205. The Palestine-Israel Conflict and Private Property with Robert Breedlove
Jan 23, 2024
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Robert Breedlove interviews Saifedean to get the Palestinian perspective on the Palestinians/Israeli conflict. They discuss the conflict as a conflict over property rights and not religion or race. They explore historical contexts, including discriminatory views towards Jews and the impact of European ethno-nationalism. They also delve into the role of property rights, the dynamics of brainwashing, and the potential impact of Bitcoin in preventing situations like apartheid.
The Palestine-Israel conflict is primarily a conflict over property rights, not religion or race.
The fiat banking system played a significant role in the origin and perpetuation of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The conflict highlights the importance of stable legal frameworks and equal application of property rights for peaceful coexistence.
The majority of the world's Jewish population did not migrate to Palestine, challenging the success of Zionism.
The Israeli occupation of Palestine can be characterized as an apartheid system with two sets of rules.
Deep dives
The Origins of the Zionist Movement
The Zionist movement emerged as a response to the rise of European nationalism and anti-Semitism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The movement aimed to create a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Theodore Herzl, one of the founders of modern political Zionism, initially proposed promoting mass conversion of Jews to Christianity as a solution to the 'Jewish problem.' However, the idea of a separate Jewish homeland gained traction, particularly as anti-Semitic sentiments grew. Palestine was chosen as the location for the Jewish homeland due to its historical significance for Jewish people and its appeal to British interests in the Middle East. The establishment of Israel in 1948 resulted in the dispossession and displacement of Palestinians, as well as ongoing conflict.
The Role of Fiat Money in Shaping the Conflict
The origin of the Israel-Palestine conflict can also be traced back to the fiat banking system. During World War I, the British government relied on fiat money to finance the war effort, leading to the suspension of the gold standard. As British finances deteriorated after the war, they enlisted the support of the Zionist movement in gaining American involvement by promising them a homeland in Palestine. The Declaration of Balfour in 1917 signaled British support for a Jewish homeland, and the subsequent establishment of Israel in 1948 was accompanied by the dispossession of Palestinians. This connection highlights the role of fiat money in geopolitical strategies and the consequences it has had on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The Significance of Property Rights in Peaceful Coexistence
The conflict in Israel-Palestine is deeply tied to the issue of property rights. Historically, the Jewish population was segregated and restricted from owning land in Europe, which led them to specialize in urban industries like banking. This created a perception of Jewish control over finance, which fueled anti-Semitic sentiments. In contrast, Middle Eastern societies under Islamic rule allowed Jews to own land and coexist with Muslims and Christians peacefully. However, the establishment of Israel in 1948 disrupted property rights, led to the dispossession of Palestinians, and sparked ongoing conflicts. This highlights the importance of stable legal frameworks and equal application of property rights in fostering peaceful coexistence.
The Failure of Zionism to Attract Majority of Jews
Despite the establishment of Israel as a Jewish homeland, the majority of the world's Jewish population did not migrate to Palestine. In 1948, when Israel was founded, the majority of Jews lived outside of Palestine, and even today, the majority of Jews do not reside in Israel. This challenges the notion that Zionism has been successful in attracting Jews to their supposed homeland. Furthermore, the Palestinian population remains significant in historic Palestine, highlighting the ongoing issue of property rights and the contentious nature of the conflict.
Historical background and partition plan
The podcast episode provides a historical overview of the events leading up to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It discusses the United Nations' involvement in developing a solution for establishing a Jewish homeland while protecting the rights of Palestinians. The podcast explores the partition plan proposed by the United Nations in 1947, which allocated 55% of Palestine to the Jewish state and 45% to the Arab state, leaving Jerusalem under international supervision. It highlights the imbalance in land ownership, with the majority of the land being owned by Palestinians rather than Jews in most districts of Palestine.
Refugees and property rights
The podcast emphasizes the forced displacement of Palestinians from their homes in 1947-1948 and the denial of their right to return. It highlights the Israeli government's policy of allocating land to Jewish settlers while preventing Palestinians from reclaiming their properties. The Israeli Land Authority, formerly the Jewish National Fund, controls and administers over 90% of the land in Israel, constantly expanding into the West Bank. The podcast emphasizes the denial of property rights to Palestinians, pointing out that anyone of Jewish descent can acquire land in Palestine, while Palestinians are deprived of this right even on their own land.
Apartheid and Israeli occupation
The podcast argues that the Israeli occupation of Palestine, particularly in the West Bank, can be characterized as an apartheid system. It highlights the existence of two sets of rules for Israelis and Palestinians, where Palestinians live under constant surveillance, checkpoints, and restrictions on movement. Israeli settlers, protected by the military, frequently engage in violence against Palestinians, confiscate land, destroy homes and olive trees, and create an atmosphere of fear and dispossession. This oppressive system of control and exploitation is compared to a large-scale open-air prison.
The role of mainstream media and propaganda
The podcast criticizes mainstream media for its biased reporting and propagation of a one-sided narrative. It points out the mainstream media's tendency to portray Israeli actions as justified, while demonizing Palestinians and disregarding their right to self-defense. The media's use of euphemisms and double standards perpetuates an inaccurate and distorted view of the conflict. It emphasizes the importance of independent research and critical thinking to overcome propaganda and engage in a meaningful dialogue.
The Role of Money Printing in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
The podcast explores the role of money printing in perpetuating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It discusses how the ability to print money and provide unlimited financial aid to one side allows for the indulgence of the most extreme elements within Israeli society, leading to greater dispossession and subjugation of Palestinians. This, in turn, fuels reactionary elements within Palestinian society, escalating the conflict. The podcast argues that without the infinite money printer, both parties would be more likely to come to terms and cooperate with each other, ultimately promoting peace and a more equitable solution.
Bitcoin as a Potential Solution
The podcast explores the potential role of Bitcoin in addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It suggests that establishing secure property rights through Bitcoin could undermine emotional attachments to land and reduce the influence of the most belligerent elements on both sides. By removing the money-printing ability and increasing the likelihood of cooperation, Bitcoin could promote a more peaceful and equitable resolution to the conflict. However, the podcast acknowledges the complexity and challenges of applying this solution in the current context, expressing a sense of pessimism about immediate prospects for peace.
Robert Breedlove interviews Saifedean to get the Palestinian perspective on the Palestinians/Israeli conflict and how it is ultimately a conflict over property rights and not religion or race.
Enjoyed this episode? Join Saifedean's online learning platform to take part in weekly podcast seminars, access Saifedean’s four online economics courses, and read his writing, including his new book, Principles of Economics! Find out more on Saifedean.com!
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