Podcast Summary
Israel's Promise to Jews Threatened During Conflict with Hamas: Minister Dermer emphasized the importance of restoring Israel's promise as a safe haven for Jews by dismantling Hamas in Gaza and defending Israel, despite international opposition. Ongoing negotiations, IDF plans for Rafah, and the roles of Abraham Accords countries and Canada were also discussed.
The Holocaust is a recent tragedy with survivors still alive, and the promise of Israel as a safe haven for Jews was threatened during the latest conflict between Israel and Hamas. Minister Ron Dermer, a key Israeli diplomat, emphasized the need to restore this promise by dismantling Hamas in Gaza and defending Israel, regardless of international opposition. Dermer also discussed ongoing negotiations, the IDF's plans for Rafah, and the role of the Abraham Accords countries and Canada in the region. Dermer, a former Israeli ambassador to the US, has played a significant role in shaping US-Israel relations and the Abraham Accords. The conversation took place in Jerusalem on the eve of Dermer's trip to Washington to discuss these issues with the Biden administration.
Israeli Government's Goals in the Ongoing War with Hamas: Israel is working to dismantle Hamas' military capabilities, end its political rule in Gaza, ensure Gaza no longer poses a threat, and return hostages. Progress has been made in some areas, but negotiations for the return of remaining hostages are ongoing.
The Israeli government is actively working towards achieving the goals set out during the October 7th security cabinet meeting in the ongoing war with Hamas. These goals include dismantling Hamas' military capabilities, ending its political rule in Gaza, ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel, and returning hostages. While progress has been made in some areas, such as the release of over 100 hostages, negotiations for the return of those left behind are ongoing. The war seems to be progressing in short bursts, with Hamas having had various hopes for external intervention or opportunities to escalate the conflict. Ultimately, the decision to reach a deal or continue the war rests with Hamas leader Haniyeh, who is currently hidden from the negotiating table. The Israeli government is halfway towards achieving the goal of returning all hostages and is optimistic about making significant progress after a potential hostage deal.
Dismantling Hamas military capabilities in Gaza: Progress has been made in defeating most Hamas battalions, but around 5-6 remain, requiring further military action to deny them territory and control.
The war on Hamas in Gaza was not about eliminating every Hamas terrorist, but rather dismantling their military capabilities, which function like a well-structured army with battalions numbering around 1000 people each. The Hamas military in Gaza, estimated to have around 30,000 terrorists, is a significant force. While progress has been made in defeating 19 out of 24 battalions, around 5-6 battalions remain, primarily in Rafah. Dismantling these battalions will require further military action. The comparison to historical military conflicts, such as the defeat of the Nazis, illustrates that not every soldier is eliminated in battle, but the ultimate goal is to deny the enemy territory and control.
Shift from large-scale engagements to targeted operations in Gaza: The conflict in Gaza has evolved from large-scale battles against organized battalions to smaller, more targeted operations against disorganized terrorist groups, necessitating a more agile and adaptable military response.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has seen a significant shift in military tactics from large-scale engagements against organized battalions to smaller, more targeted operations against disorganized terrorist groups. The speaker explains that defeating a battalion typically results in 50% casualties, leaving a smaller, less structured force. This has led to the need for a smaller and more agile military presence, as the remaining fighters are less organized and more likely to carry out ambushes and attacks using RPGs. The speaker also notes that hospitals have been used as command and control centers by Hamas, leading to clashes and civilian casualties. Despite this, the international community's focus has been on condemning Israel for entering hospitals rather than addressing the use of healthcare facilities for terrorist activities. The speaker concludes by discussing the remaining challenges, including the need to evacuate civilians from densely populated areas and the ongoing presence of terrorists in Rafah. Overall, the conflict in Gaza has evolved from large-scale engagements to smaller, more targeted operations, requiring a more agile and adaptable military response.
Israeli military weakens Hamas capabilities in Gaza: The Israeli military has killed or captured around 14.1 million terrorists, wounded 11,000, destroyed 90% of longer-range rockets, and over 75% of short-range rockets, and is ongoing in destroying tunnel network spanning over 300 miles, significantly weakening Hamas' attack capabilities from Gaza.
The Israeli military has made significant progress in reducing the capabilities of Hamas in Gaza. The estimated number of terrorists killed or captured is around 14.1 million, with approximately 11,000 wounded. The production and stockpile of rockets have been severely diminished, with around 90% of longer-range rockets and over 75% of short-range rockets destroyed. The destruction of manufacturing sites and the dismantling of the tunnel network, which spans over 300 miles, is ongoing. The Israeli military has faced challenges in safely and effectively dealing with the tunnels due to their complex nature and the potential for booby traps and mines. While progress has been made, the process is time-consuming, and the exact percentage of tunnels dealt with is unknown. Overall, the Israeli military's efforts have significantly weakened Hamas' capabilities for launching attacks from Gaza.
