Anshel Pfeffer on Israel and the War in the Middle East
Nov 4, 2023
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Anshel Pfeffer, senior correspondent and columnist for Haaretz and the Israel correspondent for The Economist, discusses Israel's strategy for defeating Hamas, the global left's failure to understand the horrors of 10/7, the implications of the war for Jewish life in Europe and America, and the urgent need for Israel to resolve internal tensions.
Israelis are united in understanding the need to eliminate Hamas as a threat, willing to make sacrifices for security.
The Israeli opposition focuses on preserving democratic institutions and opposing Prime Minister Netanyahu's personal interests, rather than rethinking their positions on the conflict.
The military operation in Gaza is expected to be prolonged and complex, requiring dismantling Hamas's military structure while considering the responsibility for the civilian population.
Deep dives
Israeli society at war to protect from Hamas threat
Israeli society is united in the understanding that the country is at war, and the objective is to eliminate Hamas as a threat to Israel's security. There is a consensus that this will be a long war and sacrifices will be required. Israelis are prepared to make sacrifices and understand that their way of life will be impacted for months to come. There is a need for strategic thinking in Israeli governance, as the current focus is on political survival rather than long-term security considerations. The military is carrying out operations in Gaza to disrupt Hamas's military capabilities, but there is a lack of clarity on the broader strategic plan for maintaining Israel's safety.
Challenges facing the Israeli opposition and Israeli left
The Israeli opposition and left have faced challenges in the current political climate. The Israeli left is a small minority, with centrists dominating the political landscape. The main opposition to the government is centered on preserving democratic institutions and opposing the personal interests of Prime Minister Netanyahu. The Israel-Palestine conflict is not the defining issue for the opposition, and there is limited rethinking of their positions in light of recent events. The focus is primarily on immediate security concerns rather than long-term solutions.
Duration and challenges of the military operation in Gaza
The military operation in Gaza is expected to last several months, potentially up to a year, due to the extensive tunnel network and military capabilities built by Hamas over the years. There is a recognition of the difficulty and complexity of the operation, as there are an estimated 30,000 Hamas fighters ready to defend their military infrastructure. Israel's military is prepared for a prolonged campaign, with both ground and air components involved. The success of the operation depends on dismantling Hamas's military structure while considering the long-term responsibility for the civilian population in Gaza.
Lack of strategic thinking in Israeli governance
There is a lack of strategic thinking in the current Israeli government, particularly in terms of long-term planning and goals. The focus on political survival and personal interests has hindered effective decision-making and strategic planning. The military is left to determine the strategic objectives without clear guidance from the government. This lack of strategic thinking poses challenges in achieving lasting security and addressing the future governance of Gaza after Hamas is dealt with.
Dilemma for Jews in the diaspora and the impact on Jewish life
The recent events in Israel and Gaza, coupled with the international response, have created a sense of insecurity and dilemma for Jews in the diaspora. The criticism and pressure to disavow Israel or be seen as supporting a genocide have placed many Jews in a difficult position. The impact is particularly felt in European countries where historical trauma and questions of belonging have always been present. In the United States, this may be a new and unsettling situation for American Jews who have previously felt a sense of security and belonging. There is a fear that support for Israel may undermine alliances and increase feelings of insecurity for Jews.
Hopes and fears for Israel's future
The current moment in Israeli history presents both hopes and fears for the future. The end of the Netanyahu era and the need to address key issues, such as the relationship between religion and state, coexistence with non-Jews in Israel, and finding a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, are seen as crucial steps for Israel's future. The hope is that there will be an opportunity for a better and more meaningful conversation on these issues once the current military operations are over and a new government is formed. The fear is that without proper strategic thinking and a cohesive plan, Israel's long-term security and stability may be compromised.
Yascha Mounk and Anshel Pfeffer discuss how the war is transforming Israel, Palestine and the Middle East.
Anshel Pfeffer is a British-Israeli journalist. He is a senior correspondent and columnist for Haaretz and the Israel correspondent for The Economist. Pfeffer is the author of Bibi: The Turbulent Life and Times of Benjamin Netanyahu.
In this week's conversation, Yascha Mounk and Anshel Pfeffer discuss Israel's strategy for defeating Hamas and whether it is likely to succeed; why the global left has failed to grasp the horrors of 10/7; what implications the war has for Jewish life in Europe and America; and why, after the war, Israel urgently needs to resolve the internal tensions that have marked the country since its founding.
