Steve Deace Show What Is Zionism, Anyway? | Guest: Josh Hammer | 2/13/26
Feb 13, 2026
Josh Hammer, Newsweek senior editor and conservative commentator, joins to unpack what Zionism originally meant and how the term has been co-opted. Short debates on whether anti-Zionism equals anti-Semitism. Quick dives into polling around MAHA and its potential political impact, plus predictions about midterm risks and a possible Supreme Court vacancy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Defining Zionism Clearly
- Zionism fundamentally means supporting the Jewish people's right to a national homeland and Israel's continued existence.
- Anti‑Zionism that denies Israel's right uniquely targets Jews and functions as anti‑Semitism, the hosts argued.
Modern Zionism Equals State Preservation
- Josh Hammer stressed Zionism today mostly means preserving an existing Jewish state rather than debating its original founding.
- He warned critics conflate policy disagreements with denying Israel's right to exist, which skews the debate.
'Zionism' As A Rhetorical Weapon
- The panel noted many anti‑Zionist voices intentionally use 'Zionism' to avoid saying they oppose Israel outright.
- That rhetorical choice reveals they seek to delegitimize Israel rather than debate concrete policies.