The fact that the Israeli response is 100% predictable in this deal would lead one to believe that this could be some kind of intentional misdirection orchestrated at a higher level with a next move that is unpredictable. Of course this is being war-gamed in the Pentagon, not just here on Surly.
A buddy of mine flew on the Space Shuttle and said that the Israel border is the only national border visible from space. Why? Because it’s green in Israel and brown everywhere else.
Maybe, but it’s generally agreed that the Iranians are backing Hamas and Hezbollah. One more step to include Putin in some big picture strategy with the Iranians (who are providing some support to Russia in Ukraine) is not out of the question.
Stayed with my wife at the Westin in downtown Seattle last week while the Astros were in town. I was using points from my many stays at crappier hotels in west Texas. At check-in they asked if I wanted points or a free breakfast, so went with the breakfast. Turned out to be the $39/person buffet, and it was legit. $78/morning avoided!
Score!
Whatever you get, just imaging driving on the interstate in the rain and throwing it out the window into traffic. That’s how it gets treated on the airplane. I quit buying expensive luggage for this reason.