Key takeaways
- The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict is heavily influenced by a belief in military power as the primary solution.
- Current military actions by Israel are perceived as lacking clear purpose or justification.
- Despite ongoing conflicts, Israel’s security situation has not improved since 2023.
- Israeli wars are often driven by violent policies and the personal motivations of leaders like Netanyahu.
- Israel’s military strength can lead to reckless behavior and unnecessary military adventures.
- There is concern that the US might reduce its unconditional support for Israel in the next five to ten years.
- A major shift in US policy toward Israel is anticipated within months, not years.
- Israel’s disregard for international law and US advice is leading to a critical point in their relationship.
- Donald Trump is more popular in Israel than in any other country, including the US
- Israel is experiencing unprecedented dependence on the United States.
- The Israeli discourse often avoids discussing critical issues like occupation and apartheid.
- The geopolitical relationship between Israel and the US is crucial for regional stability.
- Israel’s military strategy is rooted in a historical belief in the necessity of military power.
- The potential shift in US foreign policy could significantly affect Israel’s security.
- Israel’s actions are often seen as sabotaging international law and US advisory efforts.
Guest intro
Gideon Levy is an Israeli journalist and author who writes opinion pieces and a weekly column for Haaretz, where he focuses on the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories. He has won prizes for his reporting on human rights in the Israeli-occupied territories.
The belief in military power as a solution
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Israel was taught to believe that it is doomed to live on its thought that the only language that we can talk in this region as we are the villa in the jungle so to say the only language that we can use here is the language of military power and as brutal as possible.
— Gideon Levy
- The ongoing conflict is driven by a belief in military power as the only solution.
- Understanding the historical context of Israel’s military strategy is crucial for comprehending its implications for regional stability.
- This perspective reflects a critical view of the Israeli military strategy and its impact on the ongoing conflict.
- The belief in military power is deeply ingrained in Israeli policy and public opinion.
- Military actions are often seen as the default response to security challenges.
- This approach has led to a cycle of violence and instability in the region.
- The reliance on military solutions has hindered diplomatic efforts for peace.
Lack of purpose in military actions
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The whole thing seems like an ongoing war without any purpose without any justification and above all without enemy end gangs any real goals.
— Gideon Levy
- Current military actions by Israel lack clear purpose or justification.
- This viewpoint highlights the futility of the ongoing conflict and the need for reevaluation of strategies.
- The absence of clear goals in military actions leads to prolonged conflicts.
- Military operations are often criticized for not achieving long-term security.
- The lack of purpose in military actions undermines public support for the government.
- Without clear objectives, military actions can escalate tensions further.
- Reevaluating military strategies could lead to more effective conflict resolution.
Israel’s security situation post-2023
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Israel today a better place is it a safer place than 2023 is it more popular in the world what did we gain out of all those costs
— Gideon Levy
- Israel’s security situation has not improved since 2023, despite ongoing conflicts.
- This insight challenges the narrative of progress amidst conflict.
- The ongoing conflicts have not resulted in increased safety for Israel.
- Public sentiment towards Israel’s policies remains critical.
- The lack of progress raises questions about the effectiveness of current strategies.
- International perception of Israel has not improved significantly.
- Reevaluating policies could lead to better security outcomes.
Political motivations behind wars
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All of them because of a very violent policy of israel which by it here and there have the justification like after the october 7… those last wars serve first of all his personal interest
— Gideon Levy
- Israeli wars are driven by violent policies and personal motivations of leaders like Netanyahu.
- This claim highlights the intersection of political motivations and military actions.
- Personal interests of leaders can influence national security decisions.
- The focus on personal motivations undermines the legitimacy of military actions.
- Political motivations can lead to unnecessary conflicts and loss of life.
- Understanding the political context is crucial for analyzing military actions.
- Leadership changes could impact the direction of military policies.
Reckless behavior due to military strength
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…it corrupts also a country because it lets israel to go wild to go to all kind of military adventures knowing that by the end of the day we are not endangering the existence or or real assets but because we are always stronger…
— Gideon Levy
- Israel’s military strength can lead to reckless behavior and military adventures.
- The dual-edged nature of military strength impacts national behavior.
- Military power can encourage aggressive policies and actions.
- Reckless behavior can result in unintended consequences and escalation.
- The perception of invincibility can lead to overconfidence in military actions.
- A strong military does not guarantee long-term security or stability.
- Responsible use of military power is essential for ethical governance.
Potential shift in US support
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…is there a concern that the united states in the next i don’t know five or ten years might begin to withdraw its unconditional support…
— Gideon Levy
- There is concern that the US might reduce its unconditional support for Israel in the next five to ten years.
- This potential shift reflects a significant change in international relations.
- The US-Israel relationship is crucial for regional stability and security.
- A reduction in support could impact Israel’s strategic calculations.
- Changes in US policy could lead to shifts in Israel’s foreign policy.
- The geopolitical landscape could change significantly with altered US support.
- Israel may need to adapt to new international dynamics.
Imminent shift in US policy
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I think that we are reaching a stage in which we will face a major shift in US policy toward Israel… the next president would he be democrat or republic one thing is sure those relations will be challenged more or less but they will not go anymore automatically and blindly… this is over and it’s a question of months not of years.
— Gideon Levy
- A major shift in US policy toward Israel is anticipated within months, not years.
- This prediction highlights a potential turning point in US-Israel relations.
- The change in policy could have significant implications for Israel’s security.
- US foreign policy decisions will impact the geopolitical balance in the region.
- Israel may need to reassess its strategic alliances and partnerships.
- The anticipated shift could lead to new diplomatic challenges for Israel.
- Understanding the current geopolitical climate is essential for predicting future changes.
Disregard for international law
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Israel is not following neither the international law nor the american advisers for many many years… Israel is just ignoring it to doing anything possible to sabotage this idea.
— Gideon Levy
- Israel’s disregard for international law and US advice is leading to a critical juncture in its relationship with the US
- This critique highlights significant challenges in US-Israel relations.
- Ignoring international law can lead to diplomatic isolation and criticism.
- The lack of adherence to US advice strains bilateral relations.
- Israel’s actions could have long-term consequences on its international standing.
- Addressing these issues is crucial for maintaining strong US-Israel ties.
- Diplomatic efforts are needed to resolve tensions and improve relations.
Trump’s popularity in Israel
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Donald Trump as you know is more popular in israel than in the united states yes actually he’s more popular in israel than any other place in the world
— Gideon Levy
- Donald Trump is more popular in Israel than in any other country, including the US
- This insight reflects unique political dynamics in Israel regarding Trump’s popularity.
- Trump’s policies have resonated with certain segments of the Israeli population.
- The popularity of foreign leaders can influence domestic political discourse.
- Understanding the factors behind Trump’s popularity is essential for analyzing Israeli politics.
- Political alliances and preferences can impact international relations.
- Trump’s popularity may affect Israel’s approach to US relations and policies.
Unprecedented dependence on the US
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We are now in a stage of dependence which we never faced before i don’t think israel ever faced such dependence on the united states because all the because all the rest of the world…
— Gideon Levy
- Israel is experiencing unprecedented dependence on the United States.
- This dependence highlights a significant shift in Israel’s geopolitical stance.
- The reliance on the US has implications for Israel’s foreign policy decisions.
- Dependence on a single ally can limit strategic flexibility and options.
- Understanding the historical relationship with the US is crucial for context.
- Israel may need to diversify its alliances to reduce dependence.
- The current geopolitical context necessitates a reevaluation of Israel’s strategy.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

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