He is a former head of the Israeli Army (IDF), and is one of the most respected officers in IDF history. Ehud Barak has also led Israel politically, and has been both interior minister and defense minister. Now he is one of the fiercest critics of incumbent President Benjamin Netanyahu. news meets him for a longer interview in Tel Aviv. You can see the entire interview at the bottom of the issue. In this case, you can read his thoughts on: The brutal war in the Gaza Strip How Israel’s international reputation is ruined The fear of a major war in the Middle East Why he still supports a free Palestine Thinks Hamas must be destroyed – For Israel it is imperative to ensure that Hamas will never rule Gaza and threaten Israel again. No matter what it costs, says Barak to news. – But at what price? 60-70 percent of the Gaza Strip is partially or completely destroyed, according to the World Bank. – When it comes to Israel’s survival, I would roughly say at any price. – Really? – Yes, if you have to protect your life and your family, you won’t think that killing one of us here is too high a price. Think Israel should negotiate – Should Israel negotiate with Hamas? – Yes. If we wait another seven months, all the surviving hostages will come home in coffins. Barak believes it is unacceptable to “sacrifice them”, both morally and politically – and believes they were abandoned on 7 October when Hamas attacked Israel. – They are not prisoners of war. There are elderly people, young women, young children, civilians and soldiers. That means, unfortunately, that we have to end the war. Ehud Barak sat down to a longer interview with news in Tel Aviv. Photo: Eirik Pessl-Kleiven / news – But the Israeli government believes that Hamas will benefit from the military pressure against them being eased, that it will benefit the terrorists? – I think they are wrong. The lives of the hostages are in greater danger now. Slogans abound, and this slogan that only military force will save the hostages is nonsense, Barak replies. He agrees with Netanyahu’s line that Hamas must leave, but believes that it can be done later – after the trust of the international community has been regained. – The most important thing now should be to get the hostages home. Wants to remove Netanyahu Ehud Barak describes Netanyahu’s government as both far-right and racist. It has divided Israel, and damaged the country’s international reputation, he believes. Barak points out that Netanyahu has given powerful positions to extreme settler leaders such as Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, who are finance minister and security minister respectively. Both have made racist statements and, among other things, advocated expelling Palestinians from Gaza and then occupying the area. Ben-Gvir has also been convicted of hateful and racist remarks against Arabs. Bezalel Smotrich Minister of Finance since 2022Responsible for civil affairs in the West Bank SettlerItamar Ben-Gvir Minister of Security since 2022 Settler – This is the worst government we have ever had. Certain ministers are racist, and believe that some people are worth less than others. There is an unholy alliance between Netanyahu and these racist and messianic types, Barak believes. Benjamin Netanyahu is also controversial in Israel, as demonstrated in Tel Aviv during a demonstration against the authorities on 8 June. Photo: Jack Guez / AFP – He gives them some of what they want. In exchange, they ensure that he can stay in power. – If Netanyahu is as bad as you describe him for Israel, how has he managed to be re-elected again and again, and become Israel’s longest-serving prime minister? – He is an effective demagogue. He is no lightweight. He is knowledgeable, and has a lot of experience and historical understanding. He has gradually managed to acquire supporters on the right, Barak replies. He refers to the whole thing as an unholy alliance, and believes it harms Israel. – That is why most liberal democrats in Israel want to overthrow the government. The fear of a major war – There are powerful forces in Israel that want to go to war against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran. Is there reason to be concerned about a major war in the Middle East? – I think there is a clear risk of that within the next three months, replies the former prime minister. He believes Israel risks a future where: they are still fighting in Gaza they end up in a full-scale war against Hezbollah in Lebanon in the north the tense situation with Iran continues they are being shelled by the Houthis in Yemen and Iraqi militias there is a Palestinian uprising in the West Bank – All this can happen while we are isolated internationally. The US has not a drop of confidence left in us. So the situation is very serious. – How do you avoid such a major war? – The most effective way is to remove this government as quickly as possible. Belief in the two-state solution When Barak was prime minister from 1999 to 2001, he was one of the Israeli leaders who possibly came closest to an agreement on a two-state solution. Does he still believe in that idea, 25 years later? – I believe it is absolutely necessary for both sides, states Barak. – But isn’t it naive to believe in a two-state solution with all the hatred and division this war has created? – It is completely immature to talk about this now. The time is not right. The pain after October 7 is intense, and the blood is still bubbling in Israel. There is great frustration, and a sense of humiliation and revenge, which is completely understandable. – So you still support a two-state solution, but not right now? – Yes, I see no other options. If we remain one state, we will either be a non-democratic or a non-Jewish state. We cannot afford any of those options. See the full interview with Ehud Barak. Published 15.06.2024, at 20.38
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Asks Israel to stop the war in Gaza and get the hostages out – news Urix – Foreign news and documentaries
