He is often dubbed ‘the most hated man’ in

Israel

but that hasn’t stopped Gideon Levyfrom criticising his country’s war on Gaza through his writing. Levy, who addressed a packed session at Jaipur Literature Festival, spoke to Sneha Bhuraabout why journalism should not serve agendas

What do you think of India’s delicate balancing act between Israel and Palestine?

I think the good relations between Israel and India should continue — commerce, weapons, everything.

But if India believes Israel is violating international law, it must say so. If you think what has happened in Gaza in the last 15 months violates international law, justice and basic humanitarian values, you should speak up.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is underway after 15 months of war. How sustainable do you think this agreement is, given the history of failed truces?

It is sustainable as a ceasefire, but it is far from an overall peaceful solution. We haven’t even touched the core issues. Gaza will continue to be a cage — the largest open-air prison in the world. The occupation will continue; apartheid will continue. As long as these things persist, there is no real solution. It might be a ‘ceasefire’ as the name defines it. But it is something very temporary — it might last a few months, maybe a few years. But what we need is a just and lasting resolution.

How is the release of hostages being perceived in Israel?

It’s deeply emotional — people are crying with joy. But let’s not forget that at the same time, hundreds of Palestinians are also being released. They have families and loved ones too, and they were kept in horrible conditions. My emotions go both to Israeli hostages and to

Palestinian prisoners

. I am happy for both.

Some people credit Trump for securing the ceasefire deal. Now, he is talking of a US takeover of Gaza and relocation of Palestinians. What is your view?

Without Donald Trump, there wouldn’t have been a ceasefire. We know this because, for months, President Biden tried and Israel refused. Within days, Trump secured it. But then, a few days later, he came up with this horrific, lunatic idea — transferring two million Palestinians from Gaza to Jordan and Egypt. He ruined everything. The very thought of uprooting two million people from their homes is surreal.

How might the Trump administration affect the broader Middle East dynamics?

The US has almost unlimited leverage — no other country wields the kind of influence it does, so a lot depends on them. The question is whether it will want to use this leverage. If it wanted to, it could do many, many things, including a solution to the Palestinian question. But to do that, the US would have to pressure Israel, and I don’t see them willing to do that.

Many Indians admire Israel’s military strength and security. What do you think about that?

Israel and India gained independence in the same year, and Israel developed in remarkable ways. I understand the admiration — a small group of refugees, survivors of the Holocaust, built a technological and military powerhouse. But no country can survive by the sword alone, even if that sword is the most sophisticated intelligence, army, and weapons. At the end of the day, Israel also has a very dark backyard, namely the occupied territories, the apartheid, and the settlements. And Indians shouldn’t forget that.

You’ve faced hostility for criticising Israel, even being shot at. How do you cope with the risks?

Every single Palestinian is at greater risk than I am. I’ve faced unpleasant incidents, but I don’t feel my life is in danger. I still live in a democracy — for Jews at least. I have total freedom of speech and can write whatever I want. I am very grateful for that. I don’t take it for granted. But it might change.

What do you say to critics who say your writing fuels anti-Semitism or portrays Israel negatively?

What fuels anti-Semitism and what makes Israel a pariah state are its sins in Gaza. Anyone with some kind of conscience can see what’s happening in Gaza — the starvation, the destruction, children dying on the floors of hospitals, the mass killings. They do not need me or anyone else to shape their opinion. That alone is terrible enough to influence what millions all over the world think about the country that did all this, namely Israel. At the end of the day, Israel is accountable for this. And the damage is not created by me, it is created by Israel’s policy.

As someone who challenges dominant narratives, what advice would you give young writers covering conflict and state power?

First, report the full truth — not a partial, one-sided version — even if it’s unpleasant for your readers, your editors, or the govt. Second, follow your conscience. Don’t worry about the consequences — stick to your values. You will face pressure from your media house, your audience, your govt, maybe even intelligence agencies. Be strong. Believe in what you are doing. And finally, avoid propaganda from any side. Journalism should serve the truth, not any agenda — patriotic or anti-patriotic.