Open to Debate Is Trump Good for Israel?
21 snips
May 23, 2025 
Jeremy Ben-Ami, founder of J Street and former advisor to President Clinton, debates Einat Wilf, a former Israeli Knesset member and co-author of "The War of Return." They tackle the complex implications of Trump’s policies on Israeli-Palestinian relations amidst the ongoing Gaza war. Wilf argues for Trump’s unwavering support of Israel, while Ben-Ami warns his approach could undermine peace efforts. The conversation dives into the historical significance of U.S. interventions, the challenge of achieving a two-state solution, and the future of Israeli democracy.
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Wilf's Anecdote on Trump's Impact
- Einat Wilf shares how Trump's policies sent a direct message to Palestinians that their war against Israel is over.
- She highlights his achievements like recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and the Abraham Accords.
Conflict Not Zero-Sum
- Jeremy Ben-Ami emphasizes that viewing the conflict as zero-sum is the core problem preventing peace.
- He insists that both Israelis and Palestinians have legitimate claims requiring compromise.
Wilf: Conflict Is Zero-Sum
- Einat Wilf argues the conflict is zero-sum based on historical Palestinian opposition to a Jewish state.
- She calls Palestinianism an ideology that refuses coexistence, which must end for peace.
