Israel’s Emerging Occupation Consensus
JVL Introduction
There is a deep rift between the Israeli people and their government, centring of the problem of the c.50 hostages still held in Gaza.
The majority of Israelis are really not convinced prosecuting the war will save them; some 70 percent of them wanting a deal now and an end to the war as soon as possible.
But, as Dahlia Sheindlin shows convincingly, the growing distaste for Netanyahu is not a sign that mainstream Israelis hold significantly different views on essential longer-term issues.
Her alarming conclusion: “Since October 7, a growing political consensus has emerged in Israel around the view that military might is the exclusive basis for Israel’s survival.”
RK
This article was originally published by Other News: Voices Against the Tide on Thu 14 Aug 2025. Read the original here.
Israel’s Emerging Occupation Consensus
Despite Misgivings About Netanyahu’s Gaza Plans, Most Israelis Support His Approach to the Palestinians
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Israel’s pro-occupation consensus of opinion clashes head on with the solidifying, increasingly activist consensus of world opinion that it’s a rogue nation and its wrongdoing must be stopped and punished, in everyone’s interests.
That world consensus of opinion is showing itself in ways the Israeli government can’t counter – eg foreign businesses (Microsoft possibly included) pulling back from commerce with Israel; universities and professional bodies no longer willing to interact with their Israeli equivalents; and the increasingly cool and hostile reactions of countries that used to be allies.
How long can any Israeli consensus of opinion hold when its citizens properly understand the damage it’s already doing their own interests – and how precarious their own situation is becoming? As the “Times of Israel” pointed out, Israel’s security is fragile, resting largely on the backing of only one country, a country led by a deeply unpopular, politically failing and unpredictable 79 year old.