Israel’s Moral Balance Beam
Israel’s Moral Balance Beam  
Podcast: Interesting Times with Ross Douthat
Published On: Thu Jul 10 2025
Description: How has the war in Gaza reverberated throughout American politics? Opinion columnist Bret Stephens and Ross Douthat debate the implications of the Israel-Gaza conflict on antisemitism, the morality of war, and why “Monday morning quarterbacking” is not productive when taking stock of military actions in the Middle East.01:56 Israel actions in Gaza04:39 The moral baseline13:31 What is the end game?15:52 The role of Israel in American politics23:44 Can you criticize Israel without becoming antisemetic? 36:05 Does Israel have obligations to the Jewish diaspora?(A full transcript of this episode is available on the Times website.)Thoughts? Email us at interestingtimes@nytimes.com. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.