In a powerful interview with Joe Pags, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman unpacked the realities of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, offering a deep dive into the historical and political dynamics shaping the region today.
Friedman began by addressing the October 7th attacks, calling the brutality of Hamas "unthinkable" and expressing his concern that many Americans don’t fully understand just how dangerous Hamas truly is. He emphasized that Hamas is not simply a political organization but a ruthless group intent on the destruction of Israel, leaving no room for negotiation. “They aren’t seeking a free Palestinian state,” Friedman explained. “Their sole goal is to kill Jewish people, and destroy Israel.”
One of the most striking points Friedman made was his doubt that Hamas would ever honor a peace agreement. He stressed that previous international aid given to Gaza was not used for humanitarian purposes like building schools or hospitals. Instead, he pointed out that Hamas channeled those resources into weaponry and underground tunnels, furthering their terrorist agenda rather than improving the lives of the Palestinian people.
Friedman also addressed the influence of American politicians, accusing them of "double speaking" and manipulating public sentiment, particularly among young Americans who have been protesting in favor of Hamas. He argued that some politicians are more interested in winning elections than telling the truth about the conflict, allowing false narratives to take root.
When asked whether Hamas could ever coexist peacefully with Israel, Friedman was unequivocal. "It’s not like the American Revolution," he said, explaining that the conflict is not about freedom but about total control and destruction.
Friedman also provided a possible path forward, outlining the dynamics of his new book, One Jewish State: The Last, Best Hope to Resolve the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. In the book, Friedman explains why Israel has succeeded as a regional superpower while its Arab neighbors have failed. He argues that Israel’s continued strength and strategic leadership in the region can offer a solution to the long-standing conflict.
For more on Friedman’s insights into the Israel-Hamas conflict and his views on a potential solution, listen to the full interview below.