Israeli journalist condemns government policies and European inaction ahead of elections
The veteran Haaretz columnist argues that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must follow the instructions of Donald Trump and criticises the treatment of Gaza flotilla activists as shameful.
Veteran Israeli journalist and Haaretz columnist Gideon Levy has delivered a sharp critique of the current Israeli government and its handling of the war in Gaza, speaking to France 24 from Tel Aviv. The interview, conducted by François Picard, took place against a backdrop of mounting electoral tensions, with Levy asserting that the shadow of the upcoming elections now covers all aspects of domestic politics, legislation, and the conflict itself.
Levy accused National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of dehumanising the population of Gaza by viewing all residents as Hamas combatants. In a stark assessment of the situation, Levy stated that there are no innocent people in Gaza or even in Europe, reflecting the radicalisation and isolation he perceives in contemporary Israeli politics. He described Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as both a leader in war and responsible for genocide in Gaza, highlighting the intense polarization surrounding the government’s conduct.
The journalist also addressed the international response to the conflict, particularly the treatment of Gaza flotilla activists, which he condemned as shameful. Levy criticised European governments for what he termed empty rhetoric and double standards, noting that such condemnations hold little weight because Israel largely ignores them. He argued that the diplomatic pressure from Europe has failed to alter Israeli policy or mitigate the humanitarian impact of the war.
On the geopolitical front, Levy depicted Israel as being in a state of unprecedented strategic dependence on the United States. He asserted that Prime Minister Netanyahu has no other choice but to follow the instructions of Donald Trump, suggesting a direct line of command from Washington to Jerusalem. This characterization underscores a shift in the traditional alliance, with Levy implying that Israeli sovereignty is now heavily constrained by American political directives.
The comments provide a scathing analysis of the intersection between domestic electoral pressures and foreign policy decisions. Levy’s interview, broadcast on France 24’s Spotlight programme, offers a critical perspective on the moral and geopolitical dimensions of the war, positioning Israel as an increasingly isolated actor within a framework of total dependence on the United States.
