Rifat Kassis
Mondoweiss / August 18, 2024
It is primarily in the hands of Israelis to reject their settler colonial occupation, their apartheid laws, and their current government and nationalist parties. The alternative means the loss of their humanity.
Since its creation in 1948, Israel has been embroiled in many wars with Palestinians and some Arab countries. Historically, these wars have sparked debates within Israel, with not insignificant segments of the population voicing concern over the harsh treatment of Palestinians and advocating for respecting their human rights. However, the recent war on Gaza has been marked by a striking absence of any significant internal dissent or even timid debate. This raises a crucial question: How has Israeli society transformed to the point where public protest against the wars and violations of Palestinian human rights has largely disappeared?
Throughout Israel’s history, there have been occasions of internal opposition to the state’s military actions. During the 1982 Lebanon War, the Peace Now movement staged mass protests, decrying the invasion and occupation of parts of Lebanon. The First Intifada in the late 1980s also saw significant opposition, as some Israelis grappled with the moral implications of the military occupation and the harsh measures used against Palestinians. Even during the Second Intifada and subsequent wars on Gaza, there were pockets of Israeli society that actively protested, calling for a more humane approach and a two-state solution.
But in recent years, when it comes to Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, this tradition of dissent has waned and, during the war on Gaza now, has all but disappeared. The once vibrant voices of protest have been replaced by a chilling silence.
Why?
- Political shift to the right
One of the most significant factors in this transformation has been the steady rightward shift in Israeli politics. Over the past two decades, the political landscape in Israel has become increasingly dominated by right-wing, nationalist, and fascist parties. This shift has been accompanied by a hardening of attitudes towards Palestinians and a growing emphasis on personal security above all else. The rise of leaders like Benjamin Netanyahu, who has cultivated a propaganda narrative of perpetual threat and existential danger, has contributed to a societal atmosphere where dissent is viewed as not just misguided, but potentially treasonous.
- Normalization of war and settler occupation
For many Israelis, the occupation and periodic escalations in Gaza have become part of everyday life, an accepted status quo. This normalization is compounded by the fact that many young Israelis have grown up knowing nothing else, having been raised in a society where war is a constant. As a result, there is a sense of fatalism and resignation that change is either impossible or undesirable.
The persistent trauma and fear generated by years of conflict shouldn’t go unmentioned. Many Israelis have experienced firsthand the violence of war and military attacks. This ongoing sense of threat has created a siege mentality, where any action taken in the name of security is seen as justified.
- Erosion of civil liberties and democratic norms
In recent years, there has been a noticeable erosion of civil liberties and democratic norms in Israel. Laws and regulations have been introduced that stifle dissent and limit the ability of organizations to criticize the government and its policies. The labeling of NGOs as “foreign agents,” the designation of some of them as terrorist factions, the targeting of activists, and the suppression of media freedom have all contributed to an environment where public protest is increasingly difficult and dangerous. This erosion has created a chilling effect, where those who might have once spoken out are now silenced by fear of repercussions.
- Shift in public perception and media framing
The framing of the conflict by Israeli media has played a crucial role in shaping public perception. The Israeli and, to a large extent, international media often present a narrative that emphasizes Palestinian aggression and downplays or justifies Israeli aggressions and violations of international law. This narrative — combined with a markedly one-sided coverage of the war in Gaza and the portrayal of the conflict as a zero-sum game where any criticism of the government is equated with a lack of patriotism — has made it difficult for alternative voices to gain traction. The result is a society where a majority of the population either supports the government’s actions or remains indifferent.
- Global trends and the rise of populism
The global rise of populism and authoritarianism has impacted Israeli society. Populist leaders often thrive on a narrative of “us versus them.” In Israel, this has translated into a heightened sense of nationalism and a diminished tolerance for dissent. The influence of global trends, where similar dynamics can be seen in countries like the United States and many other countries, has reinforced the shift towards a more authoritarian and less tolerant society.
- The Industrialization of the Holocaust and antisemitism
The exploitation of the Holocaust and antisemitism has helped to silence the remaining progressive forces within Israeli society. Within Israel, these historical tragedies are sometimes used to create a narrative that equates internal criticism of government policies — particularly regarding the treatment of Palestinians — with disloyalty or self-hatred, and even antisemitism. This has created a climate of fear and self-censorship, where dissenting voices are marginalized and open debate about critical issues is stifled. The emotional weight of the Holocaust and the threat of antisemitism are powerful tools that can be used to unify Israelis against perceived internal and external enemies — but at the cost of suppressing critical discourse, the rise of cruelty among people, and the loss of their humanity.
On the global stage, this narrative is also employed to deflect criticism of Israeli policies by framing it as inherently antisemitic or as a denial of Jewish suffering. This strategy can silence international voices that seek to hold Israel accountable for its actions, particularly regarding human rights violations against Palestinians. By invoking the Holocaust and making the charge of antisemitism, the Israeli government and its supporters can discourage scrutiny and shift the focus away from current realities in the region. This not only hampers efforts to address the ongoing ethnic cleansing and genocide but also risks conflating legitimate critique with bigotry, thereby complicating the global discourse on the Israeli-Palestinian issue.
While recognizing these realities, global leaders and informed members of civil society know that the future of Israelis and Palestinians is inextricably intertwined. We Palestinian Christians expressed this in the Kairos Palestine document, A Moment of Truth: “Our future and their future are one. Either the cycle of violence that destroys both of us or peace that will benefit both (4.3).”
It is primarily in the hands of Israelis to reject their settler colonial occupation, their apartheid laws, and their current government and nationalist parties that perpetuate conflict and division. By acknowledging the shared destiny of both peoples, Israelis should take a stand against the policies and practices that violate Palestinian rights and lives, recognizing that peace and justice for all is the only path to a secure and harmonious future. This mutual understanding and rejection of oppression are crucial for both people to thrive together in the land they both call Holy.
Rifat Kassis is Coordinator of Kairos Palestine, the most extensive Palestinian Christian ecumenical non-violent movement, calling for peace to end all suffering in the Holy Land by laboring for justice, hope, and love
