CONFLICTED CC: Rob Geist Pinfold – How the Settlers Captured the Israeli State
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May 21, 2025 Rob Geist-Pinfold, a lecturer in defense studies at King’s College London, dives deep into the Israeli settler movement's historical roots and evolving nature from secularism to religious nationalism. He discusses how this transformation has influenced Israeli politics, particularly the far-right's rising power after the October 7th attacks. The conversation also covers the implications of these changes for Palestinian statehood and the West Bank's division, shedding light on the complex relationships between settlers and the Israeli state.
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Rob's Personal Israel Story
- Rob Geist-Pinfold moved to Israel initially for academic reasons but stayed longer after meeting his wife.
- His personal experience living in Israel deeply influenced his understanding of Israeli politics and security.
1967 War Sparks Religious Shift
- The 1967 Six Day War was driven by existential fear and resulted in Israeli territorial gains.
- This victory sparked national euphoria and a religious awakening influencing future settler movements.
From Secular to Religious Zionism
- Early Zionism was largely secular, focusing on nationalism and socialism rather than traditional religion.
- Post-1967, the settler movement evolved towards a religious ideology driven by messianic beliefs.