Captured State: Israel 20 Years After Disengaging from Gaza

As Israel marks the twentieth anniversary of its disengagement from Gaza, the political landscape has shifted dramatically, with the far-right and settler groups increasingly shaping national policy. This analysis explores the implications of the disengagement and the ongoing complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Historical Context of Disengagement

The disengagement from Gaza, executed under then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in 2005, was framed as a necessary step to enhance Israel’s security and demographic balance. The decision came amid rising domestic pressures, including the escalating costs of military operations in the West Bank and Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians had already lost their lives. Additionally, there was a desire to increase the Jewish majority within Israel’s borders. Sharon’s strategy appeared to be a tactical retreat, allowing Israel to consolidate its power while giving the impression of a willingness to negotiate peace.

However, the aftermath of the disengagement has been marked by conflict and violence. Events such as Hamas’s electoral victory in 2007, the wars in Gaza in 2008 and 2014, and the 2018 Great March of Return—where Palestinians protested for their right to return to lands from which they were displaced—have been portrayed by Israel’s far-right factions as vindications of their warnings against disengagement. They argue that returning territory to Palestinians has only led to further conflict and instability.

The Blockade and Its Consequences

Shortly after the disengagement, Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza that persists to this day. This blockade has been criticized by numerous human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, which describes Gaza as “the largest open-air prison in the world.” The blockade severely restricts the movement of people and goods, leading to dire humanitarian conditions, including widespread poverty and famine.

From its establishment in 1948 until the pullout from Gaza, Israel engaged in multiple military confrontations, including wars in 1956, 1967, and 1973, as well as invasions of Lebanon. The cumulative toll of these conflicts has been devastating, with over 64,000 Palestinians reported killed in Gaza alone, alongside ongoing violence and displacement in the occupied West Bank, which has been under Israeli control since 1967.

The Rise of the Far-Right

In recent years, Israel has witnessed the ascendancy of its most far-right government in history, raising serious concerns about human rights and international law. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant are currently facing allegations of war crimes at the International Criminal Court. This political environment has fostered a climate where settler groups and far-right ideologies dominate public discourse and policy-making.

Yossi Mekelberg, a senior consulting fellow at Chatham House, reflects on his visit to Gaza shortly after the disengagement. He recalls conversations with settlers who expressed a readiness to resist any future territorial concessions, indicating a deep-seated belief that relinquishing Gaza was a precursor to further territorial losses.

The Illusion of Peace

Despite initial hopes that the disengagement would pave the way for a genuine peace process, the reality has been starkly different. Shortly after the pullout, Sharon announced plans to expand settlements in the West Bank, undermining the viability of a future Palestinian state. His chief adviser, Dov Weinglass, remarked that the disengagement would effectively “freeze” the peace process, preserving Israel’s influence while sidelining Palestinian aspirations.

In 2023, the complexities of Israeli politics reveal a landscape where far-right leaders like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir have gained unprecedented power. Smotrich, now Israel’s finance minister, has openly stated that the West Bank will never form part of a Palestinian state, reflecting a broader strategy of state capture that extends into various institutions, including the military and education systems.

Institutional Influence and Militarization

The far-right’s influence is not limited to political power; it has also permeated Israel’s military and security apparatus. Ben-Gvir, who has gained control over the police and prison systems, has been accused of implementing policies that reflect a violent and messianic worldview. This shift has led to increased brutality and repression against Palestinians, further complicating the already tense situation.

The disengagement has undeniably fractured relations between religious Zionism and state institutions, particularly affecting ultra-Orthodox communities. The far-right’s strategy of institutional influence has reshaped the Israeli military’s identity, moving away from cooperation with secular elites towards a more ideologically driven approach.

Conclusion

As Israel reflects on two decades since the disengagement from Gaza, the implications of that decision continue to reverberate throughout the region. The far-right’s rise to power, coupled with ongoing violence and humanitarian crises, presents a complex and challenging landscape for both Israelis and Palestinians. The hope for a peaceful resolution remains elusive, overshadowed by deep-seated grievances and a political environment increasingly resistant to compromise.

Key Facts

– **Disengagement Date**: Israel disengaged from Gaza in 2005 under Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.
– **Blockade**: Following the disengagement, Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza, described by human rights groups as a form of collective punishment.
– **Casualties**: Over 64,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Gaza since 2005.
– **Political Landscape**: Israel currently has its most far-right government in history, with leaders facing war crimes allegations.
– **Settler Influence**: The far-right and settler groups have gained significant power, affecting various state institutions and military policies.

Source: www.aljazeera.com