Professor Haim Bresheeth-Žabner, an Israeli academic of Jewish descent and son of Holocaust survivors, has consistently spoken out against Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. With a background in film studies and a career as both a scholar and filmmaker, he brings a unique perspective to the historical and contemporary issues surrounding Israel’s policies and societal attitudes. A former IDF soldier, Bresheeth-Žabner’s outspoken views on Israel’s political climate have gained attention and provoked debate.
In a recent interview, Professor Bresheeth-Žabner shared his reflections on the direction Israeli society has taken, especially after the October 7 attacks by Hamas and the subsequent escalation in Gaza. This article delves into his insights and presents his call for a fundamental reassessment of Israeli society and Zionism itself.
Israeli Protests: A Symbol of Change or a Reflection of Division?
Professor Bresheeth-Žabner argues that while protests within Israel against Prime Minister Netanyahu have grown, they do not signal a real shift toward Palestinian rights. Instead, he believes that these demonstrations are largely rooted in internal Israeli concerns. According to Bresheeth-Žabner, many Israelis protesting Netanyahu are more focused on preserving Jewish democratic rights than advocating for Palestinian rights, and he sees this as evidence of a broader societal issue.
He highlights that only 3.2% of Israeli Jews feel that the state uses excessive force in Gaza, while a significant 43% argue that more force is needed. The stark disparity in perspectives reflects a strong tendency within Israeli society to normalize actions that Bresheeth-Žabner considers genocidal, leading him to question whether genuine empathy for Palestinians exists within Israeli discourse.
A Society in Need of Re-Education?
Bresheeth-Žabner believes that Israel has shifted from a society exhibiting fascist tendencies toward a fully entrenched Nazi-like mindset, especially regarding its treatment of Palestinians. He calls for a process similar to denazification,
which Germany underwent post-World War II, asserting that such a transformation is necessary for any hope of long-term peace. He argues that Zionism’s core tenets include ethnic cleansing and racism, making reconciliation difficult without a profound change in the societal psyche.
In his view, the entire Israeli social structure requires re-education to break away from ingrained biases and begin to see Palestinians as equals. Without this shift, he warns, Israel may continue down a path of self-destruction, unable to coexist with the Palestinian population it seeks to marginalize.
Israeli Media and the Dehumanization of Palestinians
According to Bresheeth-Žabner, Israeli media plays a pivotal role in dehumanizing Palestinians. He observes that Israeli broadcasts frequently depict Palestinians in Gaza as less than human, while the Israeli army is portrayed as the victim. Media coverage often excludes the suffering faced by Gazans, focusing instead on the actions of Israeli soldiers in conflict zones.
This media narrative, Bresheeth-Žabner argues, serves to bolster Israeli public opinion in favor of the government’s aggressive policies toward Gaza. The portrayal of Palestinians as violent or inhuman, he suggests, is a tactic used to justify the occupation and ongoing military actions.
British Media’s Role and the Influence of the Israeli Lobby
Bresheeth-Žabner also criticizes the British media for its complicity in spreading Israeli narratives. He claims that British outlets often promote unverified Israeli statements as fact, framing them as legitimate self-defense measures.
Furthermore, he points out that the British government has historically supported Zionist initiatives, dating back to the Balfour Declaration in 1917. Bresheeth-Žabner asserts that this long-standing relationship has led to a biased portrayal of the Israel-Palestine conflict in British media, aligning closely with Israel’s interests while neglecting Palestinian perspectives.
Questioning the Future of Zionism and Israel’s Path Forward
When asked about the possibility of peace and reconciliation, Bresheeth-Žabner is skeptical. He argues that Zionism, as an ideology, is incompatible with true coexistence, comparing it to colonialism and Nazism. In his opinion, any attempt at reconciliation must begin with dismantling Zionism,
which he believes perpetuates racism and ethnic cleansing. For Bresheeth-Žabner, a one-state solution based on equal rights for both Jews and Palestinians is the only viable path forward, but he sees little appetite for such a radical change within current Israeli society.
Conclusion: A Call for Change Beyond National Borders
Professor Haim Bresheeth-Žabner’s views challenge both Israeli and international perspectives on the Israel-Palestine conflict. He argues that without a significant shift in societal attitudes and the abandonment of Zionist principles, Israel will remain locked in a cycle of violence and oppression.
Through his work and public commentary, Bresheeth-Žabner aims to bring attention to what he sees as the urgent need for a transformation that reaches beyond mere political reform. His call for a reassessment of Israeli society resonates with those advocating for Palestinian rights and seeks to inspire a movement toward justice, accountability, and equality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Haim Bresheeth-Žabner?
Haim Bresheeth-Žabner is an Israeli academic, film scholar, and former soldier in the IDF. A son of Holocaust survivors, he has become a vocal critic of Israel’s policies towards Palestinians.
2. What is Bresheeth-Žabner’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict?
He believes that Israeli society has adopted a deeply racist and nationalist mindset, exacerbated by Zionist ideology, which he sees as inherently opposed to Palestinian rights.
3. Why does Bresheeth-Žabner call for the dismantling of Zionism?
Bresheeth-Žabner views Zionism as an ideology that promotes racism and ethnic cleansing, making peace impossible under its influence. He believes that only by abandoning Zionism can Israeli society evolve toward genuine equality.
4. How does he view Israeli media’s portrayal of Palestinians?
He argues that Israeli media routinely dehumanizes Palestinians, casting them as violent and inhuman to justify military actions in Gaza and suppress empathy for Palestinian suffering.
5. What does Bresheeth-Žabner propose for achieving peace?
He advocates for a fundamental change in Israeli society, including a process similar to post-WWII denazification, aimed at educating Israeli society to recognize Palestinians as equal human beings deserving of rights and respect.