Israel’s scapegoat problem

[R. Daneel Olivaw]

http://972mag.com/israels-scapegoat-problem/112769/

The noose is tightened by the actions of the Israeli military and police. Averaged out, Israel has killed over 10 Palestinians per week over the past 15 years, according to statistics compiled by B’Tselem. Granted, some of these Palestinians were engaged in violently resisting the Israeli occupation, but the vast majority were not. Who among us wouldn’t be angry if they heard three of their neighbors were murdered when their house was firebombed, or to see entire neighborhoods of your country decimated?

And this is further exacerbated by the presence of armed settlers who are protected by the Israeli military and police, even while committing violent crimes. This double standard that exists in relation to breaking the peace, and even the law, is stifling. There is little doubt that if a band of Palestinians walked up to an Israeli settlement and set fire to its fields that Israeli forces would open fire on them. It took only a couple of days for Israeli forces to arrest suspects in the killing of the couple in their car a few weeks ago. But what about justice for the Palestinian family that was burnt alive? How many times have Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian villagers while Israeli soldiers stood in their midst and the moment the Palestinians come out to defend their village, they are fired upon by soldier and settler alike. And now, even a mere accusation of attempting a stabbing is enough to get a Palestinian killed, even without evidence of a knife.

So if the Israeli cabinet is looking for someone or something to blame, blame the occupation. Blame the double standards. Blame the military and paramilitary forces that have no connection to any semblance of a moral compass. And then, instead of bombing, perhaps now might be a good time to make amends. Because the desperation among Palestinians is only going to increase. And as we have seen from the past three weeks, there are many who just can’t take it anymore.

[procon]

1. This is not an effective foreign policy.

"The beatings will continue until attitudes improve."