Lahav Harkov: 'We are winning'

Israel's multi-front war changes by the day—but Lahav Harkov thinks Israel is winning. A long-time journalist covering Israel's domestic and international affairs, Lahav speaks with an insider's investigation and knowledge about Israel's issues today: military strategy, hostage negotiations, international relations, and more. Previously the Senior Contributing Editor, Diplomatic Reporter and Knesset Reporter for The Jerusalem Post, Lahav is now the Senior Political Correspondent for Jewish Insider. The Jewish Telegraphic Agency previously named her the 5th-most influential person on “Jewish Twitter.” Now, she joins Sruli Fruchter to answer 18 questions on Israel, including the state of Israel's war, Western media, and the fight to free the hostages. This interview was held on Oct. 8. 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?