Balancing military progress and civilian safety in Gaza's tunnel systems: Ending Hamas' rule requires dismantling their military capabilities and destroying tunnel systems, but a viable day after plan is essential for lasting peace.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza involves complex underground tunnel systems, which make military progress and civilian safety a delicate balance. The destruction of these tunnels and dismantling Hamas' military capabilities are crucial steps towards ending their political rule. However, a day after plan for peace and stability can't be implemented until Hamas realizes their rule is at an end. The international community, particularly Arab states and the United States, may need to present a viable day after plan that Israel can accept. Meanwhile, ongoing conversations and careful planning are necessary to avoid repeating past mistakes and ensuring a peaceful resolution.
Demilitarization and deradicalization needed in Middle East: To maintain peace and security in the Middle East, demilitarization and deradicalization of the Palestinian Authority are crucial. Seal borders, prevent weapon flow, and address radicalization with insights from countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The events of October 7th have only reinforced the need for decisive action in the Middle East, particularly in regards to the Palestinian Authority. The first step is demilitarization and sealing the border between Gaza and Egypt to prevent the flow of weapons. This requires Israeli inspection and a thorough inspection mechanism to detect and prevent underground tunnels. The second step is deradicalization, which is just as important as demilitarization. With 85% of Palestinians in the West Bank supporting the October 7th attack, it's clear that radicalization is a major issue that needs to be addressed. Countries with experience in deradicalization, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, offer valuable insights and potential solutions. The Israeli military has been taking action in the West Bank since October 7th, with a careful approach that minimizes civilian casualties. In Gaza, the only viable force to ensure demilitarization and take action against terrorist threats is the Israeli military. These two steps, sealing the border and taking military action, are crucial to maintaining peace and security in the region.
Root causes of Middle East conflict need addressing: Saudi Arabia and Emirates transformation offers hope, but Palestinian Authority's failure to deradicalize hinders peace, international community must support civilian leadership in Palestine for cultural, social, and political transformation.
The current conflict in the Middle East, specifically between Israel and Palestine, cannot be resolved without addressing the root causes of radicalization and terrorism in the region. The speaker highlights the efforts of Saudi Arabia and the Emirates in transforming their societies after major defeats, which gives hope for a similar transformation in the Palestinian territories. However, the Palestinian Authority's failure to demilitarize and deradicalize areas under their control is a significant obstacle to peace. The international community must recognize the need for this cultural, social, and political transformation and support civilian leadership in the Palestinian territories willing to be partners in deradicalization. Without it, the cycle of violence and conflict will continue.
Reconstructing Gaza and Deradicalization: The speaker advocates for the reconstruction of Gaza to be linked to deradicalization efforts, addressing issues in schools, mosques, refugee camps, and media. Israel's focus is on eliminating Hamas threat for peace and unity, despite political differences.
The speaker believes that the reconstruction of Gaza must be linked to the deradicalization of Gaza, which involves addressing issues in schools, mosques, refugee camps, and media. Regarding the current geopolitical situation, the speaker has praised the Biden administration's handling of the conflict between Israel and Palestine but expresses concern about recent public criticisms and disagreements. The speaker also emphasizes that Israel's ability to defend itself is a fundamental promise of the country and that dismantling the terror organization Hamas in Gaza is necessary, even if it means fighting alone. The speaker expresses a strong sense of unity among the Israeli people to achieve this goal, despite political differences. The conversation about the future of the region is ongoing in Western capitals, but in Israel, the focus is on restoring the promise of the country by eliminating the threat posed by Hamas.
Israeli Ambassador: Current Conflict with Hamas is an Existential Threat: The Israeli government views the current conflict with Hamas as an existential threat, believing Hamas' continued existence could lead to Israel's demise. US support is crucial for Israel during this crisis.
The current conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which began on October 7th, 2021, is seen as an existential threat to Israel by the Israeli government. This is due to the potential for other countries and groups to view Israel as weakened and vulnerable if Hamas is not decisively dealt with. The speaker, who is the Israeli ambassador to the United States, emphasized that this is a first in his lifetime and that previous threats, such as Iran, paled in comparison. The determination to eliminate Hamas stems from the belief that the organization's continued existence could lead to Israel's demise. The conflict is also significant in the context of the long-standing US-Israel relationship, with President Biden's unfiltered support for Israel during this crisis being seen as a crucial show of solidarity.
Joe Biden's father's influence on his pro-Israel stance: Biden's deep understanding and appreciation for Israel stems from his father's teachings about the Holocaust and the importance of a Jewish state. He denounced Hamas as 'sheer evil' during the 2021 Israel-Gaza conflict, reflecting his commitment to supporting Israel.
Former President Joe Biden's father instilled in him a deep understanding and appreciation for Israel and its importance to American interests. Biden Sr. shared stories about the Holocaust and the necessity of a Jewish state, emphasizing that "if we didn't have it in Israel, we'd have to invent it." This perspective was evident when Biden publicly denounced Hamas as "sheer evil" during the 2021 Israel-Gaza conflict. He emphasized that Israel's adversaries' actions were reminiscent of ISIS and that their attacks on civilians were unacceptable. Biden's stance on Israel is rooted in his father's teachings and reflects a commitment to supporting Israel in the face of adversity. The historical significance of Canada's decision to halt arms sales to Israel during this conflict will be a topic of debate for decades, as it goes against Canada's previous support for Israel and raises questions about the country's commitment to its ally.
