Author and radio host Michael Medved offered a passionate defense of Israel’s actions in Gaza and criticized both Western leaders and media voices for what he called extreme and misguided commentary on the ongoing war with Hamas.
Medved, whose family lives in Israel and whose relatives have been directly involved in the conflict, pushed back hard on accusations that Israel has committed war crimes. He argued that such claims often lack context and are based on assumptions rather than facts. He also noted that Hamas is notorious for using civilians as human shields, making it difficult for even the most precise military actions to avoid casualties. “Israel puts soldiers in front of civilians,” Medved said, “while Hamas puts civilians in front of terrorists.”
The interview followed a heated public discourse sparked by statements from European leaders and American media figures who have accused Israel of disproportionate force or implied war crimes. In particular, the hosts highlighted comments by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who questioned Israel’s current goals in Gaza, and former State Department spokesman Matt Miller, who recently told Sky News he personally believes Israeli forces have committed war crimes, despite the U.S. government not reaching such a conclusion.
Medved was blunt in his criticism, calling such accusations irresponsible and noting that they ignore the origins of the conflict. “Israel didn’t start this war,” he said. “This is about making sure October 7 never happens again.” That day marked the worst terrorist attack in Israeli history, and Medved emphasized that the central goal of Israel’s campaign is to dismantle Hamas and prevent future atrocities.
He also pointed out the ongoing danger faced by tens of thousands of Israelis in the north of the country due to rocket attacks from Iranian-backed militias, further reinforcing Israel’s need to defend itself.
When asked whether former President Trump has done enough to secure the release of Israeli hostages, Medved said the former president’s statements were helpful but ultimately not backed by meaningful action. He said tough rhetoric must be followed by results and questioned what specific consequences Hamas has faced for continuing to hold hostages.
The conversation then shifted to Medved’s new movie The American Miracle, which is based on his best-selling book of the same name. The film, which opens nationwide in over 800 theaters on June 9, explores the idea that America’s rise was not accidental but the result of divine providence. Medved described the film as a cinematic journey through key moments in American history that defy rational explanation and underscore the nation’s exceptional nature.
Featuring a cast that includes academics, historians, and actors like Richard Dreyfuss and Pat Boone, the film seeks to inspire a sense of gratitude and national pride at a time when many Americans are feeling disillusioned or divided. Medved said the project was motivated in part by his belief that civics education and patriotic storytelling are in short supply in modern culture.
The timing of the release is intentional, Medved noted, aligning with the lead-up to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. He hopes the film serves as a unifying force that reminds Americans of their shared heritage and the remarkable circumstances surrounding the country’s founding.
Tickets for The American Miracle can be purchased at americanmiraclemovie.com, and the film will run for a limited engagement from June 9 through June 11.
As the interview concluded, Medved urged listeners to reflect on the Fourth of July as a moment for national gratitude, not grievance—a message that echoed both his views on American identity and his defense of democratic allies like Israel.