Haaretz Podcast 'Gaza started as a legitimate war of self-defense. It became merciless, cruel vengeance': This Israeli ex-foreign minister speaks his mind
17 snips
Sep 4, 2025 
Shlomo Ben-Ami, former Israeli Foreign Minister and a professor dedicated to the two-state solution, offers his candid views on the ongoing Gaza conflict and international responses. He critiques the push for Palestinian state recognition, calling it a sign of despair rather than a viable solution. Ben-Ami reflects on how the conflict has morphed from a 'legitimate war of self-defense' into 'merciless, cruel vengeance,' and explains why 'total victory' over Hamas is, in his eyes, unattainable.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Two-State Formula Is Outdated
- The two-state formula is now largely irrelevant and lacks practical traction.
- Shlomo Ben-Ami argues contemporary conditions make revival of that model unrealistic.
Recognition Moves Signal Despair
- Western recognition moves are a sign of diplomatic despair rather than a practical plan.
- Ben-Ami says leaders offered no roadmap to turn recognition into implementation.
Insiders Call For New Paradigms
- Insiders now admit the classical two-state path is dead and urge looking elsewhere.
- Ben-Ami and other negotiators suggest exploring alternatives like Jordanian involvement.
