Israel's Cult of Securitism Posted by Michael Cohen

My old and dear friend Dahlia Scheindlin has written a very smart and troubling piece for the Huffington Post on Israel's continued fetishization of security:

Israel lives in a cult of securitism, a glorification of the army and security matters. Its believers are suffused with nothing less than full-blown religious awe, including deep reverence for the unknowable aspects of this deity.

This is a completely average observation. Year after year, the Israel Defense Forces receive the highest levels of trust in Israel's annual Democracy Index surveys, levels hovering around 80% marks. Those levels of trust soar far above all other social institutions; in the public's eyes the IDF stands above the press and politicians by a long-shot, but also above the police, the Supreme Court, the president.

Year after year, the best jobs are doled out to combat unit veterans. Families push their kids to succeed in the army the way Americans push their kids to get a college education. In the Jewish state, education is an afterthought. Israel must justify this social investment that dominates and overshadows, without exaggeration, the whole social, political and economic life of the state.

Of course, Israel has a Security Threat which demands that no expense can be spared. But the material and fiscal expense is the least of our problems. The real threat is our appalling willingness to sacrifice all things equal, democratic, free and universal, at the altar of security.

Dahlia knows the Israeli political scene far better than I, but as she notes little that is argued here should seem all that surprising. The problem, however, is that the cult of securitism seems to be getting more profound and is threatening to turn Israel into a garrison state. Back in college I remember writing a paper about Israel's siege mentality and indeed upon winning election in 1992 it was one of the issues that Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin directly addressed in his inaugural address to the Knesset. Nearly 20 years later it seems that siege mentality, which held Israel in thrall for so long, has become as deeply embedded in Israeli society now as it was then. To be sure, this is not all Israel's fault - but that doesn't make it any less troubling or worrying for the country's future.

Read the whole piece here

Comments

[Huitzil]

Could this "cult" possibly be caused by the fact that 22 Arab and/or Muslim states are officially at war with them? Could it be caused by the fact that daily incitment to violence and hatred of the Jewish state, and of Jews worldwide, is promoted by the autocratic governments of those 22 Arab and/or Muslim states? What do you suggest, then? Should Isreal "reach out," make more concessions, etc etc, in the hope of vanquishing such intrenched hatred and enemity? How about one-to-one, people-to-people cultural exchanges, like Nixon's "ping-pong" diplomacy with the PRC? That would work, wouldn't it? Except for the fact that any Israeli or Jew is officially banned from stepping on so-called Muslim land...

So, instead of getting all kumbaya over Israeli obsession with security (and who wouldn't be obsessed in such circumstances?) why don't you write about Arab/Muslim obsession with their rejection of the Jewish state?Why not insist that they cease and desist their offical anti Semitic propaganda campaigns, which would probably have made even Goebbles blush a bit and think, "Why can't we get away with this stuff here, in Germany? Germans are such pussies!" Of course we know that Goebbles had in Haj Hussein, the Mufti of Jerusalem, and the father of Arab/Muslim "resistance," a powerful voice in the Arab world, but that's not the point.

[Huitzil]

Could this "cult" possibly be caused by the fact that 22 Arab and/or Muslim states are officially at war with them? Could it be caused by the fact that daily incitment to violence and hatred of the Jewish state, and of Jews worldwide, is promoted by the autocratic governments of those 22 Arab and/or Muslim states? What do you suggest, then? Should Isreal "reach out," make more concessions, etc etc, in the hope of vanquishing such intrenched hatred and enemity? How about one-to-one, people-to-people cultural exchanges, like Nixon's "ping-pong" diplomacy with the PRC? That would work, wouldn't it? Except for the fact that any Israeli or Jew is officially banned from stepping on so-called Muslim land...

So, instead of getting all kumbaya over Israeli obsession with security (and who wouldn't be obsessed in such circumstances?) why don't you write about Arab/Muslim obsession with their rejection of the Jewish state?Why not insist that they cease and desist their offical anti Semitic propaganda campaigns, which would probably have made even Goebbles blush a bit and think, "Why can't we get away with this stuff here, in Germany? Germans are such pussies!" Of course we know that Goebbles had in Haj Hussein, the Mufti of Jerusalem, and the father of Arab/Muslim "resistance," a powerful voice in the Arab world, but that's not the point.

[DePetris]

The thing that I found most interesting within Israeli politics is the negative relationship between real security and this "siege mentality." Since the end of the Second Intifada, Israelis have been relatively safe from terrorist attacks. This seems like a generic statement on my part, but looking at facts on the ground lends credence to this type of argument.

