Dave Smith on Idea that Israeli Leader Netanyahu Propped Up Hamas

Summary

The transcript discusses the complex political dynamics between Israel and Palestine, focusing on the role of Benjamin Netanyahu and the alleged strategy to bolster Hamas to prevent a Palestinian state. It highlights eyewitness accounts of Netanyahu's statements, the influence of the Israeli lobby in the US, and the challenges faced by US presidents in pursuing a two-state solution. The speaker criticizes Netanyahu's manipulation of peace processes and his attempts to involve the US in regional conflicts for Israel's benefit.

Takeaways

• 😯 Israel's strategy to prop up Hamas is suggested as a way to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state, according to a quote attributed to Benjamin Netanyahu.
• 🗣️ The quote by Netanyahu was reported by a Jerusalem Post reporter and confirmed by multiple eyewitnesses, although it was not recorded on videotape.
• 📰 Numerous Israeli newspapers, including Haaretz and The Times of Israel, have reported on Israel's support for Hamas, indicating it is not just based on a single quote.
• 💵 Qatar was reportedly sending millions of dollars to Gaza to support the Hamas government, with Israel's knowledge and encouragement.
• 🕊️ Israel has a history of promising a Palestinian state as part of peace agreements, but these promises have not been fulfilled.
• 🤝 The Oslo Accords were a significant step towards peace, with Israel again promising a Palestinian state, but the process has been stalled.
• 💼 Neoconservatives like Richard Perle and David Wurmser advised Netanyahu to break from the peace process and instead focus on agreements with the broader Arab world.
• 🔄 The 'Clean Break' strategy proposed by Perle and Wurmser included regime change in Iraq, which later became a policy under George W. Bush's administration.
• 🤔 There is a significant influence of the Israeli lobby in American politics, which affects U.S. foreign policy and the ongoing support for Israel.
• 🇺🇸 U.S. presidents have consistently sought a two-state solution but have been unable to achieve it despite America's significant financial support for Israel.
• 🎥 Netanyahu has been recorded discussing how he undermined the peace process by inserting 'poison pills' into agreements, showing manipulation of the negotiation process.

Q & A

What was the context of the discussion about Israel's alleged support for Hamas?

The discussion was about whether Israel intentionally supported Hamas as a strategy to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state, as it would allow Israel to claim they have no partner for peace.

What is the significance of the quote attributed to Benjamin Netanyahu regarding Hamas?

The quote suggests a strategy to maintain power for Hamas as a means to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state, thereby avoiding Israel's obligation to fulfill promises made during peace negotiations.

How was the quote by Benjamin Netanyahu about Hamas first reported?

The quote was first reported by a Jerusalem Post reporter after an eyewitness from Netanyahu's political party, Likud, confirmed it. It was later corroborated by two other individuals present at the meeting.

Why might the lack of a videotape recording of Netanyahu's quote be significant?

The lack of a videotape recording could cast doubt on the authenticity of the quote, as it relies on the accounts of eyewitnesses rather than direct evidence.

What is the 'Clean Break' strategy and how does it relate to Israel's foreign policy?

The 'Clean Break' strategy was a proposal made by Richard Perle and David Wurmser to Benjamin Netanyahu in 1996, suggesting that Israel should seek agreements with the broader Arab world to avoid making concessions to the Palestinians. It influenced Netanyahu's approach to foreign policy.

How did the 'Clean Break' strategy influence U.S. foreign policy decisions?

The strategy's authors later became influential figures in George W. Bush's administration, and their ideas may have contributed to decisions like the invasion of Iraq, which they had advocated for in the 'Clean Break' document.

What role did the Oslo Accords play in the peace process between Israel and Palestine?

The Oslo Accords in the early 1990s were agreements that set the stage for a peace process with the promise of eventually granting Palestinians their own state, marking a significant step towards resolving the conflict.

What was the significance of Yasser Arafat's recognition of Israel's right to exist in 1988?

Yasser Arafat's recognition of Israel's right to exist was a major shift from his previous involvement in terrorism and marked a willingness to compromise, which was essential for the peace process and the Oslo Accords.

How has the Israeli lobby influenced U.S. support for Israel?

The Israeli lobby, along with the support of Evangelical Christians who believe in the religious significance of Israel, has been a significant factor in maintaining strong U.S. support for Israel, even when policies differ from U.S. interests.

What is the controversy surrounding Benjamin Netanyahu's testimony before Congress in 2002?

Netanyahu testified that overthrowing Saddam Hussein would lead to democracy in the region, which some critics argue was misleading given the subsequent instability. He also advocated for preemptive attacks on Iran.

What does the transcript suggest about the relationship between Israel and the U.S. regarding foreign policy decisions?

The transcript suggests that despite U.S. financial support for Israel, there is a complex dynamic where U.S. presidents have struggled to influence Israeli policy, partly due to the influence of the Israeli lobby and domestic political considerations.