11/25/23: Norm Finkelstein GOES OFF: Israel, Hillary, Human Shields & Ben Shapiro
Nov 25, 2023
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Norman Finkelstein, a renowned political scientist and activist, dives deep into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, shedding light on its complex history and humanitarian implications. He passionately critiques the narrative surrounding Gaza, addressing allegations of genocide and questioning military actions against civilians. The conversation also delves into the ethics of resistance, examining civilian casualties and the controversial use of human shields. Finkelstein's insights challenge conventional perspectives, urging listeners to confront the human cost of this enduring crisis.
The podcast highlights the oppressive conditions faced by Palestinians under the Israeli blockade, including high unemployment rates and dense population.
The international community widely supports a settlement based on international law, including the pre-1967 border and resolution of the refugee issue.
The podcast debunks the claim that criticism of Israel is rooted in anti-Semitism and emphasizes that objections stem from violations of international law and human rights.
Deep dives
Overview of the Conflict
The podcast episode delves into the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly focusing on the recent war on Gaza. Dr. Norman Finkelstein, an author and political scientist, provides insights and analysis on the complexities and mythology surrounding the conflict. He highlights the experiences of Palestinians living under oppressive conditions, including the blockade of Gaza, high unemployment rates, and dense population. The episode also addresses the issue of Palestinian leadership and the attempts at nonviolent civil resistance that were met with brutal suppression. Overall, the podcast sheds light on the history and current realities of the conflict.
The International Community's Position
The summary highlights that the international community widely supports a settlement based on international law, including the pre-1967 border, East Jerusalem as part of the Palestinian state, dismantling of settlements, and resolution of the refugee issue. The podcast points out that these positions have been consistently endorsed by global bodies like the United Nations General Assembly. It also exposes the false claim that Palestinians have rejected peace deals, emphasizing their willingness to negotiate and make concessions.
The Israeli Perspective
The podcast mentions that some proponents of the Israeli view argue that Israel has the right to break the law due to the historical trauma of the Holocaust. However, this perspective is criticized as it legitimizes violations of international law, such as legalized torture and house demolitions. The host highlights how Israel has used the Holocaust as a moral alibi to avoid accountability. Furthermore, the podcast clarifies that the current actions of Israel in Gaza constitute a genocide, as it is deliberately targeting civilians and imposing a humanitarian crisis.
Addressing Claims of Anti-Semitism
The podcast addresses the claim that Israel is disproportionately criticized due to anti-Semitism. It counters this argument by highlighting the alarming number of Palestinian children killed during the conflict, surpassing the casualties in all other war zones combined. The episode stresses that the focus on Israel's actions arises from the violation of international law and human rights, rather than hatred towards Jews. It emphasizes that objections to Israeli policies should not be interpreted as anti-Semitism.
Implications of Targeting Hospitals in Gaza
Targeting hospitals in the densely bombed area of Gaza is seen as a significant violation of international norms. It is viewed as a test of the international community's tolerance for such actions, as hospitals are considered sacrosanct institutions. The largest hospital in Gaza, Al-Shifa, was targeted, which is seen as a blow to Gaza's civilization and a lethal action against the civilian population. Claims of a command and control center beneath the hospital were debunked, exposing false justifications for the attack.
Understanding Human Shielding and Ceasefire Perspectives
The concept of human shielding, the forced conscripting of civilians to protect combatants or military sites, is not well-documented in relation to Hamas fighters. On the other hand, Israeli forces have been extensively documented using Palestinians as human shields. The issue of taking sides in the conflict is complex, but the current situation of Gaza facing a humanitarian crisis and a real-time genocide raises moral questions. While it is not feasible for every individual to fully educate themselves on the conflict, it becomes a problem when individuals in power disseminate falsehoods and lies about the situation, creating a distorted narrative.
