Haviv Rettig Gur: 'Hamas is upset that the death toll in Gaza isn't higher'

Until Hamas is gone, Haviv Rettig Gur says, Gaza will be unable to recover after the war. The Times of Israel journalist and political analyst has emerged as a leading voice for the Israeli public and the Jewish world for deeper understandings of the war's developments. Haviv has covered Israeli politics — domestic and foreign — for nearly two decades and speaks internationally about Zionism, the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict, and Israel's future. Haviv was previously the director of communications for the Jewish Agency for Israel, and currently teaches history and politics at Israeli premilitary academies. Now, he joins Sruli Fruchter to answer 18 questions on Israel, including the country's leadership, Western media, and the Palestinian future. This interview was recorded on Sept. 9. Here are our 18 questions: As an Israeli, and as a Jew, how are you feeling at this moment in Israeli history? What has been Israel’s greatest success and greatest mistake in its war against Hamas? Do you think Western media covers the Israel-Hamas War fairly? What do you look for in deciding which Knesset party to vote for? Which is more important for Israel: Judaism or democracy? What role should the Israeli government have in religious matters? Should Israel treat its Jewish and non-Jewish citizens the same? Now that Israel already exists, what is the purpose of Zionism? Is opposing Zionism inherently antisemitic? Is the IDF the world’s most moral army? If you were making the case for Israel, where would you begin? Can questioning the actions of Israel’s government and army — such as in the context of this war — be a valid form of love and patriotism? What do you think is the most legitimate criticism leveled against Israel today? Do you think peace between Israelis and Palestinians will happen within your lifetime? What should happen with Gaza and the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict after the war? Where do you read news about Israel? Where do you identify on Israel’s political and religious spectrum, and do you have friends on the “other side”? Do you have more hope or fear for Israel and the Jewish People?