Matisyahu in the “Sway in the Morning” radio show studio. Photo: Screenshot / YouTube.

Jewish reggae and hip-hop star Matisyahu shared his impression of Israelis in a radio interview on Tuesday, describing them as kind people who are not pushovers.

“We’re not interested in being tossed into the sea,” he said on the “Sway in the Morning” show when asked about the Israeli-Arab conflict. “Israel has got nuclear weapons, the best air force in the world, the best intelligence. Israel does not f*** around. But they are people that want peace. They are the sweetest people in the world. But when the line is crossed…”

The Grammy-nominated artist — who shed his Hasidic appearance in 2011 — further elaborated on the Middle East quagmire, saying, “The whole situation is just messed up. It’s twisted. It’s convoluted.” Regarding the possibility of achieving peace in the region, he stated, “If it was possible I feel like it would’ve been done by now. Because a lot of people really do want peace.”

Matisyahu also expressed his view that America’s involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process has hindered the chances for an agreement. “I think if it wasn’t for the US, Israel would’ve done a lot of things probably,” he said. “I think America has held Israel back.”

The artist released his sixth album, titled “Undercurrent,” last week. Watch Matisyahu’s full “Sway in the Morning” interview below: