In a candid conversation with French media, Yishai Fleisher, spokesman for the Jewish community of Hebron, shares his views on life in Israel, the ongoing conflict, and the future of the region. This interview offers a glimpse into the mindset of a self-described “settler leader” and his vision for Israel’s future.
Living in the Holy Land
Fleisher, who has lived in Efrat for seven years, describes life in Judea as “sweet.” He emphasizes the area’s proximity to Jerusalem, its biblical significance, and the strong sense of community among those who have made aliyah (immigrated to Israel). Despite challenges with neighboring Arab communities, Fleisher remains committed to living in what he considers the Jewish homeland.
Views on the Recent Hostage Deal
When asked about the recent ceasefire and prisoner exchange, Fleisher expresses mixed feelings:
- Dissatisfaction with the deal, preferring total destruction of Hamas
- Happiness to see Israeli hostages return home
- Opposition to releasing Palestinian prisoners, whom he refers to as “terrorists”
- Belief in continuing the war until Gaza is “liberated” and under Israeli control
Controversial Stance on Gaza’s Future
Fleisher advocates for a dramatic shift in the region’s political landscape:
- Annexation of Gaza by Israel
- Jewish settlements in Gaza
- Rejection of a two-state solution
- Opposition to the idea of Palestine
He argues that Israel, as a small country, needs to secure its borders and eliminate what he calls “jihadism” from neighboring areas.
Media Skepticism and Self-Recording
Interestingly, Fleisher records his own interviews due to past experiences with misrepresentation by journalists. He cites instances where European media outlets allegedly misrepresented his words, leading to his current practice of maintaining his own record of interviews.
This interview provides insight into the perspectives of some Israeli settlers, though it’s important to note that these views are controversial and not representative of all Israelis or the official stance of the Israeli government.
Citations:
[1] https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/18167015/eacf07ec-75cf-4eff-9a2c-d44c171d83b5/paste.txt
[2] https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/18167015/eacf07ec-75cf-4eff-9a2c-d44c171d83b5/paste.txt