Over the last few years, suicide-attacks inside Israeli proper have declined to an almost non-existent level. Part of this success is obviously due to the work of the Israel Defense Forces. But this is hardly the only factor involved; Fatah has proven to be a great security partner in the West Bank. The West Bank used to be a breeding ground for terrorist activity against Israel. In fact, a vast portion of Palestinian suicide-attacks originated from inside West Bank territory, particularly when Yasser Arafat was still at the helm.

But with Abbas in control, and with the Palestinian Security Forces doing a remarkable job inside and around Ramallah, the Israel-West Bank border is now largely pacified.

Of course, this totally disregards the Gaza Strip, as well as the dangerous and desolate environment that currently dominates the Gaza Strip today. But compared to ten years ago, Israel is experiencing a pretty peaceful time in its nation's history. And yet, Netanyahu (and his right-wing coalition) is content on drumming up the fear of an impending attack.

I guess as violence goes down, securitism goes up.

[Huitzil]

So, "part of the success" in stopping suicide bombers is due to the efforts of the IDF? The other part is because the PA is such a "great partner." If I was Israeli, I'd be entitled to think that all the success is due to the IDF, because without it, the PA would never have stopped funding and inciting the suicide bombers. Or do you think they just got tired of this tactic, or that they decided that it violates the laws of war? Therefore, Israeli "obsession" with security is fully justified. If it were us, we'd call it "self defense" or "survival" and tell anyone who thought different to get a life.

One other "factor" is relevant here: the invasion of Iraq. Before the invasion, Saddam was funding the families of suicide bombers to the tune of $25 thousand each with his ill-gotten wealth scammed from the UN Oil-for-Food program. No more Saddam, no more suicide bombers... I know that it would be a post hoc fallacy to say so in so many words, but still, it does bear thinking about, doesn't it?

[nintendo ds]

Additionally, the state of Israel sometimes does terrible things in its zealous worship of the security god, things it reveals to know are wrong through cover-ups which has to be stopped because security is not religion and in a democracy nothing should be above the law. The only real security is the freedom to know.

[AbeBird]

nintendo ds; What exactly " zealous worship's terrible things" Israel does? Is the military activity to tackle the terrorists before they reach the fence is so "zealous worship"-kind of action?
Why can a US helicopter screw a reporter and other civilians and it wouldn’t be considered as "zealous worship"?
Democracy is not above the law but the law itself. Nothing is not above the others but the assents itself. Only value of the lives of the people is a virtue that the law within a democracy let the legal authorities to act appropriate (not necessarily 'proportional"!) in order to defend the people. The greater the threats, the greater the uncommon steps that democracies can and should take. Israel, in spite the continuous threat against her, take the minimum need steps at any test you'll take!

[chanel handbags]

Chanel Handbags are woman’s dream come true.

Chanel, a fashion name that has become synonymous with femininity since 100 years, is on the must-have list of every fashion-conscious woman.? And we bring these must-have Chanel Handbags at never before discounts, just for you.

It is only when you come across an Chanel New Arrivals, do you realize the power of her words.? Chanel handbags are crafted not just to be trendy, but trend-setting.? Hardly has lived a celebrity who has not been seen carrying a Chanel handbag under her arm; such has the influence of Chanel handbags as a fashion statement.

Chanel handbags have been so popular in the elite classes of the society, that their pricing is usually prohibitive for everyone else.? Discount Chanel handbags are really difficult to come across, but today should be your lucky day.? We bring you a superb unbeatable range of Chanel Flap bags, all at fantastic discounts.? With us, you have an incredible chance to buy your favorite Chanel handbags at rock bottom prices!

Chanel Handbags have always been at the forefront of luxury and style.? The Chanel classic quilted leather handbags and its reinventions have ruled fashion since forever.? Chanel handbags have remained extremely popular as they continue to merge evolving modern trends with the class and simplicity of its original avatar.

An Chanel 2008 Collection and Chanel 2009 Collection single handedly enhances the look you are carrying.? The reason you would buy a Chanel handbag is own a bag that mingles with your charm and intensifies it with its inherent simplicity.? If you have owned an authentic Chanel handbag before, you know what we are talking about.? If you are one of the unlucky people who haven’t yet gotten a chance to own an Chanel Cambon, now is your chance to shop for an authentic Chanel handbag and discover its ability to transform your look completely.

Buy Chanel handbags with us, and get fabulous discounts which you will never get at your favorite store.? We offer cheap authentic Chanel handbags and they are all up for grabs!

[chanel handbags]

Chanel Handbags are woman’s dream come true.

Chanel, a fashion name that has become synonymous with femininity since 100 years, is on the must-have list of every fashion-conscious woman.? And we bring these must-have Chanel Handbags at never before discounts, just for you.

It is only when you come across an Chanel New Arrivals, do you realize the power of her words.? Chanel handbags are crafted not just to be trendy, but trend-setting.? Hardly has lived a celebrity who has not been seen carrying a Chanel handbag under her arm; such has the influence of Chanel handbags as a fashion statement.

