In this interview, Gideon Levy critiques Israel's Gaza strategy, rejecting the viability of the two-state solution. He advocates for a one-state democracy for Jews and Palestinians, and explores Israel's relations with Lebanon, Iran, and the U.S., emphasizing the role of American support in fueling the conflict.

Netanyahu and Israel's Core Issues
Gideon Levy highlights that while Prime Minister Netanyahu poses a problem, changing leadership won't alter Israel's ongoing strategies of war, apartheid, and occupation. He stresses that the two-state solution is no longer viable and that Israel faces two stark choices: perpetuating apartheid or transitioning to a democracy. In Northern Gaza, Israel continues its ethnic cleansing campaign, trapping 400,000 Palestinians and attempting to empty the area of its population, with the extent of violence they will use still uncertain.

Israel's Undeclared Plans for Gaza
Levy asserts that although Israel has no official strategy, its actions imply a desire to render Gaza uninhabitable. While they understand that evacuating 2.3 million people from the Gaza Strip is not feasible, their military campaigns seem designed to make life in Gaza impossible.

Escalation in Lebanon
In his analysis, Levy explains Israel’s recent escalations in Lebanon, driven by a desire to distance itself from Iran and Hezbollah while maintaining a climate of war. Despite past failures in Lebanon, Israeli leaders remain confident in their approach, which Levy believes is fueled by an over-reliance on force and a refusal to engage in peace agreements.

Israel's Relationship with the U.S.
Levy also touches on Israel’s complex relationship with the U.S., noting that despite calls for humanitarian efforts and peace, Israel has frequently ignored American interests. He points to the invasion of Rafah as an example where Israel acted against U.S. warnings. Levy questions the wisdom of American taxpayer investment in a state that disregards U.S. concerns and wonders which superpower truly has influence in the region.

Shifting Israeli Public Opinion
Levy observes that, in the past, there was widespread support for Israel's wars, but public sentiment has shifted as the costs of war became unbearable and the goals unclear. However, the atrocities of October 7th have reignited nationalist and militaristic attitudes, silencing any discourse around peace or the suffering of Palestinians and Lebanese.

Protests and Leadership
Although many Israelis view Netanyahu as the problem, Levy argues that replacing him will not bring about meaningful change. No political candidate has proposed ending the war, negotiating with Palestinians, or moving toward a peaceful resolution.

The Collapse of the Two-State Solution
Levy explains that the two-state solution is no longer achievable, particularly with over 700,000 Jewish settlers entrenched in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. He believes the only viable alternative is a one-state solution where Jews and Palestinians coexist, albeit under vastly unequal political systems—democracy for Jews and tyranny for Palestinians.

A Democratic State for All
Levy advocates for the creation of a democratic state that includes both Jews and Palestinians, instead of separate Jewish and Palestinian states. While he acknowledges the immense challenges in achieving this, he emphasizes that abandoning the two-state solution and working toward a democratic vision is the only path forward.

International Pressure and Israeli Politics
Levy believes that international pressure, particularly from the U.S. and global Jewish communities, will be essential in forcing Israel to choose between democracy and apartheid. While few voices in Israel advocate for a one-state solution, Levy remains cautiously optimistic that a new path may emerge from the current turmoil, though the timeline is uncertain.

Gideon Levy is an Israeli journalist and author known for his critical perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A senior columnist for Haaretz, he has spent over 30 years addressing issues of war and human rights. Levy’s work advocates for justice and peace, making him a prominent voice in Israeli journalism.