In this episode for our Conflicted Community, we continue our survey of the Israel-Palestine question with another interview, as Thomas Small engages with Rob Geist-Pinfold, a lecturer in defense studies and international security.

This week we focus particularly on the Israeli settler movement. The conversation delves into the historical roots of the settler movement, its evolution from a secular to a religiously motivated initiative, and the intricate relationship between settlers and the Israeli state. The discussion also touches on the impact of the Oslo Accords and the shifting dynamics of Israeli politics in relation to Palestinian statehood.

They also discuss the division of the West Bank, and the influence of the settler movement on Israeli politics, in what Rob terms a kind of State Capture. They discuss the evolving role of far-right politics in Israel, particularly in the context of the October 7th attacks, and how these events have shifted Israel's grand strategy towards a more aggressive foreign policy, especially in Syria. The conversation highlights the implications of these dynamics for the future of the region and the ongoing challenges faced by both Israelis and Palestinians.

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