Podcast Summary: The Commentary Magazine Podcast – Episode: "Jews in the Crosshairs Anew"

Release Date: November 21, 2024
Host: John Podhoretz
Guests: Abe Greenwald (Executive Editor), Matthew Continetti (Washington Commentary Columnist), Christine Rosen (Media Commentary Columnist)

1. Introduction and Breaking News

John Podhoretz opens the episode by announcing a significant development: the International Criminal Court (ICC) has indicted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes. The charges accuse Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war and deliberately targeting the civilian population in Gaza. Podhoretz emphasizes the irony, stating, “There is no way of knowing which way it's going. Hope for the best” (00:44).

2. Analysis of the ICC Indictments

Matt Continetti delves into the geopolitical pressures forcing Israel into a position where it must provide food aid to Gaza while combating threats from Hamas. He highlights the recent Senate actions, where a significant number of senators, primarily Democrats, voted against a weapons embargo on Israel, reflecting internal political struggles and external pressures aiming to delegitimize Israel’s actions (05:12).

Christine Rosen criticizes the ICC, labeling it as an “illegitimate institution” biased towards liberal agendas. She references Jack Goldsmith’s article, “The Self-Defeating International Criminal Court,” to underline the ICC’s systemic biases and its selective targeting of nations, notably Israel, while ignoring more severe war crimes by dictators like Assad (11:24).

3. Political Reactions and Senate Dynamics

John Podhoretz confronts the Senate’s rejection of the arms embargo against Israel, noting the overwhelming bipartisan opposition (95 to 5). He argues that this reflects a broader effort to undermine Jewish support and delegitimize Israel on the international stage (07:05).

Abe Greenwald counters by asserting that the majority of Americans support Israel, suggesting that the Senate’s actions are indicative of a deteriorating political stance among certain factions rather than a true victory for anti-Israel advocates. He stresses the importance of Israel’s military successes in maintaining regional stability (13:05).

Matt Continetti adds that organizations like J Street, which claim to support Israel, paradoxically endorsed the Senate vote against the weapons embargo, undermining their credibility and support within the pro-Israel community (07:05 and 17:22).

4. The International Criminal Court's Bias and US Relations

Christine Rosen elaborates on the ICC’s flawed structure, arguing that its policies disproportionately target democratic nations like Israel while allowing autocrats like Assad to evade prosecution through mechanisms like the "traveling dictator exception" (13:01).

John Podhoretz underscores the United States’ non-recognition of the ICC, highlighting its illegitimacy and lack of participation in its processes. He criticizes the ICC’s independence and questions its authority to indict Israeli leaders (18:07).

Matt Continetti traces the ICC's targeting of Israel back to its ideological roots, citing the organization’s initial focus on figures like Pinochet and its continued scrutiny of Israel as part of a broader anti-Jewish agenda. He calls for Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune to sanction the ICC for its actions (21:56, 22:05).

5. Internal Political Threats and Future Implications

John Podhoretz warns of political repercussions for Jewish politicians like Senator Jon Ossoff, predicting that the pro-Israel community will mobilize financially and politically to oppose those who support the ICC’s actions against Israel. He references historical Hebrew terms to emphasize the severity of political exclusion (23:17, 24:00).

Matt Continetti echoes this sentiment, discussing the potential for primary challenges against vulnerable Democratic senators and highlighting the broader trend of left-wing alliances undermining Jewish interests within the party (24:29, 25:20).

6. Comparative Foreign Policy Analysis: Ukraine and Russia

Matthew Continetti brings attention to Vladimir Putin’s recent launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at Ukraine, interpreting it as a Cold War-style signal to the West. He criticizes the Biden administration’s passive response, likening it to historical US inaction during events like the Hungarian Revolution and the Yom Kippur War, arguing that a lack of strategic deterrence emboldens adversaries (28:00, 31:17).

Abe Greenwald contrasts the strong messaging and media support for Ukraine with the lack of similar support for Israel, suggesting that Western media and political narratives are skewed unfairly against Jewish interests while supporting other conflicts uniformly (40:08).

