Uri Zaki: 'The war has to end in Gaza'

Uri Zaki supported Israel's war against Hamas from the getgo—but the killing of six hostages and Sinwar's assassination were a turning point. Now, he thinks it needs to end. Uri Zaki is a left-wing political thinker and activist. He founded the New Israel Fund’s The Front for the Protection of Democracy and was previously the chairperson of the Meretz (Israel’s left-wing party) executive board and has worked at and with several Zionist and human rights organizations. In 2010, he was the founding director B'Tselem USA, the American chapter of Israel's most prominent and controversial Israeli human rights organization. A proud Zionist and left-winger, Uri has fiercely defended Israel's war against Hamas since October 7. But over one year later, he thinks things need to change. Now, he joins Sruli Fruchter to answer 18 questions on Israel, including West Bank settlements, Israeli leadership, and ending the war in Gaza. This interview was held on Oct. 30. 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? How do you think Hamas views the outcome and aftermath of October 7—was it a success, in their eyes? What do you look for in deciding which Knesset party to vote for? Which is more important for Israel: Judaism or democracy? Should Israel treat its Jewish and non-Jewish citizens the same? What role should the Israeli government have in religious matters? 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 — even 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? Is Israel properly handling the Iranian threat? 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?