Exploring the current events in Palestine from the perspective of anti-Zionist Israeli historian Avi Shlaim, it becomes clear that the roots of the conflict extend beyond October 7th to the year 1967. In an interview with Al Jazeera Net, Shlaim insists that understanding the Israeli war on Gaza requires comprehension of the historical context. The professor at St Antony’s College, Oxford University, criticizes the “revenge” approach of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, predicting it will lead to no productive outcome. Shlaim, belonging to the group of ‘New Historians’ in Israel, is renowned for challenging established narratives and believing that post-1967, Israel has become a colonial and apartheid state, as discussed in his works like “The Politics of Partition” (1995) and “The Iron Wall: Israel and the Arab World” (2001). Avi Shlaim’s historical perspective
The discussion also touches upon the military unit “Squadron Falcon,” which was involved in the operation “Al Aqsa Flood.” Shlaim questions the real reasons behind the current situation, emphasizing that the conflict didn’t start on October 7th but can be traced back to 1967 when Israel occupied Palestinian territories. He condemns the portrayal of Gaza as a potential Middle Eastern Singapore by Israelis, which contrasts with its reality as an open prison.
Furthermore, Shlaim critiques the disproportionate Israeli response to Hamas’ attacks, viewing it as state-sponsored terrorism, more dangerous than the attacks themselves. Evaluating Netanyahu’s handling of the war and the West’s hypocritical response, he suggests a grim political future for Netanyahu and criticizes Western powers for their double standards and complicity in the attack on Gaza.
Lastly, Shlaim comments on the increasing Jewish hostility towards Arabs in Israel, fueled by a shift to the right-wing in Israeli politics, and condemns attempts to silence criticism of the occupation under the guise of anti-Semitism. He differentiates between anti-Semitism, hatred of Jews for their religious identity, and anti-Zionism, opposition to the Zionist ideology governing Israel’s policies towards Palestinians.
This article presents an in-depth look at Avi Shlaim’s perspective, offering a critical view of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that challenges conventional narratives and encourages a historical understanding of the ongoing strife.
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