The French-Jewish philosopher Bernard-Henri Levy (BHL), one of the most important thinkers of today, explains his doctrine against the background of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
In a conversation with Israel Today, he opposes Jerusalem's neutral position, claiming that the struggle is between totalitarianism and democracy.
What do you think is happening now between Ukraine and Russia? Is this part of a larger conflict?
"Yes, of course. Ukraine is the goal, but Europe is the horizon. You do not understand anything about Putin, if you do not see that everything he does falls into a larger framework: destructive nihilism, hatred of democracy, and ultimately - a desire for revenge on Europe, which he believes is responsible for "The Greatest Geopolitical Disaster of the 20th Century": The Fall of the Soviet Union. "
Documentation: A Russian attack near the TV tower in Kiev
What do you think about the reaction of the EU and the West?
"The first moment of astonishment has passed, Europe has behaved quite nicely and insisted on principles. From voting for Putin as the sole force, through unprecedented sanctions on their scale and style, and finally - arms shipments to Ukraine. To be honest, all this is respectable. We owe it, between The rest, to French President Emanuel Macron. "
How do you see Vladimir Putin, and how do you appreciate his behavior?
"I think he's a psychopath, and like all psychopaths, he's going to run into the principle of reality very quickly. First and foremost - the opposition of the Ukrainians, for whom they are subhuman, but they act like heroes. "This abominable and bloody war, and for the young soldiers from St. Petersburg and Moscow, has been incomprehensible for a long time."
Putin, Photo: AP
What position do you think Israel should take? Do you agree with its relative neutrality regarding the war?
"No, I think neutrality is a mistake. Israel knows best of all what it feels like to be a state that denies its very existence. Israel has a moral, almost metaphysical, destiny to support the suffering and the destroyed."
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