Netanyahu's end game: Why Israel assassinated Hamas chief in Iran | Gideon Levy | The Big Picture

Two assassinations. Two capital cities. Less than 24 hours.

One struck an apartment in downtown Beirut, killing a woman and two children - targeting a Hezbollah senior commander.

Then just hours later, a strike in the heart of Tehran, assassinating Hamas’ most high profile figure, and its political chief - Ismail Hanieyah.

Israel has claimed the first attack, though not the second - at least not yet - but the reverberations are already starting to be felt - as are fears that we’re barreling towards an inevitable regional war - one that could spiral quickly out of control.

This week on The Big Picture Podcast, we sit down with award-winning Israeli journalist and author Gideon Levy about the significance, and wisdom, of the two high profile assassinations.

Hanieyah’s killing in particular threatens to derail the already fragile ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, which have so far failed to put an end to a horrific 10-month war that killed more than 39,000 Palestinians and 1200 Israelis.

It also pushes the United States deeper into a corner.

The Biden Administration has failed to pull Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from the brink, but continues to supply him with weapons used against a civilian population in Gaza, while undermining attempts to hold Israel to account internationally.

Now less than 100 days before an election that could return Trump to the White House - can the US really afford to follow Israel into a war with Hezbollah - and possibly - a war with Iran?

[linmi]

Not only those two assassinations but also today the assassination of Al-Jazeera reporter in Gaza, Ismail El-Ghoul. His car was targeted and directly hit, his head got blown-off, literally, like in the most gore and violent movies. I had just watched him reporting live 10 min earlier! A 27yr old, nice guy, all he did was reporting and showing us the reality on the ground in Gaza. The Israelis eliminated him, like several before him, so now he's silent. They cry and shout and describe Hamas as "human animals" while totally ignoring that they are the same, worse even! The video of his car and body were allover his fellows' Instagram accounts. It got blurred later because of how savage it was. I've never known or felt hate in my entire life but now I'm getting to HATE Israel, and I'm not even Palestinian!

[PatriciaClaireEdelstein]

Gideon Levy has been a light of hope throughout these terrible months where there has been nothing but lies, cruelty and hypocrisy.

[williamolsen]

This just goes to show that Netanyahu has no intention of stopping the genocide.

[MubashirAhmad-hzew]

Shame on Israel Shame on America supporting Israel

[eykpfed]

As a Moroccan, I hope to live long enough to see peace in the Middle East .

[magansingodia]

It is always worth listening to Gideon Levy, a man speakings from his heart with a brilliant mind.

[sofiaabdulle]

He said it all I hope they listen to him He is every intelligent man

[HajjatZaina-woet]

Shame on you Isreal forever and ever 🙏 shame on you ✍️

[maryheiman]

The bravery of Gideon Levy to speak out against Israel while still living there

[astrega]

Thank you Mr Gideon Levy for being the voice of reason in theses crisis, you would be a great peace negotiator you are very rational and convincing...

[craftspaces]

Gideon Levy avoids saying genocide. He says mass massacring.

BDS BDS BDS ...Israel

[naymatunc-rcvs]

Its not about hamas or the hostigas they want the land without the population oil and gas industry and a nice house on the coast

[zzulm]

They always sabotage the negotiations.

[terrycarney]

Mr. Gideon Levy is an amazingly honest brave kind man. I feel so sorry about all this tragic mess, for the immense suffering of Palestinians and those Israelis who have living hell also in increasing insecurity for their own future. If only the region and the world would be populated by more people like the both of you, the would be dialogue, understanding, care and peaceful cohabitation. Instead we are ruled by power greedy, corruption and true monsters.

[julianadebroen]

It is always a pleasure to listen to Gideon Levy, he is so brilliant, so clear in his thoughts 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[wdfwioq]

Hats off for Gideon Levy! What an outspoken and rational speaker he is! At one end it is so heartwarming to learn that sane persons like Gideon Levy do exist in the Israeli society but on the other end it is very disgusting and hope lessnes to see that such persons are very few!

[timmycowie]

Gideon is super kind man much respect for him and his family God bless

[marissakeynes]

Isnotreal cannot assassinate its way out of this horrific attack on Gaza.

[rezrunnercl]

I, too, respect and admire Gideon. He is a good man. I know he loves his people. I wish they could hear him. This must be very difficult for him to watch. 😢 💧

[afshanfatima]

Wish israelis listened to good advisors like Gideon levy