“The Moment You Say It’s a War, Israel Has Won” | David Hearst Podcast with Norman Finkelstein
Middle East Eye
216,170 views
In this episode of The David Hearst Podcast, David Hearst speaks with political scientist and author Norman G. Finkelstein about his new book, Gaza’s Gravediggers: An Inquiry into Corruption in High Places.
Rather than concentrating solely on those who ordered and carried out Israel’s assault on Gaza, Finkelstein turns his attention to the international officials and institutions entrusted with establishing the facts, upholding international law and protecting civilians. He argues that some of these institutions did not merely fail Gaza but helped provide political, legal or moral cover for its destruction.
In a wide-ranging and at times confrontational conversation, Finkelstein discusses the evidentiary standards applied to allegations of sexual violence on 7 October, including what he says was the absence of forensic evidence, digital imagery and direct witness testimony in support of some widely circulated claims. He also recounts testimony collected from Israeli soldiers about the attitudes they encountered after returning from operations in Gaza.
The conversation examines the profound change in American public opinion towards Israel, including among American Jews, and the role played by the anti-war movement in bringing Palestine back to the centre of political debate. Finkelstein argues that 7 October transformed the political landscape and created pressure that eventually reached figures such as former UK foreign secretary Ed Miliband.
The discussion concludes with Finkelstein rejecting the description of Gaza as a conventional war. He distinguishes between a war—whose principal aim is the military defeat of an opposing force—and genocide, whose objective is the destruction of a population. He argues that describing what happened in Gaza simply as a “war” accepts the language and framing of Israeli propaganda.
Norman G. Finkelstein received his doctorate from Princeton University and has written extensively about Israel and Palestine, the politics of the Holocaust and international law. His books include The Holocaust Industry, Beyond Chutzpah, Gaza: An Inquest into Its Martyrdom and I’ll Burn That Bridge When I Get to It.
Norman Finkelstein's new book is Gaza's Gravediggers: https://orbooks.com/catalog/gazas-gra...
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20 Comments
That was a good introduction for Professor Finklestein.
Watch entire interview with Tucker Carlson.
The predators & killers aren't Yemen Ansar Allah, Iran, Hezbollah or Hamas.
Israel has committed GENOCIDE & continues to do it.
Nothing will end until is Israel is contained by majority world govts. & leaders.
“The Moment You Say It’s a War, Israel Has Won” | David Hearst Podcast with Norman Finkelstein
Middle East Eye
216,170 views
In this episode of The David Hearst Podcast, David Hearst speaks with political scientist and author Norman G. Finkelstein about his new book, Gaza’s Gravediggers: An Inquiry into Corruption in High Places.
Rather than concentrating solely on those who ordered and carried out Israel’s assault on Gaza, Finkelstein turns his attention to the international officials and institutions entrusted with establishing the facts, upholding international law and protecting civilians. He argues that some of these institutions did not merely fail Gaza but helped provide political, legal or moral cover for its destruction.
In a wide-ranging and at times confrontational conversation, Finkelstein discusses the evidentiary standards applied to allegations of sexual violence on 7 October, including what he says was the absence of forensic evidence, digital imagery and direct witness testimony in support of some widely circulated claims. He also recounts testimony collected from Israeli soldiers about the attitudes they encountered after returning from operations in Gaza.
The conversation examines the profound change in American public opinion towards Israel, including among American Jews, and the role played by the anti-war movement in bringing Palestine back to the centre of political debate. Finkelstein argues that 7 October transformed the political landscape and created pressure that eventually reached figures such as former UK foreign secretary Ed Miliband.
The discussion concludes with Finkelstein rejecting the description of Gaza as a conventional war. He distinguishes between a war—whose principal aim is the military defeat of an opposing force—and genocide, whose objective is the destruction of a population. He argues that describing what happened in Gaza simply as a “war” accepts the language and framing of Israeli propaganda.
Norman G. Finkelstein received his doctorate from Princeton University and has written extensively about Israel and Palestine, the politics of the Holocaust and international law. His books include The Holocaust Industry, Beyond Chutzpah, Gaza: An Inquest into Its Martyrdom and I’ll Burn That Bridge When I Get to It.
Norman Finkelstein's new book is Gaza's Gravediggers: https://orbooks.com/catalog/gazas-gra...
Support stories that matter. Join this channel to get access to perks:
@middleeasteye
Catch previous episodes of MEE LIVE, our biweekly news programme exploring the stories shaping our world through breaking coverage, expert analysis, and hard-hitting interviews.
Originally airing Tuesdays & Thursdays at 12pm ET | 5pm BST
Got a story tip or question? Reach us at MEELive@middleeasteye.org
Subscribe to our channel: http://ow.ly/AVlW30n1OWH
Subscribe to MEE Telegram channel to stay up to date: https://t.me/MiddleEastEye_TG
Middle East Eye Website: https://middleeasteye.net
Follow us on TikTok: TikTok: middleeasteye
Follow us on Instagram: Instagram: MiddleEastEye
Like us on Facebook: Facebook: MiddleEastEye
Follow us on Twitter: Twitter: MiddleEastEye