Gideon Levy: “Israel’s Barbaric Glee over Nasrallah’s Assassination Is a New Low for Israeli Society" (Democracy now)

 Key Points of the Interview with Gideon Levy on "Israel’s Barbaric Glee over Nasrallah’s Assassination

Who is Gideon Levy?
Gideon Levy – Critic of Israel’s Military-First Approach
Introduction: 

Gideon Levy, an award-winning Israeli journalist and author for Haaretz, is a vocal critic of Israel’s militaristic policies, particularly regarding the occupation of Palestinian territories and the broader Middle East conflicts. His work often focuses on the humanitarian impact of Israel's actions.
Famous Quote: "Only bombing and refusing diplomacy" – Levy highlights Israel's reliance on military force and rejection of diplomatic solutions, warning this trajectory will lead to further isolation and insecurity for the country.

View on U.S. Support:

 Levy argues that Israel’s continuous bombardments and military strategies are only possible because of the U.S.’s unconditional support. He emphasizes that the U.S. is a full partner in Israel’s actions, including bombings and civilian casualties in Gaza and Lebanon. This support emboldens Israel to avoid diplomatic paths and deepen the conflict.

1. Israeli Society’s Response to Nasrallah’s Assassination:
Gideon Levy highlights the "barbaric glee" that much of Israeli society exhibited after the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. He shares disturbing examples, such as a TV reporter distributing chocolates and a columnist comparing the event to "smashing a lizard."
This celebration reflects a deeper moral decline in Israeli society, where violence and destruction are increasingly viewed as solutions.

2. Israel’s Increasing Reliance on Military Solutions:
Levy argues that Israel's ongoing strategy is grounded in the belief that force can solve all problems. 

He points out that the country has focused on bombing, killing, and refusing any diplomatic efforts for the past year.
This military-first approach is not only leading to more violence but also isolating Israel on the global stage, making it increasingly vulnerable.

3. U.S. Unconditional Support for Israel:
Levy emphasizes the critical role of the U.S. in enabling Israel’s actions. 

He states that American military support, including bombs and ammunition, has made the U.S. a full partner in Israel's military actions, including the killing of civilians in Gaza.

He criticizes the hypocrisy of the U.S., which calls for restraint while simultaneously supplying Israel with weapons, thus perpetuating the cycle of violence.

4. Risks of Escalation and Regional War:
Levy warns that Israel is likely to escalate the conflict further, possibly leading to a ground invasion of Lebanon. He foresees that this could provoke a larger regional conflict, potentially involving Iran.

He expresses concern that Israel is entering these conflicts without a clear exit strategy, as seen in Gaza, where the situation has only worsened.

5. Netanyahu’s Strategy and Personal Euphoria:
Levy discusses how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is riding a wave of domestic euphoria following perceived military successes.

He notes that the assassinations and military operations are framed as "James Bond" style victories, further fueling Netanyahu’s confidence.

However, Levy questions the long-term sustainability of this strategy, warning that it may lead to disastrous consequences for Israel’s security and international standing.

6. The Ineffectiveness of Military Solutions
Levy concludes that despite Israel's continued military actions, the country is no safer than it was a year ago. He stresses that diplomacy has been consistently rejected, even when opportunities arose for ceasefires or the release of hostages.

The ongoing violence is not making Israel more secure, and in fact, it is creating more fear and insecurity within Israeli society itself.

In summary, Levy paints a grim picture of a society celebrating violence, a leadership that relies on military force without diplomacy, and the complicity of the U.S. in enabling Israel’s continued aggression.

Source:

https://www.democracynow.org/2024/9/30/israel_assassinates_hezbollah_leader_nasrallah