The Times of Israel Daily Briefing Day 672 - Micah Goodman: 20 years to Disengagement as Israel is set to occupy Gaza
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Aug 8, 2025 Micah Goodman, an author and expert on Israeli politics, dives deep into the complexities of Israel's past and present regarding Gaza. He reflects on the 20th anniversary of the Disengagement, analyzing how political shifts have shaped the Israeli right. Goodman discusses the emotional scars left by previous conflicts and the rise of extremist views among current leaders. He also examines the potential implications of reoccupying Gaza and critiques Israel's reliance on technology in defense strategies, highlighting the need for a more nuanced approach.
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Post-1967 Israeli Ideological Crisis
- The 1967 Six-Day War produced two contradictory Israeli utopian ideologies: settling biblical lands vs. exchanging land for peace.
- The first intifada shattered the right's romantic land vision, and the second intifada destroyed the left's peace hopes.
Disenchantment with Peace Process
- The left's utopian 'land for peace' idea was discredited after the second intifada's violence despite Israeli peace offers.
- Israeli public reconciled that peace was unattainable while Palestinians residing in the land complicated territorial control.
Sharon’s Pragmatic Disengagement Logic
- Sharon’s unilateral disengagement from Gaza was pragmatic: improve demographics without risking strategic geography.
- His move was 'land to avoid peace,' reflecting widespread Israeli mistrust after failed peace attempts.