Omer Bartov, an Israeli-American historian and genocide scholar, dives into the complex attitudes within Israeli society regarding the occupation of Palestinian territories. He discusses the recent troubling ruling from the International Court of Justice condemning the occupation and the widespread justification of it among Israeli politicians and media. Bartov highlights harrowing accounts of human rights abuses in detention centers, including shocking incidents of torture, and stresses the urgent need for accountability and international oversight.
The ICJ's ruling on the Israeli occupation highlights international law's challenges and the Israeli government's resistance to accountability for human rights abuses.
Widespread indifference among Israeli society towards the occupation facilitates the government's continuation of harsh policies without significant public pushback.
Deep dives
Current Sentiment in Israel Regarding the Occupation
The recent ruling by the Israeli Knesset against the creation of a Palestinian state reflects a broader sentiment in Israel that prioritizes a hardline stance over peace negotiations. A significant portion of the Israeli public shows indifference to the realities of the occupation, often viewing discussions around it as accusations from critics rather than acknowledging it as a crucial issue. While there are small groups advocating against the occupation, they remain isolated from mainstream Israeli opinion, which favors action driven by anger and a sense of helplessness. This prevailing mindset enables the current government to continue its policies with little concern for the potential consequences for both Palestinians and Israelis.
Implications of International Court Rulings
The International Court of Justice's ruling on the legality of the occupation has instigated discussions around its potential impact on Israeli politics and its relationship with other nations. While the ruling itself is not binding, it raises expectations for countries, especially in Europe, to adhere to their own laws regarding arms sales and diplomatic relations with Israel. However, the Israeli government, particularly far-right politicians, appear largely unaffected and may leverage the ruling to frame sanctions as acts of anti-Semitism. A real shift in policy from major arms suppliers could change the dynamics, but current compliance with international law remains limited and often absent.
Abuse in Detention Centers and Legal Impunity
Recent reports detailing abuse in Israeli detention centers underscore a troubling trend of systematic mistreatment of Palestinian detainees, often under the guise of administrative detention. Incidents of severe human rights violations, including sexual assault, illustrate the complete disdain for legal protections as detainees are held without recourse to justice. The Israeli government's judiciary appears to function mainly as a façade, providing cover for ongoing abuses rather than addressing them, fueled by prevailing right-wing sentiments that justify violence against Palestinians. Calls for independent investigations into these abuses have been met with resistance, as the domestic justice system often fails to deliver accountability or transparency.
In a much-anticipated ruling, the ICJ has unequivocally denounced the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip as illegal. Israeli-American historian and genocide scholar Omer Bartov contextualizes Israeli society's widespread justification of the occupation and how Israeli politicians and mainstream media pundits are cheering on the torture of Palestinian detainees. He discusses the recent release of footage documenting the rape of Palestinians at the Sde Teiman detention center and the storming of several detention sites by Israeli far-right mobs in defense of Israel's "right to torture."
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