Netanyahu’s Savage Game: Mass Killing Palestinians, Exploiting Israeli Grief
Nov 8, 2023
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Israeli American journalist and analyst Mairav Zonszein joins Intercepted to discuss the political developments in Israel and Gaza. Topics include the failures of Netanyahu, the tragic implications for Palestinians in Gaza, and the global mobilization for Palestinian rights. The podcast also explores the Biden administration's contradictory stance, the recent events in Gaza and Israel, and the push for Palestinian evacuation. Israeli policies and the rise of settler violence are also discussed.
The Biden administration's unwavering support for Israel's actions in the face of civilian casualties may damage America's moral standing and have political consequences in future elections.
The recent conflict in Gaza has shattered the sense of security for Israelis and exposed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's failure to provide safety, leading to widespread anger and a crisis of leadership in Israel.
Deep dives
The Impact of the Conflict on Palestinians
The recent conflict in Palestine has had a devastating impact on the lives of Palestinians. Images and videos of children being pulled from the rubble have caused immense sorrow and highlighted the suffering of the Palestinian people. Israel's repeated bombing of hospitals and refugee camps has resulted in a staggering number of civilian deaths, especially among children. Despite this, the Biden administration has remained steadfast in its support for Israel, continuing to provide arms and refusing to condemn its actions. The scale of civilian casualties and the Biden administration's response have led to feelings of shame and a questioning of America's claimed moral superiority.
The Narrative Shift and the United States' Position
Israel has been actively trying to shift the narrative surrounding its killing of civilians, pointing to historical instances of civilian deaths caused by other countries, such as the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the US. While there may be some truth to the argument that civilian deaths are a part of war, the manner in which Israel is conducting its attacks and the high number of Palestinian child casualties suggest potential war crimes and evidence of a disregard for civilian lives. The Biden administration's continued support for Israel's actions in the face of these atrocities contradicts its previous claims of not intentionally killing civilians. This unwavering support might damage America's moral standing and lead to political consequences in future elections.
The Impact on Israeli Society and Netanyahu's Leadership
The recent conflict in Gaza has shattered the sense of security for Israelis and has caused widespread anger directed towards Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. People feel let down by his leadership and perceive a failure to provide safety and security. The disconnect between the government's rhetoric and the reality on the ground has eroded trust. While there is a consensus that Hamas must be removed from power, Israelis are starting to doubt the effectiveness of Israel's tactics and the heavy toll it brings. Netanyahu's handling of the war, lack of empathy for the victims, and self-serving actions have only amplified the public's discontent with him and exacerbated the crisis of leadership in Israel.
Long-Term Outlook and Possibilities for Resolution
The current conflict heightens the urgency for a political resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The war has exposed the limitations of military might and the need for a diplomatic and political framework. While the government's brokenness and the deep-rooted issues make the path forward uncertain, there is hope that the shattered sense of security and mounting casualties may open opportunities for political renewal and a reevaluation of Israel's approach. The international community also has a role to play in exerting pressure on Israel and pushing for a political solution. However, the road to peace remains challenging, and it will require a shift in mindsets and political will from all parties involved.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to reject international calls for a ceasefire and says Israel will oversee security in Gaza indefinitely. This week on Intercepted, Jeremy Scahill and Murtaza Hussain discuss Israel's monthlong scorched-earth campaign in Gaza and the U.S. government's complicity. Then Mairav Zonszein, an Israeli American journalist and a senior analyst on Israel–Palestine at the International Crisis Group, joins to discuss developments in Israel and Gaza. Zonszein, who is based in Israel, discusses the political developments in the country, the failures of Netanyahu during the crisis, and the tragic implications for Palestinians in Gaza.
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