Summary of "The Starvation Blood Libel" Episode on The Commentary Magazine Podcast

Release Date: July 28, 2025
Host/Authors: John Podhoretz, Abe Greenwald, Matthew Continetti, Christine Rosen

I. Introduction

In the July 28, 2025 episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast, hosts and panelists delve into the intense and emotionally charged discourse surrounding the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, with a particular focus on the narrative of starvation in Gaza. The discussion critically examines media portrayals, international responses, and the broader implications for Jewish communities and Israel's moral standing.

II. Matthew Continetti Opens the Discussion

[00:32] Matthew Continetti sets a somber tone, expressing personal and collective frustration over the mainstreaming of narratives labeling Israel as a deliberate agent of genocide. He criticizes the media's relentless campaign to demonize Israel, drawing parallels to historical antisemitic tropes.

"The success campaign to tag Israel as a deliberate genocider has gone completely mainstream in a way that it really had not." [02:15]

Continetti outlines how this narrative has persisted for nearly two years, despite the complex realities on the ground, including Israel's efforts to manage humanitarian aid amidst ongoing conflict.

III. Media's Role and Propaganda

A. Christine Rosen on the Starvation Narrative

[07:35] Christine Rosen highlights the convergence of Hamas' aggression and the media's starvation narrative as a strategic diversion. She argues that this narrative serves to undermine ceasefire negotiations and bolster Hamas’s position internationally.

"The starvation narrative campaign coincided with Hamas breaking off the ceasefire negotiations... to bolster Hamas in those negotiations." [08:00]

Rosen further points out the unprecedented double standards placed on Israel, contrasting Israel's blockade efforts with Egypt's fortification of the Gaza border, which she claims receives scant condemnation.

"The responsibility that is placed on Israel is historically novel... Egypt has increased its fortifications along the Gaza border... Do we hear a single condemnation of Egypt?" [09:45]

B. John Podhoretz Critiques Media Reporting

[10:50] John Podhoretz scrutinizes a recent New York Times article asserting that Israel is responsible for starvation in Gaza, questioning the credibility and sourcing of such claims. He emphasizes the reliance on anonymous IDF sources and Hamas-affiliated entities for information.

"There is a term for this, and it's a blood libel... it's on the front pages of the Times... There is starvation in Gaza. The Gazans are starving en masse, and Israel is responsible." [06:25]

Podhoretz challenges the lack of contextualization regarding Hamas's history of diverting aid and the inefficacy of UN efforts, attributing the narrative to a deliberate campaign against Israel.

C. Abe Greenwald on Misinformation

[12:53] Abe Greenwald discusses the pervasive misinformation regarding starvation in Gaza, debunking visuals that falsely depict starving children. He asserts that Israel has consistently attempted to channel aid into Gaza, while Hamas has obstructed these efforts.

"The picture of a starving child... is being induced as evidence of starvation. Turns out that child has cerebral palsy and his brother... looks perfectly healthy." [13:51]

Greenwald reinforces the notion that Hamas has perpetuated the starvation narrative to manipulate international opinion and delay military objectives.

IV. Hamas’ Strategy and International Responses

A. Hamas' Manipulation of Humanitarian Aid

[19:55] Christine Rosen explains how Hamas has sabotaged ceasefire negotiations by escalating demands and launching rockets at humanitarian sites. This tactic aims to discredit humanitarian efforts and prolong conflict, ensuring continued international pressure on Israel.

"This is both a diversion and a way to bolster Hamas in negotiations." [07:50]

Rosen also criticizes the UN's role, alleging that its World Food Program is complicit with Hamas's objectives.

B. Impact of International Pressure

[22:56] Matthew Continetti discusses the repercussions of international pressure, where calls for ceasefires and condemnation of Israeli actions have inadvertently strengthened Hamas's propaganda machinery.

"The only way to prevent that kind of conversation from gaining total purchase is for people to stand up and argue back." [46:50]

Continetti emphasizes that the onus is on Israel and its supporters to effectively counteract misinformation and maintain the moral high ground.

V. Moral and Emotional Impact on Jewish Communities

A. Strain on American Jews

[32:35] Matthew Continetti shares personal anecdotes reflecting the emotional toll on American Jews, who face increasing pressure to defend Israel amidst rising antisemitic sentiments and social ostracization.

"American Jews and others going wobbly on this is extraordinarily distressing to me." [37:40]

He urges Jewish communities to actively counteract negative narratives within their social circles to prevent widespread belief in the perceived injustices against Israel.

B. Sacrifice of Israeli Citizens

Continetti highlights the heartbreaking reality of young Israeli conscripts risking their lives, arguing that the international focus on hostages overshadows the sacrifices made by these soldiers.

"It is not right to say that a hostage... is more valuable than the life of a 19-year-old Israeli conscript." [34:49]

VI. Concluding Remarks and Call to Action

A. Defense Against Performative Empathy

[54:01] John Podhoretz condemns the rise of performative empathy that neglects the plight of Israeli citizens, labeling it as a tool exploited by Hamas to further its agenda.

"This is performative empathy... I find it appalling, quite frankly." [54:43]

B. Urgent Call for Advocacy

[61:22] Matthew Continetti concludes with a passionate plea for listeners to actively defend Israel in their personal networks to prevent the erosion of its moral standing.

"If you agree with me, go into your chat groups and your WhatsApp groups and your school groups... don't stay silent." [61:22]

He emphasizes the necessity of challenging misleading narratives to uphold Israel's legitimacy and counteract the damaging effects of widespread misinformation.

VII. Recommendations and Light-Hearted Closing

Despite the heavy subject matter, the panel concludes with light-hearted recommendations. Christine Rosen suggests the Apple TV+ series The Studio by Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen for its accurate satire of the Hollywood industry, while Matthew Continetti shares anecdotes highlighting the show's reflection of real-world studio dynamics.

Selected Notable Quotes

1. Matthew Continetti – "The successful campaign to tag Israel as a deliberate genocider has gone completely mainstream in a way that it really had not." [02:15]

2. Christine Rosen – "Egypt has increased its fortifications along the Gaza border... Do we hear a single condemnation of Egypt?" [09:45]

3. John Podhoretz – "There is a term for this, and it's a blood libel... Gaza's starving en masse, and Israel is responsible." [06:25]

4. Abe Greenwald – "The picture of a starving child... is being induced as evidence of starvation." [13:51]

5. Matthew Continetti – "American Jews and others going wobbly on this is extraordinarily distressing to me." [37:40]

6. John Podhoretz – "This is performative empathy... I find it appalling, quite frankly." [54:43]

7. Matthew Continetti – "If you agree with me, go into your chat groups and your WhatsApp groups and your school groups... don't stay silent." [61:22]

This episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast presents a fervent defense of Israel against what the hosts perceive as a biased and harmful media narrative. Through incisive analysis and impassioned rhetoric, the panelists call for active resistance against misinformation and advocate for the moral and physical defense of Israel amidst unprecedented global scrutiny and antisemitism.