Professor Yeshayahu Leibowitz: A Voice of Conscience
In 1993, at the age of 90, Professor Yeshayahu Leibowitz was awarded the Israel Prize, Israel’s highest civilian honor. However, he caused a stir by urging Israelis to refuse to serve in the Occupied Territories. This led Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin to announce he would not attend the ceremony. In response, Leibowitz declined the prize, saying, “Why should I cause this tangle for the prime minister? I’m willing to give up receipt of the prize.”
Leibowitz’s Warning After the 1967 War
After Israel’s victory in the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, where Rabin was the army chief of staff, Leibowitz warned that the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip would be a grave mistake. He said, “This glowing military victory, from a political and historical point of view, is a great tragedy to the state of Israel.” He was also against the idea of “Greater Israel,” which involved settling Jews in territories home to 1.7 million Palestinians. In 1969, he called it a “catastrophic monster.”
Ehud Barak’s Blunt Warning
Years later, in 2014, Israel’s Defense Minister Ehud Barak warned that failing to make peace with the Palestinians would either result in a state with no Jewish majority or an “apartheid” regime.
The Many Costs of Occupation
Security Strain
The Israeli Army and Shin Bet security service have warned about Jewish terrorism in the West Bank. The leadership in Jewish settlements does little to curb the violence, causing significant damage to Israel.
A major study found that settlements stretch the military’s lines of defense, requiring a disproportionate investment in protection. Although settlers make up only 5% of Israel’s population, nearly half of Israeli forces are tasked with their defense.
Military Preparedness
Studies by the Rand Corporation and the Army War College found that having units trained for war serve as occupation forces degrades unit cohesion and preparedness for high-intensity warfare. The U.S. Army and Marine Corps’ Counterinsurgency Field Manual notes that extended focus on stability operations can divert attention from combat skills.
Psychological Toll
Decades of suppressing civilians and protecting illegal activities have taken a toll on the Israeli military. Soldiers develop a view of those they control as inferior, leading to a devastating impact on what was once one of the world’s most efficient fighting forces.
Impact on Israeli Society
Researchers Daniel Bar-Tal and Izhak Schnell found that the occupation affects all aspects of Israeli life, including political, social, legal, economic, cultural, and psychological spheres. For example, spousal abuse has risen as soldiers bring home the brutalities of enforcing military occupation.
Gaza: A Never-Ending Conflict
In Gaza, the IDF has used advanced weaponry to target civilians, but despite this, they have failed to secure any part of Gaza from Palestinian fighters. Netanyahu is no closer to achieving his goals in Gaza, other than keeping himself out of jail.
Netanyahu and Smotrich: A Financial Burden
Finance Minister Smotrich has ignored warnings from senior officials and postponed budget debates to hide a terrible secret: Israel’s control system is unsustainable. The IDF demands huge budgets and more personnel, but the resources are not there. Netanyahu plans to spread the war to the West Bank, Lebanon, and Iran, which is unsustainable.
The Core Problem: The Occupation
Israel’s core problem is the occupation. It ensures that Israel will never be secure and is becoming more isolated. The occupation has empowered religious fanatics and a right-wing government that is tearing Israel apart from within.
If you have dug yourself into a hole, you should stop digging.
FAQs
What is the occupation in the context of the article?
The occupation refers to Israel’s control over Palestinian territories, particularly the West Bank and Gaza Strip, which has been a contentious issue for decades.
What does the article mean by “a cancer consuming Israel”?
The article suggests that the occupation is a harmful and corrosive influence that is undermining Israel’s democratic values, international relations, and overall well-being.
What are some of the negative impacts of the occupation on Palestinians?
The occupation has led to widespread human rights violations, including restrictions on movement, home demolitions, and limited access to basic services like healthcare and education. It has also resulted in significant economic hardship and displacement.
How does the occupation affect Israel’s international relations?
The occupation has strained Israel’s relationships with many countries, particularly in the international community. It has led to diplomatic isolation and economic sanctions, as well as criticism from human rights organizations.
What role do settlements play in the occupation?
Settlements are Israeli communities built on Palestinian land, which are widely considered to be illegal under international law. They contribute to the fragmentation of Palestinian territories and further entrench the occupation.
How does the occupation impact Israel’s domestic politics?
The occupation has become a deeply divisive issue within Israeli society, with some arguing it is necessary for security and others seeing it as a moral and strategic liability. This division has influenced Israeli politics, with some parties advocating for a two-state solution while others support continued control over Palestinian territories.
What is the significance of the Gaza Strip in the context of the occupation?
The Gaza Strip is one of the most densely populated places in the world and has been under Israeli blockade since 2007. This blockade has severely limited the movement of people and goods, exacerbating poverty and humanitarian crises in the region.
How does the occupation affect Israel’s security?
The occupation is often justified by Israel as necessary for security reasons. However, many argue that it has actually increased instability and created new security challenges, including the rise of extremist groups and ongoing violence.
What are some potential solutions to the occupation, according to the article?
The article suggests that a two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine coexist as separate nations, is the most viable path forward. It also emphasizes the need for international pressure and diplomatic efforts to bring about a resolution to this longstanding conflict.
Why is it important for the international community to address the occupation?
The international community has a responsibility to address the occupation due to its humanitarian implications and its impact on regional stability. By applying diplomatic pressure and promoting a peaceful resolution, the world can help mitigate suffering and promote peace in the region.
