Will Netanyahu Fire Yoav Gallant Again?

In March, Netanyahu attempted to dismiss Defense Minister Yoav Gallant due to Gallant’s opposition to controversial judicial reforms, sparking large protests that led Netanyahu to change course. Now, tensions between them have resurfaced over the direction of the war, with reports suggesting Netanyahu may consider firing Gallant once more. More at New York Times.

Switching your veteran defense minister when you are still fighting Hamas in Gaza, preparing for a major offensive against Hezbollah, grappling with an escalation of terrorism in the West Bank, fighting off Houthi missile attacks, and trying to strategize on thwarting Iran’s nuclear weapons drive is beyond irresponsible.

Gallant’s departure and Sa’ar’s entry scares the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents the large majority of the hostages’ families. They consider Gallant as their only representative in the forum.

Israel deserves a defense minister with a sense of victory in heart and deed, and Gallant does not have that. Therefore, there are two options: changing Gallant’s perception or firing him and replacing him with someone else.

Will Start-Up Nation Survive the War?

Israel is world renowned for its innovation sector, but the lengthy war in Gaza threatens the long term viability of many fledgling tech companies.

Up until three years ago, dreamy amounts of money were streamed into Israel’s tech industry, constantly inflating its bubble. But after over two years of continuous crisis, the money in the companies’ coffers is running out fast, resulting in devastating outcomes for founders and investors.

Almost half (49%) of Israeli tech companies reported investment cancellations due to the war and only 31% expressed confidence that they will be able to raise money next year. Investors shared this cautious outlook with almost half again (48%) seeing a decline in investment activity in the coming year and only 31% expecting an increase.

As funding uncertainty and staff shortage due to the callup of reservists to the war remain major hurdles for the growth and survival of local startups in the past 12 months, 24% of the surveyed companies reported that they already relocated some of their operations outside of Israel or expanded globally.

What Does Laura Loomer Say About the GOP?

Trump’s connection to the “proud Islamophobe” and self-proclaimed “white advocate” is proving to be a bigger campaign liability than the former president anticipated. More at NBC.

…the reason Trump prefers mindless flatterers and psychopathic attack dogs to sober and loyal employees is because Donald Trump does not want to be — and cannot be — saved from himself.

The problem here is deeper than Mr. Trump’s electoral prospects. A growing segment of the American right is populated by, and susceptible to, cranks and conspiracists.

Kamala Harris gave an interview on Friday that reminded everyone why the Democrats don’t allow them. Rambling, pointless… Most of the press would be concerned — if they weren’t writing their 10th story about Laura Loomer.

Will Taylor Swift Decide the Election?

After the debate, Taylor Swift came out in support of Kamala Harris. In such a tight race, will the endorsement of America’s biggest pop star make a difference?

Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday and her call for her fans to vote drove hundreds of thousands of people to voter registration resources.

Her post on Instagram included a link to Vote.gov…

Although it’s hard to measure their direct effects, experts say endorsements like Swift’s can be consequential by reaching new or less politically engaged voters and helping create a sense of social responsibility among them.

Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris appears to have backfired, according to a poll… only 8 per cent of voters said the superstar’s approval would see them “somewhat” or “much more likely” to vote for Ms Harris… [but] one in five (20 per cent) of those surveyed would be less likely to vote for her after the endorsement. 

Do Dopamine Fasts Actually Work?

During a dopamine fast, people temporarily avoid activities that trigger dopamine release—like social media, eating, or entertainment—to reset their brain’s reward system. Is this good for your mental health? Or dangerous pseudoscience?

While dopamine does play an important role in addiction, it’s not what traps people in self-destruction. Americans aren’t facing an addiction crisis because we get too much dopamine from overabundant cheap thrills. Our problem, instead, is a lack of connection, community and purpose.

If you’re struggling to stay focused or motivated, you may benefit from a dopamine detox — not to alter your dopamine levels, but to be more aware of what’s pulling your attention away from how you want to live and work. The idea is to reconnect with yourself and others without giving up healthy habits that boost your mood.

…not one neuroscientist I spoke to (nor, for what it’s worth, any neuroscientist I interacted with during my time in academia) felt good about the portrayal of dopamine in the media. When asked about wellness advice doled out by Huberman and other optimization-minded influencers, Narayanan said they are “doing science and the general public a disservice by oversimplifying a complex topic.”

What’s New & Interesting in Jewish Thought?

Here are three thought-provoking Jewish takes on religion, philosophy, and politics:

No, Israel is not about being a safe haven for Jews. If it were that and that alone, it would not be enough. Not enough to suffer for. Not enough to strive for. Not enough to endure for.

Israel is about the Jews taking their unique gifts as Jews and presenting them as an actor on a world stage. It is about our return to history.

This essay offers a new perspective on Sabbatai Zevi’s messianic and meteoric rise, based on sources long hiding in plain sight. Tying together Kabbalah, printing, bibliography, art history, and reception history, it presents a meandering story that begins with a fascinating image, winds through the nature of engraving and the meaning of printed dating mechanisms, and ends with an exploration of Italian kabbalists and their activities.

Contrary to the depressing picture painted by the press, the real Israelis I interact with – while undeniably sad and stressed because of the situation – are nevertheless upbeat and determined, patriotic, and confident that we will prevail. This is equally true of my friends, family, and neighbors, as well as random strangers I get into conversations with.

Today’s Hot Issues

Will Netanyahu Fire Yoav Gallant Again? Will Start-Up Nation Survive the War? What Does Laura Loomer Say About the GOP? Will Taylor Swift Decide the Election? Do Dopamine Fasts Actually Work? What’s New & Interesting in Jewish Thought?