Episode 10: Thirty years of traumatic peacemaking - what do Israelis really think?

Palestinian advocates like to quip that the current war "didn't begin on October 7." That's true, of course, though unhelpful. It didn't begin in any one specific place. There are no singular first causes in history. When we choose the beginning of the story, we choose its framing and meaning. For most Israeli Jews, the story of the current war might be said to have begun in the fall of 2000, in the great collapse of Oslo that still casts its long shadow on the Israeli political psyche. This is that story. Today’s episode is sponsored by Pennyweight Prizefighter, a small business dedicated to preserving the history and craftsmanship of antique and vintage fine jewelry. In a post October 7th world, pennyweight has become more committed than ever to making vintage and new Judaica available to anyone who feels compelled to honor these symbols with something as precious as gold and diamonds worn close to the heart. Check out pennyweight prizefighter on Instagram or pennyweightprizefighter.com. Please join me on Patreon to support this project: ⁠ www.patreon.com/AskHavivAnything⁠ If you would like to sponsor an episode, please email us at ⁠haviv@askhavivanything.com⁠. A podcast by Haviv Rettig Gur Chapters 00:00 Understanding Israeli Perspectives on the Conflict 03:01 The Impact of Historical Events on Israeli Politics 06:10 Voter Turnout: A Reflection of Political Sentiment 08:45 The Second Intifada: A Turning Point in Israeli Society 11:19 The First Intifada: Roots of the Conflict 13:48 The Oslo Accords: Hopes and Disappointments 16:57 The Second Intifada: A Shift in Dynamics 19:53 The Role of Leadership in Peace Processes 23:02 The Legacy of Violence and Its Effects on Society 32:22 The Quest for Peace and Security 33:41 Understanding the Second Intifada 37:25 The Collapse of the Israeli Left 39:50 The Gaza Disengagement and Its Aftermath 44:34 The Rise of Netanyahu and Political Shifts 49:43 The Consequences of Withdrawal and Deterrence 54:05 The Israeli Perspective on Palestinian Statehood