11/22/23 Michael Tracey on Ethnic Cleansing on the West Bank
Nov 25, 2023
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Michael Tracey, a New York-based journalist, discusses his experience reporting from Israel, including his motivations and initial impressions. They touch on the prevalence of nationalistic imagery and the government's role in promoting the war effort. They also discuss the violation of international law, settler actions and violence in the West Bank, and the worsening conditions for Palestinians.
Jewish settlers in the West Bank exploited the war in Gaza to drive out Arab Muslim Bedouin encampments, viewing themselves as bound by divine rather than secular Israeli law.
Israel experienced a surge of nationalistic imagery and increased military presence during the war in Gaza, similar to the post-9/11 wave of national pride in the US, resulting in worsened conditions for Palestinians including violence, harassment, and abandonment of settlements.
Deep dives
Settler Activity in the West Bank during the War
During the war in Gaza, there was an increase in settler activity in the West Bank, with Jewish settlers driving out Arab Muslim Bedouin encampments. Some settlers viewed themselves as bound by divine law rather than secular Israeli law, and took advantage of the vacuum of control to expel these communities.
Visual Symbolism and Nationalism in Israel
Israel is suffused with nationalistic imagery, similar to the post-9/11 wave of national pride in the US. Israeli flags are prominently displayed everywhere, and there is an increased presence of soldiers due to many being called up from the reserves for the war in Gaza.
Worsening Conditions for Palestinians
Conditions for Palestinians have drastically worsened since the outbreak of the war. Palestinians report feeling fearful, with whispered conversations and constant vigilance. Palestinian towns and settlements have been ransacked and abandoned by settlers, and Palestinians are subject to increasing violence and harassment.
Michael Tracey joined Scott on Antiwar Radio this week to discuss his experience reporting from Israel. He explained why he decided to travel there and what surprised him about the country.