this was excellent. both the questions - great job, Michael! and Haviv... well he's always excellent. I listen to the Call Me Back podcast. The final segment on antisemitism was brilliant.
Please consider providing transcripts for all Honestly interviews. I know a lot of folks prefer to listen while doing other things, but I can't be the only subscriber who prefers reading as it allows me to consume more information.
I listen to Haviv Rettig Gur on Call Me Back with Dan Senor regularly. This discussion was a bit different. One negative, one positive.
On the negative side, it's clear (with some justification) that he doesn't care for Netanyahu. Multiple times, Haviv mentioned that Netanyahu didn't have a Gaza strategy. I recall (and frequently refer back to) a Wall Street Journal editorial that Netanyahu published on Dec 25, 2023. It's very clear: destroy Hamas, demilitarize Gaza, and deradicalize its people. Once that is done, then Gaza will be safe enough to rebuild. What isn't mentioned in the article, but obviously just as important, is the freeing of the hostages. And, obviously, no one is saying that this will be easy.
On the positive side, his definition of anti-Zionism is a master class in moral clarity. It's even better with him showing an emotional side that doesn't often come out on Call Me Back.
The enemies of Israel are encouraged by the fact that the Jewish people have a reconstituted sovereign Israel because they have nowhere else to go. But what is crucial is that the U.S. has never allowed Israel to actually win a war. Delivery of weaponry has been “suspended” or threatened to force Israel to deal with those who would destroy her on America’s terms.
Israel’s neighbors get billions in international aid after starting wars. They use it to rearm and to build sophisticated terror tunnels. But if Israel ever loses, she will be annihilated. Her Arab neighbors are well aware that Israel has never been allowed to win and therefore they are encouraged to try again and again to destroy her.
Regarding Hezbollah, they began bombing Israel on Oct8 and did so for a year before Israel fought back. Hezbollah’s war of attrition depopulated northern Israel. Hezbollah knew the powerful psychological effect of a war of attrition waged while Israel was fighting off Hamas. Hezbollah’s strategy was primarily psychological, but backed up by a ferocious arsenal that could be brought into play at any time.
According to Haviv Rettig Gur's definition of antisemitism then Jehovah, the prophets of the OT, and Jesus were all antisemites. In the Scriptures, Jehovah often chastised his chosen people for their refusal to follow His plan of salvation. My view is that antisemitism is the rejection of the Jews as Jehovah's chosen people, through which He brings salvation to the world. Christians love the Jews and Israel for their role in bringing salvation to the world.
This was a really good episode. Michael Moynihan is such a good interviewer. Excellent questions and discussion.
this was excellent. both the questions - great job, Michael! and Haviv... well he's always excellent. I listen to the Call Me Back podcast. The final segment on antisemitism was brilliant.
Fantastic podcast. The FP continues to deliver thoughtful analysis and commentary on the Middle East.
Please consider providing transcripts for all Honestly interviews. I know a lot of folks prefer to listen while doing other things, but I can't be the only subscriber who prefers reading as it allows me to consume more information.
I listen to Haviv Rettig Gur on Call Me Back with Dan Senor regularly. This discussion was a bit different. One negative, one positive.
On the negative side, it's clear (with some justification) that he doesn't care for Netanyahu. Multiple times, Haviv mentioned that Netanyahu didn't have a Gaza strategy. I recall (and frequently refer back to) a Wall Street Journal editorial that Netanyahu published on Dec 25, 2023. It's very clear: destroy Hamas, demilitarize Gaza, and deradicalize its people. Once that is done, then Gaza will be safe enough to rebuild. What isn't mentioned in the article, but obviously just as important, is the freeing of the hostages. And, obviously, no one is saying that this will be easy.
On the positive side, his definition of anti-Zionism is a master class in moral clarity. It's even better with him showing an emotional side that doesn't often come out on Call Me Back.
Highly recommend listening to this one.
Agreed. Love Call Me Back.
The enemies of Israel are encouraged by the fact that the Jewish people have a reconstituted sovereign Israel because they have nowhere else to go. But what is crucial is that the U.S. has never allowed Israel to actually win a war. Delivery of weaponry has been “suspended” or threatened to force Israel to deal with those who would destroy her on America’s terms.
Israel’s neighbors get billions in international aid after starting wars. They use it to rearm and to build sophisticated terror tunnels. But if Israel ever loses, she will be annihilated. Her Arab neighbors are well aware that Israel has never been allowed to win and therefore they are encouraged to try again and again to destroy her.
Regarding Hezbollah, they began bombing Israel on Oct8 and did so for a year before Israel fought back. Hezbollah’s war of attrition depopulated northern Israel. Hezbollah knew the powerful psychological effect of a war of attrition waged while Israel was fighting off Hamas. Hezbollah’s strategy was primarily psychological, but backed up by a ferocious arsenal that could be brought into play at any time.
J’adore Haviv Rettig Gur. Always very insightful.
According to Haviv Rettig Gur's definition of antisemitism then Jehovah, the prophets of the OT, and Jesus were all antisemites. In the Scriptures, Jehovah often chastised his chosen people for their refusal to follow His plan of salvation. My view is that antisemitism is the rejection of the Jews as Jehovah's chosen people, through which He brings salvation to the world. Christians love the Jews and Israel for their role in bringing salvation to the world.
This was a really good episode. Michael Moynihan is such a good interviewer. Excellent questions and discussion.
Jews are grateful to our Christian allies, i.e., CUFI and others. However, it is a recent thing.
Brilliant discussion - thank you!