Israel's Existential Threat From Within
13Digest
This podcast delves into the complex history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, focusing on the rise of ultra-nationalism in Israel and its impact on the West Bank. The episode begins by outlining the two opposing visions for the future of the West Bank that emerged after the Six-Day War: one advocating for a negotiated peace and the other for permanent Israeli control. The podcast then traces the origins of the Israeli settlement movement, driven by ultra-nationalist religious groups who believed the West Bank was divinely promised to the Jewish people. It explores the impact of the Oslo Peace Accords and the backlash from ultra-nationalists who saw it as a betrayal of their vision. The episode highlights the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin and the subsequent rise of Itamar Ben-Gvir, a prominent figure in the ultra-nationalist movement. The podcast then examines how the ultra-nationalist movement gained significant political power in the years following Rabin's assassination, culminating in Benjamin Netanyahu's alliance with ultra-nationalist parties. The episode concludes by discussing the consequences of the ultra-nationalist rise to power on the ground in the West Bank, including increased violence against Palestinians, the erosion of the rule of law, and the deliberate undermining of the Palestinian economy. The podcast also highlights the growing concern among Israeli officials about the potential for a third Intifada, fueled by the escalating violence and the ultra-nationalist government's policies.
Outlines
The Rise of Ultra-Nationalism in Israel: A History of the West Bank Conflict
This podcast explores the rise of ultra-nationalism in Israel, tracing its roots to the Six-Day War and its impact on the West Bank conflict, culminating in the current government's alliance with extremist parties.
The West Bank Conflict: A Deeper Dive
This episode focuses on the escalating violence in the West Bank, a conflict that has received less attention than the war in Gaza.
The Six-Day War and its Aftermath
This chapter explores the impact of the Six-Day War on the West Bank, including the emergence of two opposing visions for the future of the territory: one advocating for a negotiated peace and the other for permanent Israeli control.
The Birth and Growth of the Settlement Movement
This chapter details the origins of the Israeli settlement movement, driven by ultra-nationalist religious groups who believed the West Bank was divinely promised to the Jewish people. It describes how their illegal settlements, initially tolerated by the Israeli government, eventually grew into a major political force.
The Land for Peace Negotiations and the Rise of Violence
This chapter discusses the peace negotiations between Israel and Egypt in the late 1970s, which involved Israel's withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula. This move sparked violence from settlers who saw it as a threat to their vision of a Greater Israel.
The Carp Report and the Failure to Address Jewish Extremism
This chapter recounts the Carp Report, a damning investigation into the Israeli government's failure to address Jewish terrorism and violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. The report, which exposed a system of negligence and impunity, was ultimately ignored by the authorities.
The First Intifada and the Rise of Yitzhak Rabin
This chapter describes the First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising in 1987, which was fueled by frustration with the Israeli occupation and the expansion of settlements. The uprising led to the election of Yitzhak Rabin, who promised to negotiate a peace deal with the Palestinians.
The Oslo Peace Accords and the Ultra-Nationalist Backlash
This chapter explains how Rabin's election and the subsequent Oslo Peace Accords, which aimed to establish a Palestinian state, were met with fierce opposition from ultra-nationalists who saw it as a betrayal of their vision.
Keywords
Ultra-nationalism
A political ideology that emphasizes national unity, cultural homogeneity, and often a strong military. In the context of Israel, it refers to the belief in a Greater Israel that includes the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Settlement Movement
A movement of Jewish Israelis who advocate for the establishment of settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, often based on religious and nationalist beliefs.
Intifada
A Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation, characterized by widespread protests, violence, and resistance.
Oslo Peace Accords
A series of agreements signed in the 1990s between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), aiming to establish a Palestinian state and resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Two-State Solution
A proposed solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that envisions the creation of two independent states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace.
Jewish Terrorism
Acts of violence committed by Jewish Israelis against Palestinians, often motivated by extremist ideologies and a desire to prevent a Palestinian state.
Hamas
A Palestinian Islamist political and militant organization that controls the Gaza Strip.
Shin Bet
The Israeli internal security agency, responsible for counterterrorism, intelligence gathering, and protecting national security.
Q&A
What were the two opposing visions for the future of the West Bank that emerged after the Six-Day War?
One vision advocated for a negotiated peace with the Palestinians, involving Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank and the establishment of a Palestinian state. The other vision, held by ultra-nationalist religious groups, sought to maintain permanent Israeli control over the territory.
How did the ultra-nationalist movement gain political power in Israel?
The movement gained influence through a combination of factors, including the failure of the Oslo peace process, the continued expansion of settlements, and the willingness of politicians like Benjamin Netanyahu to form alliances with ultra-nationalist parties.
What are the consequences of the ultra-nationalist rise to power on the ground in the West Bank?
The rise of the ultra-nationalist movement has led to increased violence against Palestinians, the erosion of the rule of law, and the deliberate undermining of the Palestinian economy.
What are the concerns about the potential for a third Intifada?
The escalating violence, the ultra-nationalist government's policies, and the lack of a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have raised concerns about the potential for a third Intifada, which could lead to a new wave of bloodshed and instability.
What is the significance of the warnings issued by Israeli intelligence officials about the dangers of the ultra-nationalist movement?
The warnings highlight the potential for the ultra-nationalist movement to plunge Israel into a cycle of violence and instability, threatening the country's security and its international standing.
Show Notes
Warning: this episode contains descriptions of violence.
In the last year, the world’s eyes have been on the war in Gaza, which still has no end in sight. But there is a conflict in another Palestinian territory that has gotten far less attention, where life has become increasingly untenable: the West Bank.
Ronen Bergman, who has been covering the conflict, explains why things are likely to get worse, and the long history of extremist political forces inside Israel that he says are leading the country to an existential crisis.
Guest: Ronen Bergman, a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine.
Background reading:
- How extremist settlers took over Israel.
- What is the West Bank and who controls it?
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Table of contents
United States
Israel is a distinct liability to American interests and is hell bent on installing a right wing Christo- Fascist Theocracy in the USA. Why do you think ultra right winger and financial supporter of Israel left 1.6 billion dollars to Leonard Leo. Read up on ultra right winger Yoram Hazony and what he's doing in America and elsewhere to install Christo-Fascist Theocracy's in Europe and the USA. Israel is an ally in any sense of the word. They will destroy democracy in the US.