Rabbi says Israel has no right to exist and could kill millions to secure its goals

In the latest episode of UNAPOLOGETIC by Middle East Eye, Rabbi Elhanan Beck, a Jewish activist and member of the anti-Zionist Neturei Karta movement currently residing in London, England who describes himself as a 7th generation Palestinian, delivers one of the most striking critiques of Zionism and the ongoing Israeli-US wars in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. Speaking with the journalist Ashfaq, Rabbi Beck argued that, according to the Torah, the state of Israel has no right to exist.

He goes further, describing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “Amalek,” a force that pulls people away from God.

He said that if necessary, Israel would use nuclear weapons and that “no price is too high,” even suggesting that the state could kill millions to achieve its objectives.

The episode also explores the theology underlying Rabbi Beck’s perspective, including concepts such as the Messiah, the Temple, and the idea of Greater Israel. Despite his criticisms of the state of Israel and Zionist policies, Rabbi Beck emphasizes his commitment to coexistence, saying, “In the middle of the war, Iran didn't concentrate the Jewish people in concentration camps now, They protect them like normal citizens.”

Throughout the conversation, Rabbi Beck challenges Zionist narratives, arguing that Israel’s actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran are guided by both political ambitions and theological interpretations, rather than universal moral principles. His commentary touches on how these policies intersect with Jewish scripture and the broader Middle Eastern political landscape.

Rabbi Beck’s views highlight the tension between theological interpretation and real-world military actions, while also advocating for the possibility of peaceful Jewish-Muslim relations in the region.

The episode has sparked discussion and debate across social media platforms, with audiences reacting to the rabbi’s bold assertions about Netanyahu, Zionism, and Israel’s potential willingness to employ extreme measures in its conflicts. By connecting historical, religious, and political threads, Rabbi Beck offers a controversial but thought-provoking critique of the current situation in the Middle East.