Israel At War Week VIII: Speak of the Devil - with Michael Milshtein
Dec 1, 2023
auto_awesome
Michael Milshtein, Israel's foremost expert on Hamas, shares shocking insights into Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind of the October massacre and the man they call 'the Butcher'. The podcast discusses the emotional rollercoaster of hostage families, testimonies of captive children, controversy surrounding captivity, Hamas' goals and ideology, the bleak outlook for peace, and Israel's mistakes in dealing with Hamas.
The emotional rollercoaster week in Israel saw joyful reunions of hostages with their families, highlighting the ongoing danger posed by groups like Hamas.
The releases of hostages sparked controversies and discussions about the equivalence between hostages and prisoners, raising concerns about the perception of an equal footing between the two sides.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas evoked intense emotions, emphasizing the devastating impact on both sides and the challenging path towards peace.
Deep dives
Hostages reunited with families in Israel
The emotional rollercoaster week in Israel saw the joyful reunions of hostages with their families. The sheer joy and relief of seeing the hostages coming home, especially the children, was remarkable. However, amidst the joy, there was also a sense of dread as testimonies of those who were still in captivity revealed the horrors they endured. The week brought both extreme happiness and despair, with families reunited but also learning the tragic fate of those left behind. The events of the week highlighted the ongoing danger posed by groups like Hamas and the need to eradicate such threats.
Backlash and controversies surrounding hostage releases
As the hostages were released, there were controversies and backlash both within and outside of Israel. Critics questioned the equivalence between hostages and prisoners, with some pointing out that prisoners held by the Palestinian jails were not the same as hostages held by Hamas. Supporters of Israel expressed concern that the releases could be seen as a sign of equivalence between the two sides. Moreover, the absence of fighting during the releases created a pause in the information war, allowing for a different kind of discussion and focus on the stories of the families affected.
Reflections on the emotional impact and devastation of the conflict
The conflict between Israel and Hamas evoked intense emotions and highlighted the devastating impact on both sides. Families of hostages expressed both joy and despair as hostages were reunited while their loved ones remained in captivity. The testimonies of those released revealed the torture, starvation, and suffering endured by the hostages. The destruction in Gaza, with parts reduced to rubble, raised questions about how life can be rebuilt there. The emotional toll on families and the ongoing threat of violence left many contemplating the complex and challenging path towards peace.
Understanding Hamas and its ideology
An in-depth analysis of Hamas and its leader, Yihya Sinwar, was presented by Michael Milstein, an expert on the organization. It was highlighted that Hamas remains a radical and ideological movement, committed to its long-term vision and principles. The brutality and sadism displayed by Hamas during the conflict revealed the roots of deep incitement within Palestinian society. The internal and ideological challenges within the Palestinian Authority were also discussed, emphasizing the need for reform and promotion of democracy. While Hamas remains a significant force, the potential for eradicating the organization from a ruling position was acknowledged, but its influence and potential for underground violence remain a concern.
The path ahead and challenges for peace
The future path towards peace and coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians remains complex. Lessons learned from the recent conflict include the need for physical separation between the two communities, particularly in Gaza, along with external control of borders to prevent threats. The idea of a full independent Palestinian state is seen as an existential threat by Israel due to the ongoing threat posed by Hamas. There is recognition that the situation requires historic decisions and deep reforms, including democracy and corruption control within the Palestinian Authority, along with renewed focus on a realistic two-state solution that ensures security and stability for both sides.
After a week of intense emotion - a rollercoaster road combining relief, joy, anxiety, and dread for the families of Israelis held hostage by Hamas - Yonit and Jonathan discuss where this leaves a war that threatens to restart at any moment.
Plus a conversation with Michael Milshtein, Israel’s foremost expert on Hamas - with a series of shocking insights into Yahya Sinwar, mastermind of the 7 October massacre and the man they call “the Butcher”.
--
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unholypodcast/ Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1150578065793142
Join Yonit Levi and Jonathan Freedland for a special night of news and surprises—live on stage, June 8th 2025. If you’ve ever wanted to see the podcast come to life, now’s your chance. Reserve your seat now via the link—space is limited, and we’d love to see you there! https://bit.ly/UnholyLondonLive
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
