Over at the excellent It’s Almost Supernatural - essential reading if you want to get informed, nuanced commentary of how the Middle East conflict plays out in South African politics - Steve says that there are now two Israels:
“There is one Israel – a democratic Israel – that respects the rule of law, cherishes democracy, walks on the cutting edge of advancement in high tech, medicine and agriculture, and believes in the fundamental rights of other human beings – Jewish and non -Jewish.
But there is another Israel - a militant and lawless society. This Israel is once again in the headlines primarily because the democratic Israel has once again failed to haul them in.
By failing to act, the democratic Israel is losing its grip on the fabric of Israeli society, allowing the thugs in the “other Israel” greater control over our heart and soul.”
The thugs Steve refers to are the extremist Jewish settlers in the West Bank. In the last week, some of their number have rampaged against defenseless Palestinians and attacked IDF reservists too.
Steve observes:
“If the settler violence is perpetrated by a tiny minority, then is it extreme to suggest that there are two Israels? I don’t think so.
Just read the comments of the articles on the Jerusalem Post and witness the support that exists for these violent groups. If the Jerusalem Post is just another self-hating left wing publication then we have all lost the plot.”
Events over the last few days suggest there is a way out. Prime Minister Olmert has said the dream of Greater Israel is over. There is a plan to entice settlers behind the Green Line with financial incentives. And yes, these are the initiatives of a lame duck government, so the challenge is to ensure that the next administration follows through. In the meantime, Ehud Olmert has drawn a vital line in the sand: settler violence and lawlessness will not be tolerated.
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