What it is about:

In a heated discussion on “The View,” comedian Bill Maher robustly defended Israel’s actions in the ongoing Gaza conflict against criticism from co-host Sunny Hostin.

Why it matters:

The exchange underscores the divisive nature of opinions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, enhancing awareness and broader discourse on Israel’s right to self-defense amid continued hostilities with Hamas.

Details:

Maher, known for his candid remarks, argued that protesters supporting Hamas should experience life in Gaza to understand Israel’s plight. He emphasized that they would quickly seek refuge in Tel Aviv. Hostin challenged Maher’s views by highlighting the civilian casualties and the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) issuance of a subpoena for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Maher dismissed the ICC’s allegations as unfounded, stressing that impartial assessments can’t equate Israel’s defensive measures with Hamas’s terrorism acts.

Direct Quotes:

Maher questioned Hostin directly, asking, “Do you think Hamas needs to be destroyed?” When Hostin replied affirmatively, he pressed on how such a goal could be achieved admitting the complexities of wartime actions.

Maher further highlighted that cessation of hostilities heavily relies on stopping attacks on Israel. His comments garnered applause from other co-hosts and the audience, with Joy Behar notably asserting the necessity to cease calls for the annihilation of the Jewish people.

The Big Picture:

The conversation also veered into the usage of the term “woke,” with Hostin asserting its misappropriation by the political right, contrasting its historical significance in the Black community against social injustices.

Bill Maher drew attention to the shifting dynamics on the left regarding their stance on Jewish people, humorously alluding to past conservative antipathies while presenting contemporary contradictions.

Conclusion:

The exchange delineates the broader realities and strategic defense motives that Israel operates under, against ubiquitous misinformation and politicized rhetoric often skewing deserved sympathy and understanding for Israel’s complex security situation.

This story was first published on foxnews.com.