P F Tinmore,
et al,
The Honorable Hanin Zoabi, Member of the Knesset (MK), is passionate and determined, yet --- IMO got it wrong
(but again --- I'm an outsider).
Haneen Zoabi MK Talks About Israel Apartheid and Lack of Democracy
(COMMENT)
First off, The Honorable MK, frames the argument in behalf of the 1,200,000 Palestinians that are Israeli Citizens, as a minority --- as if they lack the protections thereto, by innuendo. As if it were some sort of oppressive apartheid. I think anyone that examines the facts can see this is not the case. The Honorable Members ability to standup and state her opinion is a matter of record (as evidenced by the videos).
Second, the Honorable Member frames her argument on several key points:
- Strategic threat by internal definition (noting that the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza are not defined as a Strategic Threat)(noting that only a portion of the internal Israel-Palestinian citizens as defined as a strategic threat),
- Racist Dominance,
- Definition of Israel as a Jewish State (at the expense of the Palestinians),
- Jewish State 'vs' Democracy (Noting this is the key issue which "stands behind" the system of Israel), (Noting that this is what "we should target - this is what stands behind all this racist, apartheid discrimination").
And it is this which, as an outsider, I would address (in reverse order).
Jewish State 'vs' Democracy:
- The Honorable Member's use of the term "Jewish State" has connotations to it (as if it were a bad thing). The creation of the "Jewish State" was but one of a number of possible solutions to the basic goal outlined by the Allied Powers (nearly a century ago) in the establishment of a Jewish National Home (JNH). And the creation of a "Jewish State," as a solution to the establishment of a JNH, was the majority opinion of the United Nations in 1947, as the best option. And that opinion was the creation of a "Jewish State," an "Arab State," and an "Independent Jerusalem." Not whether or not you adhere to the international legitimacy of General Assembly Resolution 181(II) (as a stand-alone and separate argument), the fact of the matter is --- it was acceptable then --- to the majority of the membership, that a "Jewish State" be established.
- The Honorable Member's use of the term "Democracy" has connotations to it (as if it were absolutely essential and a prerequisite of some sort). The Honorable Member forgets to mention that the US, the UK, each of the EU States, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, etc,,, are NOT Democracies; none of them --- not even the US (we are a "republic" with a federal-bicameral congress and state/commonwealth legislatures --- I pledge Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the "Republic" for which it stands,"). To argue that Israel must have a true "democracy" flies in the face of the "right of self-determination." It is, at its core, a flawed argument.
Definition of Israel as a Jewish State:
- The recognition and the designation of the State of Israel as a "Jewish State" one needs only to examine the language, adopted by the General Assembly:
A/RES/181(II) 29 November 1947, "3. Independent Arab and Jewish States and the Special International Regime for the City of Jerusalem, set forth in part III of this plan, shall come into existence in Palestine two months after the evacuation of the armed forces of the mandatory Power has been completed but in any case not later than 1 October 1948. The boundaries of the Arab State, the Jewish State, and the City of Jerusalem shall be as described in parts II and III below."
Racist Dominance:
- There is no racial dominance between the non-Palestinian citizenry (approximately 6,900,000) and the Palestinian citizenry (approximately 1,200,000); but a cultural and tribal distinction. If it were a black 'vs' white distinction, then there might be a basis for such a claim. But to be honest, if I had not actually been to the Middle East, I could not tell the difference between The Honorable Hanin Zoabi and any other Israeli; except those of a different skin color. Certainly, I find it hard for me (an outsider) to see a racial component here.
- On the one hand, The Honorable Hanin Zoabi, argues that Israel should be "Democratic." On the other hand, she argues that the Palestinian should be represented and distinguished beyond the government by the people; especially: rule of the majority. Again, there is a double conflict here. You cannot argue for special consideration in favor of the minority and then also argue that "Democracy" and the "Right of Self-Determination" are paramount.
Strategic Threat:
This is a matter of internal security
(Westphalian Sovereignty).
Additional Protocol I (API) will apply. In internal, non-international armed conflict (NIAC), common article 3 applies and Additional Protocol II (APII). . Importantly,
Article 3 of APII of 8 June 1977 states:
1. Nothing in this Protocol shall be invoked for the purpose of affecting the sovereignty of a State or the responsibility of the government, by all legitimate means, to maintain or re-establish law and order in the State or to defend the national unity and territorial integrity of the State.
2. Nothing in this Protocol shall be invoked as a justification for intervening, directly or indirectly, for any reason whatever, in the armed conflict or in the internal or external affairs of the High Contracting Party in the territory of which that conflict occurs.
This is to say that, in the first place, the internal security matters of the State of Israel, are its matter, beyond the intervention of the international community, except where the High Contracting Parties have agreed. This is consistent with the Customary Law that
The entire schema of the presentations by The Honorable Hanin Zoabi is an appeal for sympathy.
"Appeal to Pity/ sympathy uses values as emotional levers to gain compliance. This can be particularly powerful, as it is a strong social force, it is about 'being good' and can easily lead to further commitment."
"There's a sucker born every minute!" ---- David Hannum
Most Respectfully,
R