How Israel Won the West

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a deeply entrenched historical narrative, far more complex than often portrayed. Its roots extend beyond simple territorial disputes, intertwining with the emergence of Zionism, European colonialism, and shifting geopolitical interests. Understanding the conflict necessitates examining how the very image of Israel as a moral state became inextricably linked with Western powers' strategic objectives in the Middle East.

Zionism, born from the crucible of European anti-Semitism, sought to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine. However, this aspiration was not merely a return to an ancestral land; it was also framed by early proponents as a civilizing mission, positioning a future Jewish state as a Western outpost against the perceived "barbarism" of the Orient. This perspective facilitated an alliance with British imperial interests, notably solidified by the Balfour Declaration, transforming Zionism into a settler-colonial project. As Jewish communities grew, they often developed separately from the indigenous Arab population, laying the groundwork for future conflict. The creation of a "new Jew" - a secular, strong figure - was often contrasted with a feminized and "othered" Arab, echoing historical European prejudices.

A pivotal moment was the 1948 Nakba, the catastrophe resulting in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. The subsequent denial of this event became a foundational element of the Israeli narrative and, by extension, a point of contention within Western discourse. This denial contributed to a perception of Israeli impunity, where actions that might otherwise be deemed international crimes often escaped accountability. Post-World War II, the invention of a "Judeo-Christian" identity in the United States further integrated Jews into white Western civilization, simultaneously casting Arabs and Muslims as distinct "others," a narrative weaponized particularly after 9/11.

The 1967 Six-Day War solidified Israel's image as a formidable military power and strengthened its alliance with the United States. The resulting occupation of the Gaza Strip and West Bank ignited a settler movement aiming for a "greater Israel," perpetuating cycles of violence and dispossession. The ongoing conflict, including recent escalations, underscores the enduring legacy of settler colonialism and the challenges to achieving justice and lasting peace. Ultimately, a comprehensive understanding demands confronting these historical power dynamics and their profound impact on the present.