Israel, Iran, Trump, Harris - with Dr. Micah Goodman
Nov 1, 2024
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Micah Goodman, a leading public intellectual and author, dives into Israel's complex relationships and strategic dilemmas. He discusses the emotional toll of the ongoing conflicts, particularly on reservists, and how these experiences reshape political dynamics. Goodman analyzes the evolving threats from Iran and Hezbollah and the importance of narratives in Israeli security. He also shares insights on global reactions to Trump's presidency, contrasting perceptions from Europe with more favorable views in the Middle East, highlighting the ongoing tensions with Iran.
Israelis are shifting their perspective from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to viewing the war with Iran as a fundamental national struggle.
The emotional impact of the war is causing societal divisions in Israel, raising questions about military service responsibilities and national unity.
Deep dives
Shift in Narrative: From Israeli-Palestinian Conflict to Israeli-Iran War
A significant change is occurring in the narrative among many Israelis, who are transitioning from viewing the situation primarily through the lens of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to seeing it as the onset of a long-term Israeli-Iran war. Since October 7th, there is a growing consensus that this conflict represents the beginning of a broader struggle against Iranian influence, rather than merely another episode in the Israeli-Palestinian struggle. This shift prompts Israelis to reconsider their strategies and outlook regarding regional stability and security. The implications of this narrative transformation are profound, suggesting that solutions previously aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict may no longer be relevant if the focus is now on Iranian regime change.
Emotional Landscape and War Fatigue in Israel
The current emotional climate in Israel is characterized by a complex mix of pride, grief, and fatigue due to the ongoing military conflict. Many individuals experience simultaneous feelings of sadness for the loss of life and frustration over the prolonged nature of the war, especially among reservists who are called back from civilian lives to serve repeatedly. The emotional toll on families, particularly those of fallen soldiers, contributes to a collective sense of mourning and reflection on the war's costs. This atmosphere of war fatigue is generating movements towards anger and discontent, which may subsequently impact future political landscapes.
Perception of the Iranian Threat and Internal Divisions
Israelis now recognize Iran not just as an external threat but as a significant player in their security narrative, especially due to its proxy operations in Gaza and Lebanon. As they face this potent adversary, the dynamics within Israeli society are shifting, revealing potential divisions between those who are serving in the military and those who are not. The overwhelming burden placed on reservists, who are often called to serve extended periods while managing their civilian responsibilities, raises questions about social equity and national unity. This emerging divide could give rise to new political affiliations in Israel as people begin to reevaluate their roles and responsibilities in the context of national defense.
Comparative Analysis of U.S. Political Perspectives on Israel
The podcast delves into how differing political ideologies in the U.S. influence perceptions of Israel's security challenges, particularly regarding Iran. Trump and his supporters tend to align with the view that Israel's conflicts are part of a larger struggle against Iranian influence, contrasting with the Democratic Party's focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as central to regional peace. This ideological divide complicates U.S.-Israeli relations, as it reflects divergent strategies towards addressing threats in the Middle East. The analysis suggests that while there is bipartisan support for Israel, the underlying motivations and strategic objectives differ significantly between the two major parties, affecting how Israel approaches its ongoing conflicts.
WATCH THE CONVERSATION ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/-MGg6Oe5_7A
Micah Goodman is on the speed-dial of a number of Israeli political leaders – from Right to Left, but especially on the Center-Left and the Center-Right. And Micah has been synthesizing how Israelis view the war with Iran and the U.S.-Israel relationship.
Micah is a polymath, a podcaster and one of Israel’s most influential public intellectuals, having written books ranging from biblical lessons for the modern age to Israel’s geopolitics. Micah has a new book (in Hebrew), called ‘The Eighth Day’, in which Micah tries to understand the implications of the nation’s trauma and what it means for the other ‘day after’ (not the ‘day after’ in Gaza, but the ‘day after’ inside Israel).