In conversation with Ambassador Haim Divon, a seasoned Israeli diplomat who has served in missions across Canada, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, and India. Speaking to The Free Press Journal in Mumbai, he offers a critical insight into the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza.
Q: Why has the peace process been derailed so badly?
Ambassador Haim Divon: Unfortunately, there hasn’t been a real peace process for years. The last serious efforts were by leaders like Menachem Begin, who brokered peace with Egypt, and Yitzhak Rabin with the Oslo Accords. Rabin was assassinated. Ariel Sharon also tried but fell ill, and Ehud Olmert was later imprisoned. Since then, we’ve seen no real attempt to pursue peace. Recent ceasefire negotiations, such as the Qatar mediation, were only meant to end the current conflict—not restart peace talks.
Q: Is Netanyahu continuing the war to stay in power?
This is what many people in Israel genuinely believe. Even his own former defense minister told him the objectives had been achieved and asked to prioritize bringing back hostages. But Netanyahu continues the war because some extreme-right ministers have told him they’ll quit the coalition if he doesn’t. Losing them would mean losing his government.
Q: Is there growing dissent inside Israel?
Absolutely. The polarization in Israel is alarming. Protests are increasing because Netanyahu is the only top leader who hasn’t accepted responsibility for the October 7 failure. The Chief of Staff, Mossad head, security chiefs—many have resigned or accepted fault. But Netanyahu hasn’t.
Q: Are dissenting voices being crushed?
Yes. We’ve seen protesters, including respected opposition leaders, being violently handled by police. Liberals—who have served in the army and deeply care for the nation—are being branded as traitors simply for demanding peace or prioritizing the return of hostages. That’s unacceptable.
Q: What about Israel's economy and morale—how are they holding up?
The economy is suffering. Reservists called to duty aren’t contributing to civilian sectors. Tourism has plummeted. High-tech is holding up, but overall, there’s widespread damage. Morally, there’s general frustration, even anger. People feel the government isn’t prioritizing the hostages or their suffering, and instead is consolidating political power.
There’s serious concern. Netanyahu wants to fire the attorney general and change how judges are appointed—making the system more politically controlled. These moves, combined with his refusal to step down or form an inquiry committee (as was done after the Yom Kippur war), show erosion of democratic checks and balances.
Q:why is the younger lot fleeing Israel ?
Many are protesting; some are even leaving the country. There’s deep polarization, but also a sense that if elections were held today, Netanyahu would likely lose. He knows that, which is why there are fears he might delay elections further.
Q: what has been achieved by Israel with this conflict ? What is the logic of continuing a war that looks increasingly unequal?
Many Israelis, including civil society groups and NGOs, are asking this. Gaza lies in ruins. Civilian casualties are immense. This is no longer about eliminating Hamas—it’s about Netanyahu staying in power. That’s why you see so many Israelis taking to the streets saying: Stop the war. Bring the hostages home. Let’s rebuild Gaza.
Q: Israel says it has weakened the so-called ‘axis of evil’ but has it not empowered Iran by forcing tacit alliance with Russia and china?
To some extent. Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis have been pushed back, and the U.S. is actively helping deter threats like Iran. But Iran remains a serious existential threat, especially as it seeks nuclear capabilities and openly calls for the end of Israel.
Q: isn’t the cost of war too high—for both sides?
It is. And we in Israel feel that pain too, especially those of us from the Labor camp. It hurts to see Gaza's suffering. Many Israelis want the war to end—not out of sympathy for Hamas, but because the humanitarian cost is unbearable and disproportionate. The hostages must come first. That’s what the protests are saying.
Q: Could this war set a dangerous precedent—bombing civilian zones in the name of targeting terrorists?
War is always terrible. There are no sterile wars. But international law has clear boundaries. What’s happening now must be reassessed. At some point, we must turn the page—like Europe did after World War II or the U.S. with Vietnam. Germany, once our enemy, is now Israel’s closest ally in Europe.
Q: Can Israel turn the page while Netanyahu remains in power?
I hope we don’t have to wait for him to leave. But many believe only political change can bring real progress. If President Trump or any influential figure says "enough is enough," that could shift the equation. Right now, half the country believes this war is politically motivated. That’s dangerous—for Israel, and for peace in the region.
