Avishai Ben Haim Says He Failed at His Reconciliation Mission

Journalist Avishai Ben Haim, who has recently returned to the public arena, appeared on Ben Ben Baruch’s podcast and described the conversation as "a crazy talk." He shared short excerpts from what he said in the interview, in which he described his role as presenting "the traditional, imperfect Mizrahi view."

Ben Haim said his goal has been reconciliation, not victory. "I do not want to defeat them, I want to reach a draw, this is my people," he said, adding that he is not afraid of apologizing or of being told he is surrendering.

He also referred to the idea of "Israel II," saying he wanted to argue that wrongs are being done to his community and that the oppression is unacceptable. "We come in good faith," he said, before concluding, "I admit, I failed in this mission."