The View From Inside Israel with Tom Gross | Secrets of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
Jan 24, 2024
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Tom Gross, a British journalist and Middle East commentator, shares his experiences in building connections with influential people. He discusses Israeli intelligence failures, bias against Israel in the media, ethical concerns surrounding GoPro footage, alleged anti-Israel bias of NGOs, impact of Israeli settlers on the conflict, consequences of backing the Shah, and Obama's approach towards Iran.
Tom Gross's personal connections with influential figures allowed him unique insights into the Israeli-Gaza struggle.
Gross's experience as a journalist in Jerusalem and exposure to Middle East conflicts helped him analyze the 9/11 attacks objectively.
Gross challenges biased media narratives about Israeli operations and highlights their ethical approach in urban warfare.
Deep dives
Tom Gross discusses his connections and influential network
Tom Gross highlights how his childhood exposure to prominent figures in the world of culture and literature, as well as his early interest in communism, allowed him to establish connections with influential people such as Vaclav Havel, Shimon Perez, and Elie Wiesel. His connections were built over the years through personal interactions and engagement with various individuals and organizations.
Tom Gross reflects on his experiences during 9/11
Tom Gross recounts his experiences as a journalist in Jerusalem covering the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and his subsequent visit to New York City, where he coincidentally found himself on 9/11. He shares how his prior exposure to terrorism and conflicts in the Middle East helped him remain rational and analyzed the political and analytical ramifications of the event. While acknowledging the panic and fear surrounding the attacks, he highlights the importance of analyzing the situation objectively.
Tom Gross discusses the Israeli intelligence and the media bias
Tom Gross emphasizes the competence and caution of Israeli intelligence in distinguishing civilians from combatants and their ability to implement targeted operations. He challenges the biased media narrative, particularly that of the BBC, and highlights the ethical approach undertaken by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in urban warfare. Gross also discusses the misrepresentation of casualties and malnourishment claims in Gaza, highlighting the efforts of Israel to provide aid amidst the ongoing conflict.
Bias and Ignorance in Western Views on Israel
One of the main points discussed in the podcast is the bias and ignorance prevalent in Western views on Israel. The speaker expresses disappointment in the level of ignorance displayed by Ivy League college students who expressed support for the Palestinian cause without knowledge of basic geographical facts. The speaker attributes this bias and ignorance to subconscious or unconscious anti-Semitism, anti-Western sentiment, and a post-Marxist attack on Western civilization. They also highlight the role of NGOs in exhibiting anti-Israel bias for financial gain.
The Need for Effective Governance in Gaza
The podcast also touches upon the need for effective governance in Gaza and the potential for a thriving Palestinian state. The speaker suggests that Gaza could become a mini Dubai with a prosperous economy if a leader like Muhammad Dahlan were given the opportunity to oversee its development. They emphasize the importance of building good relations with Israel and transitioning to democracy over time. The speaker also criticizes the missed opportunity for support during the 2009 Green Revolution in Iran, believing that the overthrow of the regime could have had far-reaching positive effects in the region.