Chanel handbags have been so popular in the elite classes of the society, that their pricing is usually prohibitive for everyone else.? Discount Chanel handbags are really difficult to come across, but today should be your lucky day.? We bring you a superb unbeatable range of Chanel Flap bags, all at fantastic discounts.? With us, you have an incredible chance to buy your favorite Chanel handbags at rock bottom prices!

Chanel Handbags have always been at the forefront of luxury and style.? The Chanel classic quilted leather handbags and its reinventions have ruled fashion since forever.? Chanel handbags have remained extremely popular as they continue to merge evolving modern trends with the class and simplicity of its original avatar.

An Chanel 2008 Collection and Chanel 2009 Collection single handedly enhances the look you are carrying.? The reason you would buy a Chanel handbag is own a bag that mingles with your charm and intensifies it with its inherent simplicity.? If you have owned an authentic Chanel handbag before, you know what we are talking about.? If you are one of the unlucky people who haven’t yet gotten a chance to own an Chanel Cambon, now is your chance to shop for an authentic Chanel handbag and discover its ability to transform your look completely.

Buy Chanel handbags with us, and get fabulous discounts which you will never get at your favorite store.? We offer cheap authentic Chanel handbags and they are all up for grabs!

[stianless steel rings]

We don't take the luxury route, just playing crazy exaggeration and assertive personality. In addition we break the traditional and innovative stainless steel bracelet, stainless steel rings and so on. Our stainless steel jewelry has great stage effects. The color, texture and design are very fashion. The breakthrough in molding achieves the strong sense of art stainless steel jewelry. It experiences a foreign land and customs, tracking the trend of the international fashion accessories. Our company welcomes the large stainless steel jewelry wholesalers to e-mail consultation.
E-mail: sus360@hotmail.com
website: http://www.sus360.com

[ugg classic 5825 boots]

Mickie and Michelle lock up for a bit, all before Beth nails Mickie in the head with a killer stinger. Awkward, but really cool! The enemy of my enemy is my friend, right? Wrong. While Michelle stood there for a second, pondering the many possibilities of shoe shopping and having some girl talk with her new bestie (you know, instead of actually taking advantage of the moment and pinning Mickie), Beth decides to level the playing field by sending Michelle flat on her ass, too. Beth leaves the ring with her usual snarky smirk, as Layla quickly accepts a pinfall via Mickie, just about as quickly as she entered the ring, telling Michelle she could finish the match. Great. You can walk to the next arena, Layla. But you’ll still look fabulous.

[huo638671]

Generally speaking, if the clothing is very simple, there is no decoration, you can wear a brooch or pin. Brooch can be pinned to the collar on a jacket or suit, and the shoulders. However, if wearing a links london, it can only be worn on the inside of jacket, visible only from the neck, but not worn on the outside.Every twenty years the majority oflinks of london jewellerywill be out of date, only a single grain of precious stones, pearls and exceptions.

[birkenstock]

Birkenstock was Made in Germany since 1774 . Check out our Birkenstock sandals and Birkenstock shoes including the Birkenstock gizeh,at the lowest regular outlet prices, free shipping and when you put on Birkenstocks. you will feel very comfortable.

[sesli sohbet]

Very informative and trustworthy blog. Please keep updating with great posts like this one. I have booked marked your site and am about to email it to a few friends of mine that I know would enjoy reading

[SesLi-SoHbET]

Additionally, the state of Israel sometimes does terrible things in its zealous worship of the security god, things it reveals to know are wrong through cover-ups which has to be stopped because security is not religion and in a democracy nothing should be above the law. The only real security is the freedom to know.

[TıkLa-SohbeT]

seslisohbet siteleri arasında ekol bir adres sestonum hemen sohbette başlamak icin sestonum 'tıklayınız..! seslisohbet ve seslichat adreslerinin gözdesi hemen tıklayarak seslisohbet yapmaya başlaya bilirsiniz..!

sestonum
seslichat
seslisohbet

[QodesQoM]

Türkiyenin ilk Hiphop Sitesi Hiphop, Gekko G Fan Sitesi Gekko G, Mask animasyon

[FFXIV GIL]

