Ask A Genius 1497: Netanyahu, Gaza War, and Declining U.S. Support for Israel

Rick Rosner argues that U.S. public opinion on Israel is shifting because of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s far-right coalition and the ongoing Gaza war, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians. He links Netanyahu’s prolonging of the conflict to his corruption trial, suggesting political survival drives military escalation. Rosner condemns Israel’s deliberate targeting of journalists—186 killed since October 2023—as evidence of systemic brutality. While affirming support for Israel’s right to exist, he stresses that Netanyahu’s government acts corruptly and recklessly, undermining democratic values. This erosion of trust explains why Americans increasingly question Israel’s conduct and U.S. support.

Ask A Genius 1470: Israel, Gaza, and Culture

Rick Rosner and Scott Douglas Jacobsen discuss Israel’s political climate, Netanyahu’s motives, Gaza civilian casualties, and social tensions among Jewish groups. Jacobsen shares real experiences of racism, nightlife in Tel Aviv, and antisemitic graffiti in Amman. The conversation highlights political complexity, cultural stereotypes, and personal observations from a week in Israel and Jordan.