CNN reporter Nic Robertson provides a live update of the situation on the ground. Former Israeli Justice Minister and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni discusses the retaliation on Gaza. Former Palestinian Minister of Information Mustafa Barghouti highlights the significance of equal rights and peace. Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett shares personal stories and addresses the intelligence failure. The conflict between Hamas and Israel is analyzed, exploring long-term interests and the role of Iran.
Hamas' unprecedented attack on Israel has raised questions about the intelligence and security failure that allowed a small entity to breach Israel's defenses and overwhelm its technologically advanced military.
The controversial attempts by the new right-wing Israeli government to take over the power of the Supreme Court have ignited widespread protests and dissent, causing divisions throughout the military and among civilians, ultimately impacting Israel's unity and preparation for conflict.
Deep dives
Asymmetry and Surprise in the Attack
The recent attack by Hamas on Israel, despite being a weak entity compared to the IDF, has shown an impressive level of asymmetry and surprise. The manner in which they breached Israel's defenses and maintained the element of surprise has left experts questioning the intelligence and security failure that allowed this to happen. This meticulously planned attack involving land and air drones has sparked curiosity among intelligence services worldwide, as they seek to understand how a small force armed with limited technology managed to overwhelm one of the most technologically advanced militaries.
The Fractured Israeli Society
The new right-wing Israeli government, particularly figures like Justice Minister Yariv Levin, has contributed to a fracture within Israeli society. The controversial attempts to take over the power of the Supreme Court have ignited widespread protests and dissent, causing divisions throughout the military and among civilians. This fracture within Israeli society has not only impacted the nation's unity, but also affected its preparation for conflict.
Effects on Middle East Diplomacy
The current conflict between Hamas and Israel is likely to complicate peace efforts and diplomatic relations in the Middle East, specifically regarding the recent Saudi deal for normalization. While long-term interests in normalization may persist, the immediate inflamed passions on the Arab street will hinder progress. Iran, as a beneficiary of the conflict, further undermines the potential for a strategic alliance between the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, weakening efforts to counterbalance Iran.
The Future of Gaza and Israel's Actions
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have expressed a desire to take control of Gaza, although the long-term implications and feasibility of such actions remain uncertain. Suggestions, such as expelling Hamas and implementing a peacekeeping force, pose significant challenges. Israeli leaders face the dilemma of restoring deterrence and security in Gaza while considering the potential consequences of reoccupation. The support of the international community, including the United States, will be contingent upon Israel's ability to present a united and responsible front.
Today's show covers the unprecedented attack on Israel by Hamas and Israel's subsequent retaliation on Gaza. First, Fareed talks with CNN reporter Nic Robertson, who gives a live update of the situation on the ground from Sderot, Israel. Next, he speaks to former Israeli Justice Minister and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, then former Palestinian Minister of Information Mustafa Barghouti. Fareed also speaks with Naftali Bennett, the former Israeli Prime Minister, about the brutality taking place against Israeli citizens as well as the intelligence failure that allowed an attack of this magnitude to take place. Plus, Fareed asks NYT columnist and former Jerusalem bureau chief Tom Friedman about the implications of this attack for the Israeli government, the broader Middle East region, and beyond.
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