Stanisland Magazine

From settler colonialism to the fantasy weapons of Jericho, we explore the spin of Israel’s narrative.

In the Middle East, Israel stands as a nation deeply entwined with Israeli Zionist extremism. This claim may seem provocative, but when examining its history through a critical lens, there are difficult-to-stomach realities. Israel, founded on settler colonialism, has been a key actor in history spin, particularly in perhaps positioning Gaza as the Walled City of Jericho and developing weapons systems named after biblical ideas.

Founded on Settler Colonialism

Israel’s origins are rooted in settler colonialism, a brutal practice that reshapes landscapes, cultures, and demographics. In 1948, Israel was established on Palestinian land, leading to the displacement and dispossession of countless Palestinians. This colonization mirrored the European expansion in the Americas, marked by forceful appropriation and settlement.

The vivid comparison between Israel’s establishment and the European conquests serves as a glaring testament to its extremist ideology. The blood-soaked soil story tells a haunting tale of oppression and the relentless pursuit of power through land-grabs and conflict.

Using Historical Narrative to reenact the Jericho Fantasy on Gaza

Religious extremist ideology is apparent in different facets of the Israeli government and the IDF. A notable instance of this is Operation Pillar of Defense, which is inspired by a Hebrew Bible narrative involving the Israelites’ desert journey following the exodus. This extremism is also reflected in the behaviour and self-perception of the military and its personnel, who often regard themselves as a chosen people, and in their interactions with non-Israelis.

Another lies in the narrative of Jericho. Is it purely coincidental, or is it not? Government actions and propaganda are typically intentional in shaping psychological and political leanings. The Israeli ideology appears to employ extremism as a means to consistently provoke violence against its neighbours, to later claim the victim, despite this contradicting its professed beliefs. Bearing striking resemblances to the biblical tale of the Walled City of Jericho, a familiar narrative unfolds as they imprison Gaza behind large scale concrete border walls.

The Jericho missile system, closely tied to this unsavoury ideology, serves as a stark reminder of the convergence of extremist ideas and national identity. This weaponry was conceived in the shadow of the Jericho narrative, and its name resonates with the delusions perpetuated by the Netanyahu regime.

In essence, this recurring fantasy of the Gaza Strip as the modern-day Walled City of Jericho as a reenactment of past events, along with the development of the Jericho missile system, underscore the perilous fusion of Zionist extremism that preys on the religious psychological vulnerability of its people within Israel’s ideology.

These elements contribute to the perpetuation of conflict and tensions in the region, casting a long shadow on the pursuit of peace and justice. Recognizing this context is imperative when navigating the complexities of the Middle East and working toward a more peaceful future. Maybe it’s just a coincidence, but considering the circumstances surrounding the establishment of Israel, perhaps not. However, as we’ll discover shortly, these concurrencies don’t end here.

The Jericho Weapons System

The Jericho weapons system, named after the biblical city itself, is a symbol of Israel’s extremist ideology translated into military hardware. Developed during the 1960s, it comprises intercontinental ballistic missiles and serves as a devastating tool in Israel’s arsenal. This connection between Zionism, weaponry, and national identity highlights the perilous path of its extremism.

The Jericho weapons system is a vivid reminder of the intertwining of Zionism and state power in Israel. The nation uses spiritual symbols to not only secure its dominance but also to deter adversaries through displays of military authority, perpetuating a cycle of violence and insecurity in the region. For the release of its public relations videos, the IDF even references the story of David and Goliath in published media (see below), even titling a weapon ‘David’s sling’.

In conclusion, Israel’s extremist ideology is deeply rooted in its history of settler colonialism, manipulation of historical narratives, and the development of military systems named after biblical cities. These elements serve as a dark undercurrent in the Middle East, contributing to tensions and conflicts that persist to this day. Understanding the historical context is essential to navigating the complexities of the region and working towards a more peaceful future.

Israeli War Crimes: Sexual Violence has Been Used as a Weapon of War

Sexual assault has historically been used as a tactic in the formation of the Israeli state, dating back to incidents like the 1948 Safsaf massacre during the invasion of Palestine.

Amid this tragic continuum, there exist accounts of an altogether different form of anguish. A Palestinian woman who emerged from Israeli detention disclosed a harrowing reality, where over 15 fellow Palestinian women experienced sexual assault at the hands of Israeli interrogators. This abhorrent act, purportedly aimed at extracting confessions and coercing collaboration with Israeli intelligence, was allegedly documented in a video with the intent to blackmail. The survivor, who displayed tremendous courage in sharing her ordeal, revealed that her humiliation did not cease upon her release, as Israeli intelligence officers continued to exploit these degrading images to perpetuate her torment. Such reports cast a stark light on a persisting and distressing practice, intensifying the wounds of an already protracted and agonizing conflict.

