Bullying isn't always a bad thing, Efraim Inbar says. In a tough neighborhood like the Middle East, sometimes it's necessary. President of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security and head of Shalem College’s program on Strategy, Diplomacy, and National Security, he speaks as a veteran Israeli political scientist and national security. In his view, Israel must be tough to stay alive—and it hasn't been tough enough. Efraim authored five books on Israeli national security and politics, and edited 14 collections of scholarly articles, and as such, he is considered an expert on Israeli strategic doctrine, public opinion on national security issues, American policy in the Middle East, Israeli-Palestinian diplomacy, and Israel-Turkey relations. Now, he joins Sruli Fruchter to answer 18 questions on Israel, including the Iranian threat, Gaza's future, and why Israel needs to act even stronger. This interview was held on August 6. Here are our 18 questions: As an Israeli, and as a Jew, how are you feeling at this moment in Israeli history? What has been Israel’s greatest success and greatest mistake in its war against Hamas? How do you think Hamas views the outcome and aftermath of October 7—was it a success, in their eyes? What do you look for in deciding which Knesset party to vote for? Which is more important for Israel: Judaism or democracy? What role should the Israeli government have in religious matters? Should Israel treat its Jewish and non-Jewish citizens the same? Now that Israel already exists, what is the purpose of Zionism? Is opposing Zionism inherently antisemitic? Is the IDF the world’s most moral army? If you were making the case for Israel, where would you begin? Can questioning the actions of Israel’s government and army — even in the context of this war — be a valid form of love and patriotism? What do you think is the most legitimate criticism leveled against Israel today? Do you think peace between Israelis and Palestinians will happen within your lifetime? What should happen with Gaza and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict after the war? Do you think Israel is properly handling the Iranian threat? Where do you identify on Israel’s political and religious spectrum, and do you have friends on the “other side”? Do you have more hope or fear for Israel and the Jewish People?
