5 Oct 2023: Israel from an Israeli Perspective
5 October 2023
Israel from an Israeli Perspective
Living far from Israel and Palestine, I rely on news outlets and social media platforms for updates on current events. I frequently read articles from various sources, such as the Times of Israel, Jerusalem Post, Haaretz, Middle East Eye, and Al Jazeera, often perplexed with the conflicting narratives presented across these platforms.
During a conversation with a friend visiting Singapore from Israel, I attempted to understand the divisions within Israeli politics. While acknowledging that no summary can fully encapsulate this complex topic, our discussion shed light on the contrasting ideologies of the left and right wings.
Right-wing politics in Israel typically prioritises security concerns and adopts a staunch stance on defence. This includes advocating for an uncompromising approach towards Palestinian territories and settlements, emphasising Jewish nationalism, and maintaining a firm stance on security issues such as terrorism. Right-wing parties often endorse the expansion of settlements in the West Bank and oppose territorial concessions for peace, prioritising Israel's security interests above all else.
Conversely, left-wing politics in Israel tends to focus on social justice, human rights, and peace initiatives with Palestinians. Left-wing parties advocate for negotiations with Palestinians to achieve a two-state solution, advocating for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. They often support the dismantling of settlements in the West Bank and advocate for greater equality for Arab citizens of Israel. Left-wing parties prioritise diplomacy and peace efforts over military solutions, emphasising the importance of international cooperation and engagement.
My friend and I discussed the implications of these ideological differences on Israelis' everyday lives, recognising that these experiences cannot be generalised. We noted that this period coincided with debates about judicial reform in Israel, highlighting the internal conflicts within Israeli politics that were creating divisions. However, we acknowledged that such divisions are not new but expected manifestations of the ongoing disagreements about the country's direction. The conversation piqued my curiosity about the impact of this internal discord on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Holding the Ropes: Interfaith Dialogue & Reflections Surrounding the Israel-Gaza War is a blog series that follows the events, dialogues and reflections experienced by Nazhath Faheema in the aftermath of the 2023 Israel-Gaza war. Triggered by the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 and Israel’s military response, there continues to be widespread destruction and civilian displacement in Gaza. Additionally, Israeli hostages remain in captivity.
Against this backdrop, Nazhath Faheema, through her reflections, provides insights into the dynamics of the war, its impact on interfaith relations, and the inherent challenges and opportunities in fostering understanding and empathy between Jewish and Muslim communities.