A study by Daniel J.N. Weishut titled ‘Sexual torture of Palestinian men by Israeli authorities’ sheds light on systemic sexual torture inflicted on Palestinian men during the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, demanding attention and justice.

This study unveils the harrowing sexual abuse of Palestinian men during the prolonged Israeli-Palestinian conflict, examining 60 cases from 2005-2012. It exposes 36 instances of verbal sexual harassment, often extending to family members, and 35 cases of enforced nudity, dehumanizing the victims. Shockingly, six testimonies implicate Israeli officials in severe physical sexual assaults, including genital pressing, kicking, and even simulated or actual rape. This disturbing study serves as a stark reminder of the deeply troubling nature of such violations, even more disturbing that they’re rarely documented by the press.

Sexual violence, frequently obscured by the intricacies of power dynamics, constitutes a persistent danger within the context of military occupation. Its elusive nature often hinders a comprehensive articulation of survivors’ experiences, as scepticism of their account and self-censorship are prevalent. A notable instance is exemplified by the case of Rasmea Odeh, whose ordeal remained concealed under the weight of a coerced confession. The predominance of visual evidence tends to overshadow verbal testimonies, thereby diverting attention from the systemic foundations of this issue. It is also imperative to understand that, most cases are never disclosed for fear of reprisal from Israeli forces.

Human Rights Challenges: Life for Palestinians in Israel

In Israel, there exists a complex dynamic where certain elements within society, guided by a national doctrine promoting exclusive Israeli residency (led by Zionism), have been known to engage in discriminatory behaviours. Unfortunately, this has resulted in incidents where Christians and Muslims are marginalized or face hostility, such as instances of verbal abuse or even physical assault when expressing their own beliefs in public spaces.

On numerous instances, Israelis have shown hostility towards Christians, exerting force against them through physical attacks by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), which have only served to underline the existence of a class division. In one of many examples, extremist Israelis blocked an entrance to a Christian event, even physically assaulting them, as parents carried their children into the venue.

It is important to emphasize that these actions are not representative of the entirety of the Israeli population, as many individuals and organizations are committed to peaceful coexistence and interfaith dialogue. Nevertheless, addressing such instances so we can foster a more inclusive and tolerant society remains a significant and difficult aspect of discourse.

It is further important to emphasise that the growing trend of attacks on non-Israeli individuals, instigated by zionists has been empowered by the Israeli government whereby settlers are able to open carry weapons, for the purpose of expanding settlement regions. This usually is enforced against Arab Muslims and Christians, in order to create more room for people who follow the zionist ideology.

In October 2020, a momentous decision shook human rights groups as an Israeli court decreed that multiple Palestinian families, long rooted in the historic neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah in East Jerusalem, would face eviction by May 2021. Their ancestral lands were slated to be transferred to Jewish families using the Israeli “Law of Return”.

Fast-forward to February 2021, these resilient Palestinian families rose with determination and filed an appeal, their voices echoing through the courtrooms of justice. This single act ignited a passionate global movement, igniting fervent protests in support of their cause. The battle, both legal and moral, rages on, as ownership of these properties hangs in the balance, and the spectre of forced displacement haunts the homes of countless Palestinian families in Jerusalem.

This is not just a local issue; as it has been a constant cycle for the Palestinian people who have had to endure forced illegal evictions by the Israeli regime in order to be replaced by pro-zionist Israelis. This constitutes a gargantuan breach of human rights in line with ethnic cleansing, which has not only been enforced by the Tel Aviv administration but also by the United States and the United Kingdom.

Final Thoughts

The conflict has been emboldened by a protracted use of public relations executed by the Israeli regime for decades. It has relied on Western depictions and stereotypes of ethnic Arabs in order to justify its aims and actions on Gaza and Palestinians in the West Bank. It has consistently used the phraseology of “terrorists” and “like 9/11” to evoke a sense of anger among Westerners who are uninformed regarding the Palestine-Israel situation outside of a news slant. The recent atrocities committed by Hamas are deplorable. However, as we have observed, the actions of the Israeli government can also be seen as aligning with the extremist acts of those they are in conflict with.

With unconditional backing by the United States in the annual form of $3 billion in military aid, Gaza is struggling to be heard. With historical statements from Biden himself on the aforesaid; make no mistake that ethnic cleansing is currently happening in Palestine and has been for years with unwavering support from the West. Biden famously said “The United States would have to go out and invent an Israel, to protect her interests in the region” if one didn’t exist.

Photo: Mohammed Ibrahim