Biden's Private Disagreements with Israel During Crisis: Biden's private disagreements with Israel during the Israel-Palestine conflict prevented larger conflicts and kept the alliance on the same track, despite public disagreements in the Obama years.
President Biden's public stance on moral clarity and his actions during the Israel-Palestine conflict have demonstrated the importance of private disagreements between allies during times of crisis. During Biden's visit to Israel during the war, he helped deter a potential larger conflict by sending Air Force 1 and aircraft carriers, and kept disagreements with Israel private to prevent miscalculations and misunderstandings. The Obama years saw many public disagreements between the US and Israel, which made the situation more complicated and defensive for both sides. In the current situation, despite disagreements over the military operation in Rafah, the US and Israel have kept the alliance on the same track and have a shared goal of dismantling Hamas. The US has expressed concerns over effectively moving people out and providing humanitarian assistance, while Israel is confident they can do it. The leaders of the two countries will meet in Washington to discuss their ideas and find a solution respectfully.
Military victory against Hamas for peace in Israel-Palestine: Israel and allies believe military victory against Hamas would lead to normalization and peace, but comes with challenges like civilian casualties and international opposition. US supports Israel, seeing global implications of victory.
Achieving peace in the Israel-Palestine conflict requires a military victory against Hamas, as Israel and its allies believe that a defeat of Hamas would open the door to normalization with other Arab countries and ultimately, peace. However, this military victory comes with significant challenges, including the potential for civilian casualties and opposition from the international community. Despite these challenges, Israel and its supporters, including the United States, believe that it is in the US's interest to back Israel until the conflict is won, as the victory would have major global implications. The conflict also highlights the importance of deradicalization in the region, which could pave the way for a broader peace between Israel and the Muslim world.
Maintaining a calculated public posture during hostage negotiations: During hostage negotiations, being transparent with families may hinder the process, requiring a balance between strategic communication and transparency.
During hostage negotiations, it's crucial for the negotiating party to maintain a calculated public posture, even if it may not provide comfort to the families of the hostages. This approach helps ensure that the other side does not perceive the negotiating party as weak or willing to compromise security for a deal. During the last round of negotiations, the Israeli government, including its ministers, were cautious about their public statements to avoid undermining the negotiations and potentially endangering the release of hostages. The irony lies in the fact that what may be most comforting to the families could actually hinder the process, making it a delicate balance between transparency and strategic communication.
Expressing honest opinions in the Israeli war cabinet: Hendel prioritized expressing his opinions, even if they differed from colleagues, focusing on Israel's objectives, including dismantling Hamas' military capabilities. He believed the first hostage deal was a heavy issue but an easy decision due to its humanitarian significance, and felt a responsibility to convince colleagues to make it.
During his tenure in the Israeli war cabinet, Yoaz Hendel prioritized expressing his honest opinions, even if they differed from his colleagues. He only spoke up when necessary, such as during the first hostage deal in November 2021. Hendel's main concern was achieving Israel's objectives, which included dismantling Hamas' military capabilities. Despite disagreements with past decisions like the Shalit deal, Hendel believed that the first hostage deal was a heavy issue but an easy decision due to its humanitarian significance. Ultimately, Hendel felt a responsibility to convince his colleagues to make the deal, as it affected not just the hostages but the entire Israeli population.
Leadership in Crisis: Prioritizing People's Safety: Leaders must prioritize their people's safety and well-being, even in the face of international pressure, as it can lead to positive outcomes in the long run.
During times of crisis, leadership requires making difficult decisions that prioritize the well-being and safety of one's people, even if it means going against international pressure. The discussion highlighted the historical event where American Jews petitioned the US government to bomb Auschwitz during World War II, but the resources were diverted to other objectives. Fast forward to the present day, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett faced a similar dilemma with the hostage situation in Gaza. Despite potential international backlash and skepticism, he remained resolute in his commitment to bring the hostages home, understanding the significance of each life to the Israeli people and their national morale. The outcome of these situations may not always be clear in the moment, but the determination to prioritize the welfare of one's nation can lead to a positive result in the long run.
Exploring the Israel-Palestine conflict and its impact on antisemitism: The Israel-Palestine conflict's complexity requires accurate reporting and understanding to avoid demonization and antisemitism. Future episodes will delve deeper into these topics with Israeli Ambassador Ron Dermer.
The discussion touched upon the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with a focus on the demonization of Israel and the resulting rise in antisemitism. The conversation also emphasized the importance of accurate reporting and understanding the nuances behind civilian casualties in Gaza. Dan Senor, the host, expressed the intention to delve deeper into these topics in future episodes. Ron Dermer, the Israeli Ambassador to the United States, was invited to return as a guest. To stay updated on Ron Dermer and the show, follow @ambdermer and tune in to Call Me Back, produced and edited by Lon Benatar, with media management by Rebecca Strom.