Robert Pape, a professor and Director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats, discusses the differences between international and domestic terrorism. The podcast also explores Israeli society and the integration of military service and education. It touches on the recovery of the Israeli economy, danger of complacency, mindset of terrorists, and controversies surrounding accusations against Hamas in Gaza.
The Israeli Defense Forces have showcased evidence of weapons seized from al-Shifa hospital, raising questions about Hamas's use of the facility.
The extent and importance of the underground facilities found at al-Shifa hospital as a command center is a subject of debate.
Deep dives
Israeli claim of Hamas tunnels under hospital faces test
Israel has claimed that Hamas has been using al-Shifa hospital to hide weapons and command centers. The New York Times reports that their journalists have been shown shafts leading to tunnels under the hospital, but the controlled visit did not settle the question.
Israel showcases weapons seized from al-Shifa hospital
The Israeli military has released videos showcasing caches of weapons seized from the grounds of al-Shifa hospital and broadcasting tours of underground facilities connected to the hospital. Hamas has accused Israel of planting the weapons and has called the videos a farce.
Israel takes over grounds of al-Shifa hospital
The Israeli defense forces have taken over the grounds of al-Shifa hospital and have begun showing the media tunnels and facilities found underground. The extent and importance of these facilities as a command center is a matter of debate.
Debate around Israel's ability to prove claims about al-Shifa hospital
There is ongoing debate regarding Israel's ability to prove its claims that Hamas was using al-Shifa hospital to hide weapons and operate command centers. The New York Times, while unable to verify the provenance of the weapons or confirm the existence of a command center, has reported on the Israeli military's showcasing of evidence.
As Israeli Defense Forces explore and document what was found in and under Al-Shifa hospital, verification is hard, and doubt is free and easy to sew. Plus, Robert Pape wonders, "What makes a terrorist ... international vs. domestic?" Pape is a professor and the Director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats. Also on the show, American decadence versus Israeli seriousness.