One of the world's preeminent thinkers, French Jewish philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy, opposes Israel's neutral stance on the Ukraine war. In an interview with Israel Hayom, Lévy says that the Ukraine crisis is a battle between totalitarianism and democracy.
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Q: What do you think is happening now between Ukraine and Russia? Is it part of a bigger conflict?
"Yes, of course. Ukraine is the target, but Europe is on the horizon. You don't understand [Russian President Vladimir] Putin at all if you don't see that everything he's doing is part of a larger framework: destructive nihilism, hatred of democracy, and eventually, a desire to get revenge on Europe, which he sees as responsible for the 'biggest geopolitical disaster of the 20th century' – the collapse of the Soviet Union."
Q: What is your opinion of the European Union and West's response? Were you surprised, and should the West do more?
"The first moment of shock has passed. Europe behaved well and insisted on its principles. From the vote on Putin as the sole aggressor, to the unprecedented sanctions in terms of scope and type, and ultimately, shipment of weapons to Ukraine. In truth, this is all respectable. We owe this to, among others, French President Emmanuel Macron."
Q: How do you see Vladimir Putin, and how do you evaluate his behavior?
"I think he's a psychopath, and like all psychopaths, he will come up against reality very quickly. First and foremost, the opposition from the Ukrainians, whom he saw as subhuman, but who are acting like heroes. Then comes the demoralization of his army, which I'm sure will not agree to fight this loathsome and bloody war, which has long been incomprehensible for the young soldiers from Moscow and St. Petersburg."
Q: What position you think Israel should take? Do you agree with its relative neutrality regarding the war?
"No. I think the neutrality is a mistake. Israel knows better than anyone how it feels to be a country whose existence is denied. Israel has a moral, almost metaphysical obligation to support those who suffer and are being annihilated."
"From the perspective of realpolitik, I think Israel is miscalculating. First, because Putin is doing to lose. Secondly, because he is not a reliable ally. I don't like to disagree with the policy of an Israeli government. But frankly – [Prime Minister Bennett] going to Moscow without going to Kyiv afterward – do you think that was a good decision? For my part, I don't."
Q: Where you think this is going? Is it East vs. West again?
"No. It's totalitarianism vs. democracy. Russia's desire for power with hints of a Slavic Anschluss on one hand, and on the other hand, a country that sought peace with Europe and a brotherly relationship with Israel. That's the equation."
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