Judging Freedom

Max Blumenthal : The MAGA Divide: Israel, Epstein, and Kirk Split Trump’s Base

Nov 13, 2025
Max Blumenthal, investigative journalist and author, dives into the fractures within Trump’s MAGA base. He discusses the Israeli prison rape scandal, highlighting abuses and political pressures that stem from it. Blumenthal connects revelations from the Epstein files to conflicts within MAGA, illustrating how elite ties have influenced political dynamics. He also explores the role of the Christian right and its pro-Israel connections, alongside the impact of intelligence-linked candidates on recent state elections. A riveting look at contemporary political divides!
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INSIGHT

Military Culture Shields War Crimes

  • Israeli soldiers who committed systematic torture and rape were celebrated by parts of Israeli society and represent a powerful constituency.
  • Prosecutors who attempted accountability, like Yifat Tomer Yerushalmi, faced retaliation and criminalization instead of support.
ANECDOTE

Soldier Turned Folk Hero

  • Meir Shetrit publicly removed his mask and appeared on nationalist TV, becoming a folk hero after the torture scandal.
  • His open identity signaled a constituency that openly supports violent actions by soldiers.
INSIGHT

Rape Testimonies And Censored Evidence

  • Testimonies document systematic rape of Palestinian male captives in Israeli detention centers.
  • Some human rights videos were removed from platforms after sanctions on Palestinian NGOs.
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