The Rest Is Politics: Leading 48. Simon Sebag Montefiore: The impact of conflicting histories in the Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine wars
13 snips
Nov 27, 2023 
Historian Simon Sebag Montefiore discusses the history of Israel, motivations behind Lord Balfour's declaration, conflicting histories in Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine wars, and their impact. He also shares personal stories of his family background and interviewing Margaret Thatcher.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Historical Context of Israel
- Rory Stewart asks Simon Sebag Montefiore about the history of Israel's creation and Britain's role.
- Montefiore discusses early Jewish settlements in Jerusalem alongside Palestinian settlements, highlighting his ancestor's involvement.
British Motives for Balfour Declaration
- Britain's support for a Jewish homeland stemmed from cultural and strategic factors during World War I.
- They aimed to gain support from America and Russia while seeking alliances to weaken the Central Powers.
The Importance of Present Needs
- History is important, but focusing on how people want to live now is key for peace in any conflict.
- Acknowledging the legitimate histories of both Israelis and Palestinians is crucial.