Israeli Journalist: Israel’s Occupation Will End if It Pays the Price

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n an article published on 28 November 2023, Israeli journalist Gideon Levy, known for his opposition to the occupation and describing Israel as a “racist regime,” argues that the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories will not end until Israel starts to “pay the price” for it.

He asserts that peace will not come from Israeli society itself but may require international intervention. Levy criticizes the current radical and right-wing sentiment within Israeli society and dismisses the likelihood of voluntary concessions for peace.

Levy also suggests that the Israeli media is not fully exposing the public to the “brutality” committed in Gaza, leading him to rely on foreign news outlets for a more complete picture of the events.

“The Israeli army is a terrorist organization”

Levy agrees with former Israeli army captain Yonatan Shapira’s statement that the Israeli army is a terrorist organization, and its commanders are war criminals, emphasizing that what Israel has been doing daily for 55 years in the West Bank is a war crime.

Levy further critiques the Israeli government’s support for war efforts, touching on the complexities of a ceasefire and the potential for resumed attacks. Levy discusses the U.S.’ role and its likely middle-path approach toward the conflict, as well as the unlikelihood of international intervention due to US political dynamics.

Regarding the discussions among Israeli officials about relocating Palestinians outside of Gaza, Levy condemns these as unethical, illegal, and impractical, adding that Israel does not have the right to decide where the people of Gaza will live, nor to commit another Nakba.

Can Israel be Jewish and democratic?

Levy concludes by reflecting on the impossibility of Israel being both a Jewish state and a democracy, given the demographic reality, and the lack of freedom for Palestinians to express criticisms similar to his. He acknowledges that as a Palestinian, he would likely face imprisonment for the views he expresses.

“There is no Jewish majority; there are currently about 7.5 million Jews and 7.5 million Palestinians between the river and the sea. You can’t be a Jewish state when two people live under your government, under your occupation, under your regime. Therefore, Israel made its choice and preferred to be Jewish (state) rather than democratic,” he said.

Source: Anadolu Agency