Mairav Zonszein is an Israel analyst at the International Crisis Group, and Amjad Iraqi is a writer and editor at 972. Together, they dive into the deepening crisis in Israel and the Palestinian territories. They explore the complex identity struggles of Israelis under a far-right government and the heightened discrimination faced by Palestinian citizens. The guests discuss the tensions within Israeli society, the neglect of hostages by Netanyahu, and the evolving dynamics of the conflict, revealing stark contrasts in public sentiment and political engagement.
The ongoing war in Gaza has exacerbated feelings of existential crisis among Israeli Jews, prompting some to consider emigration due to perceived threats to their identity and security.
For Palestinian citizens of Israel, the conflict intensifies long-standing discrimination and a deep fear of their future amid increasing governmental suspicion and repression.
Netanyahu's leadership appears bolstered by the war, as many Israelis rally around his government despite escalating casualties and a lack of concrete conflict resolution strategies.
Deep dives
The Ongoing Gaza Conflict and Regional Impact
The Gaza War has intensified over the past year, significantly escalating violence in both Gaza and Lebanon. The Israeli military operations and targeted assassinations have resulted in the deaths of over 42,000 individuals in Gaza, while approximately 1.2 million people in Lebanon have been displaced due to ongoing bombardments. The regional conflict has spread beyond Gaza, as Israel's military actions have elicited responses from Iran, including missile attacks, indicating that the ongoing skirmishes represent a broader geopolitical struggle. The return of Israeli hostages seems indefinitely postponed, and the prospects for a ceasefire appear increasingly bleak.
Israeli Existential Crisis and Public Sentiment
Many Israelis currently express feelings of an existential crisis rooted in security and identity concerns since the outbreak of the war on October 7. This sentiment is particularly prevalent among liberal, secular groups who feel the far-right government prioritizes religious and fundamentalist values over their interests. The violent crackdown on protests and expression of dissent by their own government has also shaken their confidence in Israel's democratic values. As a result, many Israelis are contemplating emigration, with reports indicating that thousands have left the country, indicating a deepening disillusionment with their homeland's future.
The Disconnection of Israeli and Palestinian Experiences
There exists a stark divide in the perceptions of conflict between Israeli Jews and Palestinian citizens, where the former increasingly avoid acknowledging the humanitarian impact of military actions. The Israeli populace remains generally supportive of the military campaigns, often dehumanizing Palestinians and viewing collective punishment as necessary for security. Media coverage within Israel tends to overlook Palestinian suffering, further exacerbating this disconnect. Consequently, empathy toward Palestinians is scarce, as many Israelis prioritize their safety and self-interest, creating an echo chamber that disconnects them from the ongoing realities faced by Palestinians.
The Plight of Palestinian Citizens in Israel
Palestinian citizens of Israel experience a unique and dire situation during the ongoing conflict, feeling a heightened sense of fear and paralysis due to governmental attitudes towards their community. Many Palestinian citizens, while experiencing some privileges, are increasingly viewed with suspicion and treated as threats amid the war. The public narrative has shifted to portray dissent or criticism of Israeli policies as allegiance to Hamas, resulting in severe repression of protests and activism. The absence of meaningful public discourse and representation has amplified the feeling of being trapped in an oppressive regime, causing many to fear for their future within Israel.
Netanyahu's Leadership and Future Prospects
Prime Minister Netanyahu's leadership has seemingly strengthened amid the ongoing conflict, with a significant segment of the Israeli population rallying around his government despite immense casualties and a lack of clear objectives. Analysts suggest that his policy is defined more by political survival and appeasement of the far-right than by effective conflict resolution. As military operations expand, there is a growing concern that the situation will worsen before it improves, leading to potential regional destabilization. This disregard for peace negotiations and humanitarian considerations reflects a broader trend of entrenched hostility that complicates any future reconciliation efforts.
In the first of three episodes on the crisis in the Middle East, Adam Shatz is joined by Mairav Zonszein and Amjad Iraqi to discuss the experiences of Israeli Jews and Palestinian citizens of Israel. While the Netanyahu government is opposed by many Israeli Jews, and increasing numbers have left the country, support for Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon remains high because few can imagine an alternative. For Palestinian citizens of Israel, who have long suffered restrictions on their democratic rights, the escalating crisis has intensified that discrimination, while stirring a deep sense of fear regarding their future. Mairav and Amjad talk to Adam about the tensions in Israeli society, not least between the government and military, and why Netanyahu has shown so little interest in the lives of the hostages still held by Hamas.
Mairav Zonszein is a journalist and Senior Israel Analyst with Crisis Group.
Amjad Iraqi is an editor at +972 Magazine and an associate fellow with Chatham House's MENA programme.
