Levy is critical of
Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands, labeling such treatment "nondemocracy." He has criticized Israeli political leaders' "pursu[it of] a Jewish
ethnocratic state at the expense of a Jewish
democratic state." Regarding his motivations in creating J Street, in 2009, he told
The Guardian: "What we had a hunch about, and was proven when J Street was launched, is that there is this very large constituency of
Jewish Americans who do care about Israel and who are cool identifying themselves as pro-Israel. But their pro-Israelness is about the need for Israel to be at peace with its neighbours to gain security, not by being an ongoing
expansionist presence. In fact, that endangers Israel."Levy has publicly expressed concern about the "abuse" and
weaponization of the accusation of
antisemitism in the context of public discourse about Palestinian and Israeli politics. He expressed criticism of the Israeli government's actions during the
Gaza war, underscoring "the unconscionable and growing cost in civilian life" and the lack of a coherent political vision related to Israel's ongoing military actions. Levy's public statements and activities have been criticized in conservative media outlets such as
The Washington Examiner and
Jewish News Syndicate, including by reporter
James Kirchick, and by the
Middle East Forum. Critics question his perspective on historical events and perceived lack of support for Israel. == References ==