Are you fighting in Final Fantasy XIV for FFXIV Gil or Final Fantasy XIV Gil?
Can you suffer yourself being called newbie in FFXIV Gil game?
Are you seeking unofficial Buy FFXIV Gil cheats or Final Fantasy XIV guides in order to make Final Fantasy XIV Gil faster?
Can you get millions of Cheap FFXIV Gil in one day?
Even if you know how to farm Buy Final Fantasy XIV Gil you have to prepare enough Final Fantasy XIV Power Leveling first to buy height class Final Fantasy XIV Items, to upgrade your Final Fantasy XIV characters.
Buy aika gold
AIKA Gold
Cheap aika gold
Then why not Buy FFXIV Gil from us?
In Final Fantasy XIV it's the fastest way FF14 Gil,for you to get rich. We are online 24 hours a day ready and 7 days one week to power up your FFXIV Gil accounts with FFXIV Gil. Here is the best place for the Final Fantasy XIV Online players to buy your Final Fantasy XIV Gil.
We are the professional website in FFXIV GIL sale.FFXIV GIL here,We are professional FFXIV Power Leveling online. We update price every single day to make sure we are the lowest in the market.(we don't compare price with scam sites which uses unbelievable low price to deceive.)
Our slogan:Cheapest price, Fastest delivery, Best service!
In the 2 years we are in this field , WWW.GMMMO.COM built many business with tens of thousands of customers. They are very satisfied with our service.So if you want to get a log of Cheap FFXIV Gil ,no doubt ,come to our website to buy. Our customer service is ready for you on line now!（WWW,GM MMO,COM）

[Best Replica Watches]

Good blog, where it taught me a lot! Thank you! The hope of improving the content!

[Replica Rolex Watch]

That's a good idea, like it! Thank you for sharing!

[louis vuitton belts]

schools? It really gives the lie to the idea that Russia
Buy Final Fantasy XIV Gil
growth due to energy prices. And can you imagine Russia's

[designer handbags on sale]

That's a good idea, like it! Thank you for sharing!

[ugg boots clearance]

Who doesn’t want to ugg boots clearance have a good future? It’s something everyone desires. But, for that, you must first accept that your future is your responsibility. The one who determines whether or not you have a good future is you ugg boots outlet. Don’t expect the circumstances or someone else to take care of it for you. It’s you who must take action ugg boots clearance.

With that understood, what should we do to have a good future ugg boots clearance?

I believe that one important thing you should do is investing in your future. Investing in your future means making some sacrifices in the present to reap rewards later ugg boots clearance. It means investing your time and money in something that might not give you immediate return, but which could give you tremendous value later. It also means preparing for the uncertainties of the future ugg boots clearance.

Sadly, many people don’t do it ugg boots clearance. They only think about the present. Therefore, when something unexpected happens, they aren’t ready and get into a difficult situation. For example, many people just do the same job with the same skills all the time. They don’t improve themselves and prepare for future changes. They neither learn new skills nor expand their knowledge. Then, when the situation changes, their skills are no longer relevant and they lose their job ugg boots outlet.

[white iphone 4]

Hi, where did you get this information can you please support this with some proof or you may say some good reference as I and others will really appreciate. This information is really good and I will say will always be helpful if we try it risk free. So if you can back it up. That will really help us all. And this might bring some good repute to you.

[white iphone 4]

Hey, je viens de lire ce blog depuis un moment et j'ai une question, peut-être vous pouvez aider ... c'est comment puis-je ajouter votre flux à mon lecteur de flux RSS que je veux te suivre. Merci.

[iphone cases]

Merci pour le blog chargé de l'information tant. L'arrêt de votre blog m'a aidé à obtenir ce que je cherchais.

[moliva]

Hey, je viens de lire ce blog depuis un moment et j'ai une question, peut-être vous pouvez orjin krem aider ... c'est comment puis-je ajouter votre flux à mon lecteur de flux RSS que je veux te suivre. Merci.

[devlet hastaneleri randevu]

as Layla quickly accepts a pinfall via Mickie, just about as quickly as she entered the ring, telling Michelle she could finish the match. Great.

[Penis Enlargement]

These kind of post are always inspiring and I prefer to read quality content so I happy to find many good point here in the post, writing is simply great, thank you for the post

[knockoff handbags]

i am glad to study your opinion...

[wholesale imitation jewelry]

This article truly did switch the light on for me as far as this specific issue goes. Nonetheless at this time there is actually one particular issue I am not too comfortable with so whilst I try to reconcile that with the actual main theme of the position, permit me see exactly what the rest of the readers have to say.Very well done.

[pembe maske]

This is one of the good articles you can find in the net
explaining everything in detail regarding the topic.revivaly pembe maske I thank
you for taking your time sharing your thoughts and ideas to a
lot of readers out there.

[Oakley Sunglasses]

I really liked your article and I shared with my friends in my facebook account ..

[replica louis vuitton handbags]

Thanks for the insight. You are absolutely right.

[Afrika Mangosu]

Wow, Great post,Nice work, I would like tütüne son to read your blog every day As long Balderesi as our government yemek tarifi do the best, manzaralar I think we must appreciate them. nanomatik Its not easy to rule a country. moliva You don’t know bout that coz you orjin krem too busy to say some critics. formula 21 You should want and klavis panax see what happen. Zayıflama Thanks