Edition #125
12.04.24
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Newsflash⚡ writes fictional stories behind today’s top headlines. This story returns us to an imagined Israel, and addresses themes of power, necessity, and the subtle manifestations of the past in our everyday behaviour.
It’s also the first time I’ve written w/one of Jeremy Bowen’s reports. For those not familiar with Bowen, he’s very good. Highly recommend.
Friday Edition #001. Hope you enjoy, readers old + new ⚡
Estimated read time: 1.9 minutes.
Read the original article (Jeremy Bowen - BBC News)⚡⚡⚡
Gaza war: Israel's student soldiers haunted by Hamas attack - BBC News
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It was just after his assistant had closed the window and the spit had settled on his upper lip that he turned to me, and said:
“We are fighting human animals, and we are acting accordingly.”1
He stubbed out his cigarette in a scratched silver ashtray and finally lowered himself into his chair. He was not intending to say anything else; this was the end of our conversation, and I turned to leave the room. An unspectacular moment, but one that I believe will stay with me, because something very peculiar had happened - a very physically awkward sensation diluted the air for a moment, and for some time, I wondered where it had come from, and why it was making such an impression on me. There was nothing out of the ordinary about that morning, or that topic, or that conversation - but there was one thing I later came to notice, something that bothers me still.
It was the first time I had heard Yadon Gabalim speaking quietly.
I know it’s ridiculous to pick out a single moment like this, especially considering how long we've each known each other. I could go on to much more about Yadon - about the time at the townhouse, or when we made the trip to visit the concentration camps. But there is nothing I notice more, perhaps, than a break in character. I do not attempt to understand other people but I, like anyone, am still aware of moments my expectations are not met. And I am a thoughtful individual. In these corridors, it pays to be that way. It is rare that my assumptions are mistaken.
This is why I am choosing to tell you about these few seconds.
The only time I can remember anything even vaguely familiar is several years ago, when he had first entered politics. In fact, I believe it was the exact same expression he used - which is perhaps why I am remembering this particular exchange, the importance of which is only now coming back to me…
A meeting between the ministers had been informally arranged at the Knesset after the opening of the American Embassy. (At the time, I served as Minister of Transport, and Yadon - long before his posting as the Minister of Defence - served as Minister of Construction. Our work often coincided and required the kind of tactical co-operation we had honed in the South Bank, only now in expensive suits, and carefully constructed armor.) In these early roles, there was an exceptional marksmanship about the man’s behaviour - some of us were even critical. It is very easy, in this world, to sabotage oneself by succeeding - and several cabinet members, convinced that their political mettle could not be seriously tested by this newcomer, attempted to prove to Yadon this point.
“He’s come in here like an animal…” they once confided to me, “the bull in the pottery shop thinks he is inside a boxing ring.” This they had said perfectly steadily. So they brought up a particular topic of conversation at this meeting I have just described. I, at least, was not required to take part.
“Yadon, Yadon… I am pleased to hear that the railway will soon be inaugurated. The viaduct, in particular, most impressive.”
“Thank you, minister,” said Yadon, respectfully. “Slow as it is, I think we can all agree - on progress.”
“A good thing,” replied the minister.
“Indeed,” said another.
“Although,” came a voice from the corner of the room, fetching himself a small glass of wine. Velvela Cahn. At that time, our Minister of Defence. “… a shame, somehow, to have spoiled Ayalon so completely.”
There was a small moment of silence, and Yadon raised his eyebrows in a way that suggested a sudden and violent depth of understanding.
“Do you think so?” he asked.
“Why - do you not?!” Velvela cackled a dry laugh and returned to join us at the table. “We have cut the valley in two, with pieces of large, composite, concrete.”
“Now…” ventured another minister, clearly also irked by this sudden instigation. It was well known that Yadon had fought there with the Menashe/Jenin for over a decade. It was also, known only to me and several others, the valley in which his two brothers had been killed by an IED, the day before Holy Saturday. It was not a place that Yadon had any reason to remember with much fondness. Fortunately, the man was an able politician, and Velvela’s career of conferences and decision-making wilted like a leaf under Yadon’s murderous - and yet, somehow - incredibly pained gaze.
“You may be right,” he said slowly, looking directly into the Minister of Defence's eyes, “but it is an important achievement.”
Several cabinet members, sensing the subtle rippling of power, spoke to affirm Yadon’s statement.
“Ugly though it may be,” he went on -
“I like it!” burst in one minister, of which Yadon took no notice. His eyes remained locked in a corridor with Cahn’s.
“ - there are many who will benefit, and have needed this service for several years.”
“I’m sure…” added Velvela, retreating, “that it will become an important service. My remark was purely artistic.”
“It is a shame you are so concerned with acting artistically, Vela. I have only ever known one way to act.”
“And how is that, minister?”
“Accordingly.”
He said this with such authority that, for a moment, the room seemed to marvel at the steady tones of his voice, at the lines of war on his face. For most, this was the clear end of the exchange. The conversation began to rekindle. But, sitting next to him as I was, several minutes later, when we were sufficiently out of the conversation, I heard him repeat his phrase - if not quietly, then at least to himself, as he rubbed the tip of his thumbnail across the crease of his brow.
“We only can act accordingly.”
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more on Israel/Gaza:
(in chronological order, most recent first:)
You can find more stories from the frontlines of humanity in our War Archives.
disclaimer:
This is fiction. The views expressed in this publication do not reflect the views of the author. The stories themselves are based on imagined events. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is fictitious and should not be taken as representative.
Read the full disclaimer.
Tom Bowen has a certain ring....accordingly.
Shall not happen but to me the only answer is for the people to say no more. You want to fight go and fight your own war! But the year 2020 showed the people for what they are----all fell into line when the masters spoke and even lined up for a poison JAB. If you offered many some thing to eat they did not know they would say no but when ordered by masters just fall into line!