“There is no room for speculations, the facts are talking. Netanyahu’s government has to pass the budget in the coming days, and his majority was very shaky. He had to bring Ben-Gvir back to the coalition in order to guarantee a majority. And Ben-Gvir’s condition was renewing the war,” Levy said.
Israel resumes offensive amid rising casualtiesSince Israel resumed its military operations earlier this week, more than 600 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The Israeli military has launched a ground invasion into southern Gaza while intensifying strikes in northern and central areas of the enclave. In response, Hamas fired three rockets at Tel Aviv, marking its first counterattack since the ceasefire collapsed.
Levy argued that Israel’s renewed offensive lacks a clear military strategy.
“There is no major plan,” he said. “It’s very hard to imagine what can be worse than the first phase. Almost 50,000 victims, most of them women and children. There is a plan to beat, to kill, to destroy, to distract, to make people starve, to make people die from diseases.”
US backing and hostage negotiationsThe renewed fighting has received strong support from US President Donald Trump. Levy noted that although Trump initially encouraged Netanyahu to uphold the ceasefire, he quickly shifted his stance and gave Israel full backing for military action.
“Trump really couldn’t care less about the fate of the Palestinians. He practically gave a green light to Netanyahu to do whatever he wants, without any limits, without any conditions,” Levy said.
Levy also dismissed the idea that Israel’s military campaign will secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. He pointed out that all past hostage releases were achieved through negotiations, not military force.
“Israel didn’t release any hostage by putting military pressure on Hamas. All the hostages who were released, were released through diplomacy, through negotiations, and in an agreement. That’s the only way to release the hostages who are still there,” he said.
Hamas’ political standing remains strong
Despite 17 months of military action, Levy asserted that Hamas remains politically strong. While Israel’s military operations have weakened Hamas’ combat capabilities, he argued that prolonged warfare will not alter the political landscape.
“Who is going to replace Hamas? Nobody has an answer to it,” Levy said. “Hamas is there, we may like it, we may not like it, but it’s a matter of fact.”
Watch accompanying video for entire conversation.
