– Asghar Ali Khan (B.E. Mechanical Engineer)
Ilan Pappé, a renowned Israeli historian and political scientist, has been quite vocal about the Israel-Palestine conflict. Recently, when asked if Zionism can survive the current war in Gaza, Pappé firmly believed that it cannot. In fact, he goes as far as to say that the liberation of Palestine is inevitable.
Pappé has written extensively on the topic, authoring 24 books, including his latest two publications: ‘Lobbying for Zionism on Both Sides of the Atlantic’ and ‘A Very Short History of the Israel-Palestine Conflict’. He has also shared his views through various articles and podcast appearances, discussing the ongoing war and its implications.
In an article published on the New Left Review’s Sidecar, Pappé presents six indicators that support his claim that Zionism is on the brink of collapse. These indicators include
- Fracturing of Israeli Jewish Society
A rift has emerged between two rival camps within Israeli Jewish society: the “State of Israel” and the “State of Judea.” The former, comprising secular, liberal, and mostly middle-class European Jews, advocates for a democratic and pluralistic society that excludes Arabs. The latter, which developed among West Bank settlers, seeks to establish a theocratic state stretching over historical Palestine.
This division has led to violent clashes between the two camps, and it is unlikely that they will reconcile. Instead, the State of Judea is gaining momentum, with over half a million Israelis representing the State of Israel having left the country since October 7.
The State of Judea’s ideology is rooted in Jewish supremacy, which is increasingly influential in Israeli politics. This shift has led to a decline in democratic values and an erosion of civil rights. The consequences of this trend are far-reaching, threatening the very foundations of Israeli society.
Recently, hundreds of Israeli economists warned government of economic crisis
- Economic Crisis
Israel’s economy is struggling, the political class does not seem to have any plan for balancing the public finances amid perpetual armed conflicts, beyond becoming increasingly reliant on American financial aid. In the final quarter of last year, the economy slumped by nearly 20%; since then, the recovery has been fragile. Washington’s pledge of $14 billion is unlikely to reverse this. and the economic burden will worsen if Israel engages in further conflicts.
The crisis is further aggravated by the incompetence of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who constantly channels money to Jewish settlements in the West Bank but seems otherwise unable to run his department. The conflict between the State of Israel and the State of Judea, along with the events of October 7, is meanwhile causing some of the economic and financial elite to move their capital outside the state. Those who are considering relocating their investments make up a significant part of the 20% of Israelis who pay 80% of the taxes.
- Growing International Isolation
Israel is becoming increasingly isolated, with the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court adopting unprecedented positions critical of Israel’s actions. This shift in international opinion is reflected in growing support for the Palestinian solidarity movement.
The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement has gained significant momentum in recent years, with many countries and organizations imposing sanctions on Israel. This growing international pressure is likely to exacerbate Israel’s economic crisis and further isolate the country.
- Shift in Young Jewish Opinion
Many young Jews worldwide are reevaluating their connection to Israel and Zionism. This erosion of support has significant implications for Israel’s global standing.
A recent survey found that over 40% of American Jewish students believe that Israel’s treatment of Palestinians is similar to or worse than the treatment of Jews during the Holocaust. This shift in opinion among young Jews is likely to continue, as they become increasingly disillusioned with Israel’s actions.
- Weakness of the Israeli Army
The IDF’s limitations were exposed on October 7, and Israel’s reliance on US support is growing. This perceived weakness has led to increased pressure to remove the military exemption for ultra-Orthodox Jews.
The IDF’s weakness has also led to a decline in morale among Israeli soldiers. Many soldiers are questioning the purpose of their military service, as they are increasingly deployed to suppress Palestinian protests rather than defend Israel’s borders.
The recent Israel-Iran war exposed the seemingly impenetrable missile defense system of Israel, the iron-dome, where a large number of missiles went through it to strike at the heart of Israeli cities
- Renewal of Energy among Young Palestinians
A new generation of Palestinians is emerging, united and clear about their prospects. They are preoccupied with establishing a genuinely democratic organization that will pursue a vision of emancipation antithetical to the Palestinian Authority’s campaign for state recognition.
This new generation of Palestinians is increasingly frustrated with the Palestinian Authority’s failure to deliver on its promises. They are seeking a more radical approach to achieving Palestinian liberation, one that prioritizes grassroots mobilization and international solidarity.
These are the six indicators that Pappé discussed but we know that Allah said in Quran:
(When Saul (Talut) marched forth with his army, he cautioned: “Allah will test you with a river. So, whoever drinks his fill from it is not with me, and whoever does not taste it—except a sip from the hollow of his hands—is definitely with me.” They all drank their fill except for a few! When he and the remaining faithful with him crossed the river, they said, “Now we are no match for Goliath (Jalut) and his warriors.” But those believers who were certain they would meet Allah reasoned, “How many times has a small force vanquished a mighty army by the Will of Allah! And Allah is always with the steadfast.” When they advanced to face Goliath and his warriors, they prayed, “Our Lord! Shower us with perseverance, make our steps firm, and give us victory over the disbelieving people.” So, they defeated them by Allah’s Will, and David killed Goliath. And Allah blessed David with kingship and wisdom and taught him what He willed. Had Allah not repelled a group of people by the might of another, corruption would have dominated the earth, but Allah is Gracious to all). (Surah Al-Baqarah- 2:249-251)
