Since its creation in 1948, Israel has been embroiled in many wars with Palestinians and some Arab countries. Historically, these wars have sparked debates within Israel, with not insignificant segments of the population voicing concern over the harsh treatment of Palestinians and advocating for respecting their human rights. However, the recent war on Gaza has been marked by a striking absence of any significant internal dissent or even timid debate. This raises a crucial question: How has Israeli society transformed to the point where public protest against the wars and violations of Palestinian human rights has largely disappeared?
Throughout Israel’s history, there have been occasions of internal opposition to the state’s military actions. During the 1982 Lebanon War, the Peace Now movement staged mass protests, decrying the invasion and occupation of parts of Lebanon. The First Intifada in the late 1980s also saw significant opposition, as some Israelis grappled with the moral implications of the military occupation and the harsh measures used against Palestinians. Even during the Second Intifada and subsequent wars on Gaza, there were pockets of Israeli society that actively protested, calling for a more humane approach and a two-state solution. ….more
