercise was meant to convince Lithuania and other countries bordering Russia that the promise of rapid reinforcement and collective defense was a reality. It was also intended to demonstrate the alliance’s new commitment to countering a more dangerous Russia, which argues that its war in Ukraine is a necessary response to what it considers NATO’s effort to dismantle Moscow’s sphere of influence. As NATO leaders prepare to gather in nearby Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital, on Tuesday, the Baltic nations and the others on Europe’s eastern flank are feeling especially vulnerable.

Organizations: NATO, Leopard Locations: Lithuanian, Pabrade, Lithuania, Russia, Ukraine, Vilnius, Baltic

For months, NATO leaders had hoped that when they convened for their annual summit next week, they could use the occasion to welcome Sweden as the alliance’s newest member. Now, that outcome appears all but impossible, as stalling by Hungary and continued objections by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey have drawn out the process, raising questions about when Sweden might be able to join and what sort of breakthrough would be necessary. All 31 member states must agree to admit new members, and the split over Sweden risks denting the alliance’s ability to project a united front against President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia as his forces seek to beat back a Ukrainian counteroffensive. NATO officials say the hope is to get all the alliance’s leaders to agree at the two-day summit set to begin on Tuesday in Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital, to let Sweden join. Then, the thinking goes, Mr. Erdogan and Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary can push the approval through their respective parliaments.

Persons: Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Vladimir V, Putin, Russia, Erdogan, Viktor Orban Organizations: NATO Locations: Sweden, Hungary, Turkey, Ukrainian, Vilnius, Lithuanian

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