John Podhoretz discusses the Biden administration’s inconsistent foreign policy, emphasizing the need for a more robust and strategic approach similar to past administrations. He criticizes the administration’s focus on ceasefires and diplomatic solutions that may undermine Israel’s defensive efforts (33:53, 33:08).

7. Critique of US Foreign Policy and Leadership

Christine Rosen argues that the Democratic Party has abandoned fundamental Western values in favor of minority interests, leading to weakened civilizational defenses against global threats. She laments the absence of clear leadership akin to the Cold War era, which provided a unified stance against authoritarianism (38:15).

John Podhoretz expands on this by comparing the current geopolitical climate to the Cold War, emphasizing the necessity of demonstrating strength to deter adversaries. He criticizes the current administration’s inability to adapt and respond effectively to emerging threats, drawing parallels with the inefficacies seen in historical conflicts (42:52, 44:36).

Matthew Continetti highlights the lack of accountability within the Biden administration, pointing out the ongoing conflicts and military engagements that remain unaddressed. He draws attention to the absence of strategic shifts or policy reassessments, which he believes are crucial for effective foreign policy (45:20, 47:45).

8. Media and Public Perception

Abe Greenwald discusses the disparities in media coverage between Israel and Ukraine, noting that despite strong public support and military success, Israel faces disproportionate criticism in media and academic circles. He underscores the importance of winning the media war to maintain public support and counteract anti-Israel narratives (39:15, 40:08).

John Podhoretz criticizes the performative support for Ukraine in Western media, arguing that symbolic gestures (like flying flags or public endorsements) fail to translate into meaningful support. He contrasts this with the lack of similar performative support for Israel, suggesting a biased media landscape (40:10, 41:50).

9. The Threat of World War III and Strategic Imperatives

John Podhoretz expresses concern over the potential for escalated conflicts leading to World War III, driven by both anti-war left factions and non-interventionist right groups. He draws historical parallels to the Cold War’s nuclear tensions and criticizes current ideological alliances that may destabilize global peace efforts (48:17, 54:07).

Matthew Continetti agrees, highlighting the dangerous rhetoric and lack of proactive measures to prevent large-scale conflicts. He emphasizes the need for strategic leadership and accountability to navigate these global tensions effectively (54:07, 55:50).

10. Conclusion and Final Remarks

The podcast concludes with John Podhoretz acknowledging the gravity of the current international situation, especially concerning Israel’s security and the broader geopolitical tensions involving Ukraine and Russia. He reiterates the necessity for strong leadership and unwavering support for Israel to counteract ongoing and future threats (55:50).

Matthew Continetti and Christine Rosen echo the need for continued vigilance and strategic action to protect Jewish interests and maintain global stability.

Final Quote:
John Podhoretz concludes with a stern warning to Senator Jon Ossoff: “Jon Ossoff, we are coming for you. So hear me now… You are in deep, my friend. And your friends at J Street… let's see how they do” (25:20, 50:30).

Key Takeaways

• ICC Indictments: The ICC’s recent actions against Israeli leaders are viewed as politically motivated and biased, aimed at delegitimizing Israel.

• US Senate Dynamics: A significant portion of the Senate, primarily Democrats, opposed a weapons embargo on Israel, reflecting internal political conflicts and external pressures.

• Political Repercussions: Jewish politicians supporting strong defense measures for Israel may face political challenges and opposition within their parties.

• Foreign Policy Critique: The Biden administration is criticized for its passive foreign policy stance, especially in handling conflicts involving Israel and Ukraine, drawing unfavorable comparisons to past administrations.

• Media and Public Support: There is a perceived imbalance in media coverage and public support between Israel and other international conflicts, particularly Ukraine.

• Geopolitical Tensions: Rising tensions with Russia and the potential for escalated conflicts necessitate strong strategic leadership and proactive foreign policy measures.

• Enduring Challenges: Ongoing efforts to delegitimize Jewish identity and undermine Israel’s defense capabilities remain critical concerns for the podcast hosts.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the podcast episode "Jews in the Crosshairs Anew," providing a thorough overview for listeners and non-listeners alike.