Israel's state terror strategy: Max Blumenthal and Ilan Pappe

Summary

The video features a discussion on the Israel-Palestine conflict, focusing on the historical context of Zionism and the formation of Israel. It delves into the impact of the Israel Lobby on US foreign policy, the role of the US and UK in the region, and the influence of Christian Zionism. The conversation also addresses recent student protests, the changing dynamics within American political views on Israel, and the potential indicators of the decline of the Zionist project, including internal Israeli societal divisions and economic challenges.

Takeaways

• 📚 The book 'The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine' by Ilan Pappe is highlighted as a crucial read for understanding the Israel-Palestine conflict, with its detailed historical context on Zionism.
• 🏭 The early Zionist movement's labor unions, influenced by figures like David Ben-Gurion, pursued policies of economic boycott and violence against Jewish businesses employing Palestinian labor, reflecting early segregationist ideologies.
• 🛑 Post-1948, Israel implemented a 'siege policy' on Gaza, establishing a cordon around the strip and creating Jewish-only communities to contain the Palestinian population, mirroring apartheid practices.
• 🔥 The Israeli military's approach to Gaza has been likened to open warfare, with tactics such as the use of F-16 jets and the leveling of entire neighborhoods, indicating a policy of state terror.
• 📜 Academics from Zionist backgrounds have played a role in devising policies that justify the targeting of civilians in Gaza, effectively creating a legal framework for actions that could be considered genocidal.
• 🏰 The 'Hannibal Directive', a controversial policy allowing for the use of lethal force to prevent the capture of Israeli soldiers, has led to the targeting of Israeli citizens, demonstrating the dehumanization inherent in Israeli military strategy.
• 🌐 The discussion emphasizes 'Global Israel', suggesting that the power and policies of the Israeli state are supported by a broad international coalition, including the US and UK, which has significant influence on policy.
• 💵 The economic interests of the US, particularly the military-industrial complex, are intertwined with Israel, suggesting a financial motivation for continued support despite potential strategic liabilities.
• 🔍 There is a noted generational shift in perspectives on Israel within the US, especially among younger Americans and Jews, which could indicate a weakening of the traditional Zionist consensus.
• ⏳ The speakers suggest that the current phase of the Zionist project may be its last, pointing to internal divisions within Israeli society, economic challenges, and growing international opposition as indicators of potential decline.

Q & A

What is the significance of 'The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine' by Ilan Pape in understanding the Israel-Palestine conflict?

The book 'The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine' by Ilan Pape is considered a formative read as it helps reinforce the understanding of Zionism and the Israel-Palestine crisis. It provides historical details and outlines the broader policy of the Israeli state towards Palestinians, which is crucial for anyone looking to understand the roots of the conflict.

How does the concept of 'hafr' or separation relate to the early Zionist movement and its impact on Palestinians?

The concept of 'hafr' or separation was advocated by the labor movement in early Zionism, which sought to create a Jewish majority state. This led to policies that aimed at the demographic engineering of Israel, resulting in the segregation and displacement of Palestinians, as well as the establishment of Jewish-only communities.

What was the role of the Histadrut in the early Zionist movement and how did it contribute to the dispossession of Palestinians?

The Histadrut, the main labor union of Labor Zionism, played a significant role in the early Zionist movement by initiating boycotts of Jewish businesses that employed Palestinians as cheap labor. It also supported the establishment of Jewish-only communities, which contributed to the dispossession of Palestinians from their lands.

Can you explain the term 'Gaza envelope' and its historical context mentioned in the transcript?

The 'Gaza envelope' refers to the area around the Gaza Strip that was controlled by Israel after the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. It was established to place a human wall around the Gaza Strip, effectively isolating it and beginning the process of what would later be known as the Gaza blockade.

What is the 'Hannibal Directive' mentioned in the transcript and why is it controversial?

The 'Hannibal Directive' is a controversial Israeli military protocol that allows for extreme measures, including the use of lethal force, to prevent the capture of Israeli soldiers. It is controversial because it can lead to the killing of Israeli soldiers and civilians in attempts to avoid hostage situations, which some argue violates the principles of proportionality and distinction in international law.

How does the speaker in the transcript connect the current situation in Gaza with historical policies of the Israeli state?

The speaker connects the current situation in Gaza with historical policies by outlining a continuum of actions taken by the Israeli state since the pre-state era of Zionism. These include the establishment of Jewish-only communities, the siege of Gaza, and the use of State Terror tactics, all aimed at maintaining a Jewish demographic majority and controlling Palestinian populations.

What is the significance of the 'dalia doctrine' in the context of Israeli military strategy as discussed in the transcript?

The 'dalia doctrine' refers to the Israeli military strategy of targeting civilian areas and infrastructure to exert pressure on the population, with the aim of turning them against resistance groups. It is named after the 2006 Lebanon war, where entire neighborhoods were targeted, and it signifies a shift towards formalizing state terror tactics in Israeli military operations.

How does the speaker describe the role of the United States in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

The speaker describes the United States as a key supporter of Israel, providing diplomatic cover, military aid, and political support that enables Israel's policies towards Palestinians. The U.S. is criticized for authorizing significant military aid to Israel, which is seen as enabling the continuation of State Terror tactics against Palestinians.

What does the term 'Global Israel' or 'Global Zionism' refer to as used in the transcript?

The term 'Global Israel' or 'Global Zionism' refers to the international network of support for the state of Israel, which includes political, economic, and military alliances, as well as the influence of Zionist lobbies and organizations worldwide. This global support is seen as crucial for the realization and continuation of the Zionist project in Palestine.

How does the speaker view the current state of the Zionist project and its future?

The speaker views the current state of the Zionist project as being in its final days, with multiple indicators suggesting its decline. These include internal divisions within Israeli society, economic challenges, growing international isolation, and a shift in the political landscape, particularly among younger generations. The speaker suggests that these factors, along with the resilience of the Palestinian people, will contribute to the eventual end of the Zionist project.