From the Second Intifada to October 7th (with Daniel Gordis)
Jan 1, 2024
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Daniel Gordis, an author and distinguished fellow at Shalem College, shares his 25 years of insights on life in Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He discusses the existential threat posed by Hamas's recent actions and the shifting demands of the Israeli public for different responses. Gordis reflects on the historical context of the Second Intifada, the complexities of Arab-Israeli relations, and the emotional resilience of Israelis in the face of adversity. They also explore the implications for Jewish identity and the challenges of democracy.
The Second Intifada significantly impacted Israeli daily life and introduced new tactics in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hamas' rise to power in Gaza challenged Israel's previous assumptions and posed strategic mistakes in responding to their control of the Gaza Strip.
The recent attack by Hamas on October 7th raised security concerns and highlighted the potential long-term effects on Israeli society.
Deep dives
The Second Intifada and Israeli History
The podcast episode starts by discussing the Second Intifada, a period of intensified conflict between Israelis and Palestinians that lasted from 2000 to 2004. The guest, Daniel Gordus, shares his personal experiences living in Israel during this time and highlights the significant impact of the Intifada on Israeli daily life. He explains how this conflict differed from previous ones and the specific tactics employed by both sides. The Israeli perspective on the Oslo Accords and the subsequent pullbacks from territories are also explored.
The Shift in Power between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority
The episode delves into the 2005 election in Gaza, which resulted in the victory of Hamas. This changed the power dynamics in the region, challenging Israel's previous assumptions about containing the organization. The guest addresses the Israeli response to Hamas' rise to power and the subsequent control of the Gaza Strip. The conversation highlights the strategic mistakes made by Israel and the implications of having an armed force like Hamas rather than a traditional terrorist organization. The complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the difficulties faced in finding a solution are discussed.
The Current War and Israel's Future
The podcast episode looks into a more recent conflict in Israel, which began on October 7th. The guest describes the events of that day, where Hamas militants infiltrated Israeli territory and launched a widespread attack. This incident raises significant concerns for Israel's security, with thousands of citizens being forced to leave their homes due to the threat posed by Hamas. The discussion touches on the potential long-term effects of this conflict and its impact on Israeli society. The episode concludes with a reflection on the future of Israel, expressing optimism amidst the challenges and emphasizing the resilience of the Jewish people throughout history.
Existential threat: The podcast highlights the existential nature of the current situation in Israel, emphasizing that if Israel cannot win this war, the consequences would be dire. The speaker mentions that the country is sobering up after the initial sense of unity and optimism, realizing the military failures that have taken place. The danger of Hezbollah's presence on the northern border is discussed, highlighting the importance of disarming or pushing them back from the border to ensure the safety of the citizens in that region.
The podcast episode delves into the current existential threat faced by Israel. It highlights the sobering realization that winning the war is not guaranteed, leading to uncertainties about citizens' ability to return to their homes near the Gaza and northern borders. The military failures and unity breakdown are acknowledged, emphasizing the need for a solution to the presence of Hezbollah on the northern border. The potential consequences of the failure to win the war and protect citizens from violence are extensively discussed.
Global ramifications: The podcast examines the wider implications of the ongoing conflict for the Jewish people worldwide and the Western world. It mentions instances of public figures in Western Europe expressing sentiments that make it difficult for Jews to continue living there. The notion of Jewish life becoming dangerous in various countries, including the United States, is discussed. The speaker highlights concerns about the sustainability of Jewish life in these places, emphasizing the need for a shift in understanding and a proactive approach to address anti-Semitism and ensure the future of the Jewish community.
This podcast episode sheds light on the global ramifications of the conflict in Israel. It highlights the rising challenges faced by Jews in Western Europe and the United States, with public figures expressing troubling sentiments. The speaker references the need for a reevaluation of the sustainability of Jewish life in these regions, emphasizing the urgency to tackle anti-Semitism. The episode also touches on the significance of finding a resolution in Gaza and explores the hope for improved governance that would allow for peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.
Over the 25 years he's lived in Israel, author Daniel Gordis of Shalem College has seen many chapters of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, beginning with the Second Intifada that followed the Oslo Accords. Listen as he and EconTalk's Russ Roberts discuss why Hamas's massacre of October 7th is different and is an existential threat to Israel. They also speak about why Israelis are demanding a different response to Hamas than they have in the past, and how and why this war will change Israel and the Jewish people.
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