A sharp public confrontation erupted between Channel 12 political analyst Amit Segal and veteran journalist and researcher Shalom Eldar. The clash began after Segal attacked Eldar on social media, claiming he had spent years portraying Hamas in a softened light and opposing military operations in the Gaza Strip.
Segal posted a photograph of Eldar and wrote: "The journalist who wrote an entire book with claims against those who underestimated Hamas's value, spoke for years against targeted killings and operations in Gaza: 'Hamas is not a satanic gang.'" Segal continued: "One hundred percent of your efforts were to convince people that Hamas is 'not a satanic organization,' that it was turning toward peace, that it was forbidden to eliminate Ayash, that the solution for Gaza was to lay down arms and extend economic relief. As detailed in my column, over the years you opposed every targeted killing, every operation, every firm hand." Segal went on to attack Eldar over claims in his new book, co-written with Ruti Yuval, arguing it contains a manipulative internal contradiction regarding the circumstances that led to the massacre.
Eldar responded with sarcasm: "Segal's campaign continues. I'm starting to enjoy it, because this way I know what enormous influence Ruti Yuval and I had on Netanyahu's policy over the years. I suggest Bibi invite me to a meeting, we'll talk a bit about why he didn't bother to pass intelligence materials to me or invite me to security discussions either... and maybe if he invites me now I'll come and we'll talk a bit about why he's so afraid of a state commission of inquiry."
Addressing the factual claims, Eldar clarified: "During Operation Protective Edge I was hosted by London and Kirshenbaum and said there that only targeted killings would frighten Hamas. In my book 'Getting to Know Hamas', I write an entire chapter on how effective it was to eliminate Ahmed Yassin and Rantisi and the panic that gripped the organization."
