Are you in a better position to know what makes them tick?

I’m not a Hamas spokesperson & don’t claim to know what makes them tick. But I think, based on what you write here, that I have a lot more awareness, empathy & understanding of them than you. That doesn’t mean I’m not aware of their limitations as well, because I am. But you only seem to see limitations which is an unbalanced perspective.

those of us who see anti-Semitism and Hamas rejectionism as a potential obstacle to peace

And don’t forget “those of you who refuse to acknowledge that Islamophobia, anti-Arab racism and Israeli rightist rejectionism is a severe obstacle to peace.”

The point is I’m extremely aware of Israeli rejectionism, particularly that of the current government, as well as the issue of Islamophobia and anti-Arab racism. You’re thankfully aware of these things true. But you seem to downplay Hamas anti-Semitism and rejectionism.

I’ve never claimed to know what makes Hamas tick; I just try to provide a rational analysis based on what I know. Are you in a better position to know what makes them tick? And what are the ‘views I hold’?

try and keep up with various sources on the conflict, including Palestinian ones

Frankly, I don’t see any influence or awareness of Palestinian sources in what you write. If you are reading them it certainly doesn’t register. I see lots of evidence of the impact of various Israeli sources, but almost nothing from Palestinian. So what are you reading or watching that provides a Palestinian perspective?

I’m sorry about the crack about your comfortable life. That was overstated. But I do think it’s impossible for someone in yr position with the views you hold to really understand what makes a Palestinian & esp. a Hamas member or leader tick. You’re simply too insulated.

Israeli politics necessitates getting into bed with people you don’t necessarily agree with.

Not so fast. Do you really expect us to believe yr intimation that Bibi had no other choices in forming a coalition? Of course you wouldn’t argue that because it isn’t true. So now it appears that he didn’t have to get into bed Lieberman. Yet among his coalition choices he picked this particular one. It must’ve been the most attractive one for him politically. Hence, he’s in bed with a transferist & my criticism stands.

those of us who see anti-Semitism and Hamas rejectionism as a potential obstacle to peace

And don’t forget “those of you who refuse to acknowledge that Islamophobia, anti-Arab racism and Israeli rightist rejectionism is a severe obstacle to peace.”

are hasbara schmendricks

I don’t believe I’ve ever used that term to describe you so I’d ask you to not exagerrate. I disagree with you. But I don’t think you’re a MFA mouthpiece.

I do not hold hard-right views.

I can only base my impression on what you write here as I don’t know you personally. But your views seem quite right wing, though perhaps in the give & take here, the confrontation between opposing political perspectives makes yr views appear more right wing to me than they perhaps are.