Israeli journalist Yehuda Shlezinger expressed revulsion at Palestinians enjoying at a Gaza beach, stating they deserved death instead. This sentiment reflects a growing trend in Israel towards dehumanizing Palestinians. The Israeli left, once a strong voice for peace, has withered, and many Israelis now lean towards a hard-line approach to the Palestinian issue. The Israeli public has shown support for the devastation in Gaza, with polls indicating approval of the actions taken by the Israeli government. The toughening of Israel’s stance towards Palestinians can be attributed to generational changes and a general fatigue with negotiations.
Israeli citizens have become detached from the Palestinian issue, often ignoring it as a priority. The construction of the West Bank barrier further hardened the psychological barrier between Israelis and Palestinians, keeping suicide bombers out of Israel but causing increased suffering for Palestinians. The creeping famine and destruction in Gaza led to a public thirst for revenge, but the response was not limited to just the far-right government. Many Israelis supported the aggressive tactics used against Palestinians, indicating a shift towards harder policies.
The far-right Israeli government has intensified its domination over Palestinians, with land seizures and an increase in violent actions against Palestinians. Israeli citizens, including both Jews and Arabs, have been arming themselves under the guise of self-defense, leading to fears within the Arab community of being targeted. As tensions rise, some Palestinian citizens of Israel are seeking international legal protections, while others are seeking asylum in countries like Britain. The current atmosphere in Israel has drawn comparisons to the nakba, or catastrophe, as both Palestinians and Israeli human rights advocates face increased scrutiny and hostility.
Israel had been successful in insulating itself from the violence of the occupation for years, with fewer Israeli casualties compared to Palestinians. Human rights organizations labeled Israel as an apartheid state, prompting international criticism but little change. The economic prosperity and improved relations with Arab states gave Israelis a sense that the Palestinian problem was diminishing. However, the October 7 massacre and subsequent events showed that the futility of the continued suffering of Palestinians is a threat to Israelis as well. The divide among Israeli politicians showcases differing approaches to the Palestinian issue, with some opting for a managed apartheid and others pushing for eradication or displacement of Palestinians. The continued cycle of violence and oppression will persist until fair and just solutions are sought.
