One of the most highly regarded voices from within Israel, the award-winning columnist of the Haaretz newspaper, Gideon Levy, has said that the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and the Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr was “irresponsible, explosive and dangerous”.
It could have very serious consequences for Israel and the middle eastern region in the days and weeks ahead. Levy, who is renowned for his forceful outspoken views, which are frequently critical of the policies of Israel and often in sharp disagreement with those of its present Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, says that the situation facing the Palestinian people is bleak, dark and hopeless.
He says although October 7 resulted in the terrible bombing and killing of the people of Gaza, it has made no meaningful difference to the Palestinian people’s prospect of an independent state. He also believes that with 700,000 settlers in the West Bank, a two-state solution is practically impossible and has been so for a long while. Those who talk about it are in denial of the truth, he adds.
I do not wish to steal Levy’s thunder, nor do I wish to incorrectly paraphrase or precis what he has said. You must view this interview yourself to hear him. I can assure you that it will make you sit up and think. That is always the case with Levy’s interviews and articles. I will, instead, give you the main outline questions that were asked. They form a sort of spine for the interview. Of course, there are others which are not part of this list.
Here are the outline questions:
1. Let’s start with the killing of Ismael Haniyeh and the earlier killing of Fuad Shukr. Do you view these as important Israeli achievements that will weaken Hamas and Hezbollah or dangerous and unwise moves that could lead to a wider regional conflict?
2. There is an interpretation that one of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s main motivations was to scupper any immediate prospect of a ceasefire and prolong his own hold on the prime ministership because a successful ceasefire would have led to elections and a change of government. To what extent do you agree with this view?
3. Iran has committed itself to effective retaliation whilst saying it doesn’t want to escalate the war. How do the Israeli people view this? Are they apprehensive and nervous or reassured?
4. The Israeli Defence Forces have been at war against Hamas in Gaza for 10 months. I would imagine they’re both exhausted and perhaps running short of some or many weapons. How do your generals view the possibility of a sharp regional escalation of the war?
5. Where does the present situation leave the hostages? Am I right in saying prospects of their return any time soon have considerably dimmed? And for all his rhetoric does Netanyahu care? And what is the response of public opinion?
6. Against this background we’re 3 months away from the American presidential election. What would a Trump victory mean for Netanyahu and people like Ben Gvir and Smotrich?
7. How is the possibility of a Kamala Harris presidency viewed in Israel? Not only did she skip Netanyahu’s address to Congress but publicly said she won’t be silent. Has that caused some concern in Jerusalem?
8. Let me end with a couple of questions about you. You’re both known and admired for the strong, outspoken and moral positions you take. What is the future facing the Palestinian people? Is there any silver lining for them? Or is it just bleak and dark?
9. What about the situation on the West Bank? With 700,000 settlers is a two-state solution now a practical impossibility?
10. Finally, in your opinion has 7th October 2023 helped and advanced the Palestinian cause or was it a set back and mistake?
