Geffen. 'Ultimately, we are the fools'
Photo: AFP
Aviv Geffen: Israel is a paranoid state
During Germany tour, Israeli musician shares opinion on Gaza op with local media, says 'this situation infuriates me'
During his concert tour in Germany, Israeli rock musician Aviv Geffen gave interviews to a number of local media outlets, in which he expressed his opinions on the fighting in Gaza.
Geffen, who is known for his outspoken and controversial political views, said over two years ago that the Second Lebanon War was "a legitimate war that was imposed on us".
This time, in an interview to the German daily Der Tagesspiegel, Geffen sang to a slightly different tune.
"I believe in smart people, not in smart bombings…This situation infuriates me. Israel is giving Hamas the best propaganda," Geffen said.
Aviv Geffen (Photo: Reuters)
"Who will Palestinians turn to with demands to have the ruins rebuilt? To Hamas, who have already set up a wide social network there. Just like during the Lebanon war, everyone (in Israel) is euphoric… but ultimately, we are the fools.
"It is true that the Israeli government could not just sit idly by after years of Hamas rocket attacks. But is the collective punishment of the Palestinian population the solution? Israel is a paranoid state that can't rely on its neighbors.
"I have a friend who, like me, is part of the radical leftist camp. A few days ago he came to me and said, 'We are protesting for peace with them and they are shooting at us. Now we are crushing them.'
"Hamas has managed to make people like me feel foolish. But anyone who believes this war will enable us to survive is still a fool."
