Benny Morris: 'We should have taken Rafah at the start'

18 Questions, 40 Israeli Thinkers

If you want to understand Israel, then you need to know Benny Morris.
Prof. Benny Morris is a leading Israeli historian who revolutionized the field of Israeli history by digging into the government’s declassified archives in the ‘80s, ushering in the era of “New Historians” who challenged traditional views of Israel’s history. After peace talks failed and the Second Intifada began in the early 2000s, his views drastically shifted regarding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict—specifically its prospects for resolution. Praised and criticized across the political divide, Benny Morris’ work lies at the bedrock of Israeli history today.
Now, he sits down with us to answer 18 questions on Israel, including what should happen with Gaza after the war, Palestinian-Israeli peace prospects, whether the IDF is the world’s most moral army, and so much more.
This interview was held on June 10.

Here are some of our 18 questions:

1. As an Israeli, and as a Jew, how are you feeling at this moment in Israeli history?
2. What has been Israel’s greatest success and greatest mistake in its war against Hamas?
3. How do you think Hamas views the outcome and aftermath of October 7—was it a success, in their eyes?
   
4. What do you look for in deciding which Knesset party to vote for?
5. Which is more important for Israel: Judaism or democracy?
6. Is opposing Zionism inherently antisemitic?
7. Is the IDF the world’s most moral army?
8. What do you think is the most legitimate criticism leveled against Israel today?
   
9. Do you think peace between Israelis and Palestinians will happen within your lifetime?
10. What should happen with Gaza and the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict after the war?