Examining the Extremist Ideology and Power Dynamics in Israeli Society

by Dr. Turki Faisal Al Rasheed 

After half a century of failed attempts to curb violence and terrorism against Palestinians, perpetrated by Jewish ultranationalists, a culture of lawlessness has permeated Israeli society. This gripping account unveils the three crucial chapters of this unsettling story. The first sheds light on the unequal justice system that burgeoned around Jewish settlements in Gaza and the West Bank. The second exposes how extremists not only targeted Palestinians, but also Israeli officials who sought peace. Finally, the narrative delves into how this radical movement seized control of the state itself. Collectively, these chapters paint a vivid picture of how an extremist ideology has transitioned from the margins to the core of Israeli political power.

Recently, the White House took unprecedented action against individual settlers, which marks a significant departure from previous American administrations. However, this move has been met with anger and mockery from ministers in Netanyahu’s government. Minister Smotrich, for example, labeled the allegations against Levi and others as “utterly specious” and vowed to collaborate with Israeli banks to resist compliance with the imposed sanctions. Messages circulating in an open Hilltop Youth WhatsApp channel also expressed unwavering support for Levi and his family, assuring them that the people of Israel are mobilizing on their behalf.

When questioned about whether these actions by the government are merely token gestures from an embattled American president losing domestic support for his Israel policy, American officials strongly defend their position. They maintain that while these measures may not bring an end to the violence, they send a clear signal to the Netanyahu government regarding the United States’ stance. Since October 7th, the West Bank has become a potential flashpoint in a rapidly expanding regional Middle East conflict.

However, it is important to consider that some members of the ultraright in Israel may desire war as an outcome. According to former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, these individuals “crave war” and an “intifada” because they believe it proves that peaceful coexistence with Palestinians is impossible and that the only way forward is their destruction.

Despite these developments, the ongoing challenge lies within Israel itself. The continuation of war is expected to have repercussions on America’s standing with its Arab allies, regardless of whether Israel invades Gaza. This situation calls for careful analysis and a reevaluation of American diplomatic approaches and power projection.

If we are to suggest a roadmap to achieve lasting peace, it is crucial to start by recognizing the reality of the situation. Israel’s loss in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must be acknowledged by its leaders. Throughout history, peoples under foreign occupation have gained independence through their national struggle, making it impossible for the occupier to maintain dominance. This principle holds true in all circumstances. The Palestinians face a challenging and lengthy journey to free themselves from occupation and achieve freedom and independence.

While the Biden administration aims to broker a diplomatic deal and urges Netanyahu to commit to Palestinian statehood in exchange for Saudi Arabia’s recognition, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries recognize the changing global landscape and seek solutions to prevent conflicts. They prioritize diversifying their economies and creating a peaceful environment for their post-fossil fuel future. Addressing the Israeli-Palestinian occupation requires international pressure and internal resistance, as Israel’s defense spending and diplomatic isolation raise concerns. The Palestinians and Arabs resort to violence as their only means to reclaim the land occupied since 1967. It is crucial to exert international pressure through sanctions and support internal resistance to address this unjust occupation. Decades of failed peace processes have been overshadowed by Israel’s continuous annexation of territories. A genuine peace can only be achieved by confronting the issue of occupation and establishing a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders. The application of Kissinger’s principles on Palestinian statehood perpetuates ineffective solutions that prioritize specific interests. The Gaza war highlights the dangers of prioritizing war over peace.

If we were in Israel’s position, we would prefer to deal with a weakened Hamas rather than a chaotic situation as Somalia’s model. It is important to acknowledge the prolonged suffering of the Palestinian people, enduring hardships for over 27,740 days since Alnakba and the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979. Blaming other countries solely for the situation in Gaza is misleading, as Palestinians will continue to demand a complete withdrawal from the land occupied by Israel in 1967, regardless of alliances or support from Iran or any other nation.

Personally, we believe it is crucial to thoroughly analyze the financial aspects surrounding current events to gain a deeper understanding. The dominant narrative may favor the Israeli perspective, but in our assessment, we emphasize that the extreme right-wing Jewish faction holds significant power, and their own inadvertent actions contribute to their eventual downfall. The grievous mistakes made by this extremist group have inflicted lasting damage upon the Jewish community.