Israeli impunity – how can it be allowed to continue?

JVL Introduction

In the last few days we have seen a devastating statement from the Lemkin Institute and two fine articles from Guardian columnists asking the crucial question in the minds of millions around the world – how is it possible that Israel continues to enjoy impunity for its systematic erasure of the Palestinian people?

Nesrine Malik catalogues the unequivocal expressions of genocidal intent by Israel’s leaders and asks: “why are these people not being taken at their word? Why is there no sense of urgency and outrage. Why are these policies and stated goals from the Israeli state not taken seriously and met with appropriate sanctions, trade and arms embargos, and international censure?”

The article below by Arwa Mahdani, who is part Palestinian, focuses on the “cartoonishly evil” national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, arguing persuasively that his power depends on the complicity of “an international community that has afforded Israel complete impunity.”

She lambasts lawmakers who insist on defending Israel at all costs, and international media organisations that demonise Palestinians, “cast doubt on our claims, and manufacture consent for erasure and expulsion.”

Ben-Gvir may be an embarrassment to Israel’s defenders, says Mahdani, “but he is no anomaly. He is very much the face of modern Israel and his vision for the country accurately reflects the reality on the ground. … He is the international community’s creation.”

This article was originally published by The Guardian on Thu 3 Sep 2026. Read the original here.