Call Me Back - with Dan Senor
Episode: Ending the Gaza War - with Nadav Eyal
Release Date: June 30, 2025
In this compelling episode of Call Me Back, host Dan Senor engages in an in-depth conversation with Nadav Eyal, a seasoned political analyst from Yedirot Ahronot, to explore the complexities and evolving dynamics of the Gaza War. Released amidst ongoing conflicts and political maneuvers, the episode delves into recent escalations, public sentiment, and the prospects for peace in the region.
1. Introduction and Current Status of the War
The episode opens with Nadav Eyal emphasizing the Israeli public's determination to see Hamas relinquish control over the Gaza Strip while simultaneously seeking the safe return of hostages. Nadav notes a significant shift in the Israeli psyche, indicating a growing consensus that the prolonged conflict is no longer in the nation's best interest.
[00:08] Nadav Eyal: "If you can end it, get the hostages back and make sure that there is, at least on the record, a different government in the Gaza Strip."
Dan Senor provides a contextual backdrop, highlighting that Israel has been embroiled in the Gaza conflict for over 631 days, with hostilities spreading beyond Gaza to the West Bank. He references the impact of a recent 12-day military campaign in Iran, which temporarily diverted attention from Gaza but has since refocused Israeli efforts back to the Gaza Strip.
2. Escalation in the West Bank
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the recent violent incidents in the West Bank, specifically in Kafar Malik near Ramallah. Nadav details an event where dozens of far-right Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian villages, leading to casualties and confrontations with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
[03:46] Nadav Eyal: "This violence and these extremist actions, if they will not be treated in a systematic way, can end with a catastrophe."
Key points include:
- Far-right Activism: Settlers from within Israel breached a Palestinian village, leading to destruction and injuries.
- IDF Response: The military intervened, resulting in the deaths of three Palestinians amidst accusations of premature or excessive force by settlers.
- Political Repercussions: High-ranking officials, including IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, condemned the actions, labeling them as pogroms and criticizing the government's inability to curb such extremist behavior.
Nadav criticizes the administrative arrest policy, arguing that recent government stances hinder effective security measures against sophisticated far-right threats.
3. Israeli Domestic Sentiment and Public Opinion
The conversation shifts to the Israeli public's growing weariness of the prolonged conflict. Nadav cites recent polls indicating that a majority of Israelis, including Likud voters, are advocating for an end to the war in Gaza in exchange for the safe return of hostages.
[24:14] Nadav Eyal: "What exactly are Israel fighting for right now?"
He underscores a pivotal moment where even right-wing political figures like Bennett are publicly supporting the cessation of hostilities, a stance traditionally uncommon within more conservative factions.
4. IDF Operations and Military Strategy in Gaza
Nadav provides an overview of the IDF's Operation Chariots of Gideon, detailing its phases and objectives:
- Territorial Control: The IDF has secured approximately 75% of the Gaza Strip, aiming to pressure Hamas into negotiations.
- Hostage Safety: Operations are carefully calibrated to avoid endangering hostages, limiting full-scale engagements in densely populated areas like Gaza City.
However, Nadav points out that the strategy has not yielded the desired military victory, as Hamas has adapted by employing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) extensively.
[18:57] Nadav Eyal: "This is the kind of explosives that was used... these are being used all across Gaza by Hamas."
He explains that the persistent use of IEDs by Hamas has rendered traditional military tactics less effective, echoing challenges faced in previous conflicts such as in Iraq.
5. Political Maneuvering and Ceasefire Negotiations
A significant focus is on the ceasefire negotiations spearheaded by the Trump administration. Nadav discusses the intricacies of these talks, mediated by Qatar, and the hesitancy surrounding Hamas's willingness to disarm or relinquish control.
[25:40] Nadav Eyal: "Hamas isn't going to agree to [disarmament] in the way that we think about disarmament."
He also highlights the complexities surrounding potential Gazan governance post-ceasefire, questioning whether a new government can be established without Hamas maintaining covert influence.
Furthermore, Nadav touches upon the "Gazan Riviera" plan, initially proposed by the Trump administration, which involved the voluntary relocation of Palestinians—an idea he deems unfeasible given Hamas's non-negotiable stance on displacement.
6. Human Impact and Societal Strain
The episode poignantly captures the human cost of the war through the story of Alexander Radia, whose son, Staff Sergeant Nir Radia, was killed in a tragic attack. Her heartfelt plea underscores the emotional and psychological toll on Israeli families.
[33:39] Alexander Radia: "They used to call him and his friends blackened, we're all blackened... this has to end now. They're just kids who finished high school. They’re struggling in every way. This must stop now." [33:44]
This narrative exemplifies the growing public fatigue and the urgent demand for a resolution.
7. Strategic Implications and Future Outlook
Nadav and Dan delve into the strategic implications of the ongoing conflict:
- Regional Stability: Discussions about potential Saudi normalization and the extension of the Abraham Accords.
- Comparative Analysis: Nadav reflects on Israel's victories over Iran and Hezbollah, juxtaposing them with the protracted struggle against Hamas within its borders.
- IDF's Position: The military is caught between operational success in eliminating Hamas operatives and the strategic dilemma of achieving long-term peace without overextension.
Nadav emphasizes that the Palestinian issue remains Israel's most significant adversary, particularly because it is localized and deeply intertwined with the nation's security and societal fabric.
8. Conclusion and Path Forward
The episode concludes with Nadav articulating a pragmatic approach towards ending the war:
- One-Phase Deal: Favoring an immediate ceasefire accompanied by the full release of hostages over multi-phase agreements.
- Government Strategy: Advocating for a change in Gaza's governance to prevent Hamas from retaining power and influence.
- Future Threats: Acknowledging that without comprehensive disarmament, the cycle of violence may persist, necessitating ongoing vigilance and potential military intervention.
[37:30] Nadav Eyal: "This has crossed the Rubicon in the Israeli psyche that this war is no longer something that is in the best interest."
Dan Senor wraps up the discussion, expressing optimism about the accelerating path toward a potential ceasefire and the safe return of hostages, while acknowledging the complexities that lie ahead.
Key Takeaways:
- Public Sentiment: A significant portion of the Israeli population now prioritizes ending the war and rescuing hostages over territorial or strategic gains.
- Military Challenges: The IDF faces evolving tactics from Hamas, particularly the effective use of IEDs, complicating military objectives.
- Political Dynamics: Internal political pressures and external diplomatic efforts are reshaping Israel's approach to the Gaza conflict.
- Human Cost: The prolonged conflict continues to inflict severe emotional and societal strain on Israeli families and communities.
This episode offers a nuanced perspective on the enduring Gaza War, highlighting the intersection of military strategy, political will, and human resilience in the quest for peace.