
Why I Won’t Debate Critics of Israel
A note to the Making Sense Community
Sam Harris defends his unwavering support for Israel while explaining why he refuses to engage in public debates with his critics. He argues that the conflict is fundamentally driven by militant Islam, which he views as an existential threat to free societies that far outweighs the specific failings of the Israeli government. Harris contends that there is a profound moral disparity between a democratic state and groups like Hamas, suggesting that if Palestinians ceased fighting, peace would follow, whereas if Israel stopped, it would face genocide. He also critiques the global obsession with Israel as a unique villain, attributing this focus to a resurgence of antisemitism and a double standard regarding humanitarian crises. Ultimately, Harris maintains that the history of the region is secondary to the current intentions of both sides, concluding that Israel remains a necessary bulwark against religious extremism.