TRIGGERnometry | The Extraordinary Silence...And What It Tells Us

Host: Konstantin Kisin
Date: October 4, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Konstantin Kisin delves into the complexities and reactions surrounding the Israel–Hamas conflict, particularly in light of a proposed peace plan by former President Donald Trump. He reflects on the ongoing debate, the silence of prominent commentators when presented with a peace solution, and what these responses reveal about the true interests at play in the discourse around Gaza. The episode examines the manipulation of terms like "genocide," the unwillingness of some voices to pressure Hamas to accept peaceful terms, and the broader implications for public understanding of the conflict.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Personal Engagement with the Israel–Hamas Conflict

• Konstantin emphasizes he is not historically invested in the Israel issue, stating:
  • “Israel is not one of my issues. It’s not a country I’ve been to and until recently, not one I’ve commented on.” (00:57)
• After the October 7, 2023 attack, his approach was to learn from multiple perspectives before taking a public stance.
  • Notable guest range: Pro-Israel (Ben Shapiro, Natasha Hausdorff, Benjamin Netanyahu) and Pro-Palestinian (Norman Finkelstein, Bassem Youssef, Ahmed Fouhed Al Khatib).
  • Only after a year of research and interviews did he produce his most viral article and video: Why I’m Off the Fence about Israel’s War.

2. Analysis of the Trump Gaza Peace Plan

• The Trump proposal is painted as satisfying every major anti-war objective:
  • Immediate ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, release of Palestinian detainees for Israeli hostages, humanitarian aid, non-Israeli/non-Hamas governance in Gaza, no annexation or occupation, and future peace talks. (02:49)
• Konstantin points out that despite these provisions, key anti-genocide voices have either remained silent or discouraged acceptance.
  • Quote: “To my complete lack of surprise, however, many of the most prominent campaigners against genocide… have either stayed silent or openly called for Hamas to reject the deal.” (03:54)

3. Reactions and Perceived Hypocrisy Among Commentators

• Individuals and influencers discussed:
  • Krystal Ball: Criticized for spending 20 minutes insinuating Hamas should reject the deal after previously critiquing the podcast’s Netanyahu interview without watching it. (04:27)
    • Konstantin: “Her social media is a continuous stream of virtue-signaling with no mention of the fact that if you want to stop the genocide and an offer to do so is on the table.” (04:45)
  • Candace Owens: Mentioned as “another peace enthusiast” who ignored the Trump proposal while focusing on unrelated controversies. (05:05)
  • Owen Jones: Not only failed to support the deal but portrayed it as unacceptable; accused of implicitly encouraging its rejection. (05:22)
  • Jeremy Corbyn: Dismissed the deal as a colonial endeavor. (05:38)

4. The Nature of the Conflict vs. the Framing of Genocide

• Konstantin argues the rejection of the deal clarifies the nature of the Gaza conflict:
  • “It’s important to say I don’t believe it’s in Hamas’s interest to accept the Trump peace plan… But Hamas’s ability and willingness to reject the deal is a clear indicator of what the conflict in Gaza actually is. Far from being genocide, it’s a war. A war that Hamas started and is losing very badly.” (05:51–06:05)
• He draws a contrast with historical genocides:
  • “The Tutsis in Rwanda, Armenians in the Ottoman Empire, Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto were not slaughtered because they were offered peace terms they then rejected. They were killed for being Tutsis, Armenians and Jews. That’s what genocide actually means.” (06:16)

5. Manipulation of Language for Political Ends

• Discusses the rhetorical device he calls "sleight of mouth":
  • “One of the oldest tricks used by liars throughout the ages is what I call sleight of mouth, where definitions are stretched beyond their remit to get people to believe lies.” (06:34)
• Argues that redefining ‘genocide’ shifts blame and perception incorrectly:
  • “If I can get you to misapply the term genocide to the conflict in Gaza, I can get you to stop seeing it as a battle between two belligerents and instead treat Israel as the criminal and Hamas as the victim.” (06:45)

6. The Realities of the Debate and the Use of Palestinian Suffering

• Asserts that silence or opposition to the peace plan exposes the real priorities of some activists and commentators:
  • “What the last few days have shown is that the overwhelming majority of those demanding an end to the so-called genocide in Gaza do not believe it is one themselves, as demonstrated by their unwillingness to pressure Hamas to accept a deal that would end it. This is a war their side is losing and they’re using the suffering of Palestinian civilians, human shields placed in harm’s way by Hamas, to generate clicks, likes, and views.” (07:02)

Memorable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• On withholding comment and researching:
  “Whenever something happens in the world that I do not understand, my instinct is to try to learn as much as I can before forming an opinion.” (01:18)
• On the Trump peace plan:
  “A roadmap to peace which delivers every single anti-war and pro-peace objective... To my complete lack of surprise… many campaigners… have either stayed silent or openly called for Hamas to reject the deal.” (03:00–03:54)
• Metaphor for misuse of ‘genocide’:
  “One of the oldest tricks used by liars throughout the ages is what I call sleight of mouth, where definitions are stretched beyond their remit to get people to believe lies.” (06:34)
• Summing up the episode’s message:
  “They’re using the suffering of Palestinian civilians... to generate clicks, likes, and views.” (07:17)

Suggested Listening Timeline

• 00:57–02:50: Konstantin’s background and approach to the Israel–Hamas conflict
• 02:49–03:53: Summary of the Trump peace plan and initial critique of responses
• 03:54–05:38: Discussion of individual commentator reactions and perceived hypocrisy
• 05:51–06:16: Framing the conflict as a war vs. genocide
• 06:34–07:17: Rhetorical manipulation and concluding analysis

Summary Tone & Language

The tone is clear, direct, and analytical, combining personal reflection with critique of public figures and discourse. Konstantin remains steadfast in urging logical consistency and honesty in public debates, particularly on issues as fraught and consequential as war and peace in the Middle East.