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Time to boycott Israel? | Head to Head

Al Jazeera English・2 minutes read

Israel's occupation solidified with each peace talk, dashing hopes for peace and a Palestinian state, as Norman Finkelstein advocates for a two-state solution despite criticism and differing views, while others like Jeff Halper believe in the unfeasibility of a two-state solution due to irreversible facts on the ground.

Insights

  • Norman Finkelstein advocates for a two-state solution, emphasizing international and popular support for it, despite facing criticism for his views. He believes in redrawing borders based on old maps, remaining optimistic about its feasibility despite numerous failed peace talks, asserting its viability over a one-state solution.
  • Jeff Halper, however, argues against the two-state solution, deeming it unattainable due to irreversible facts on the ground. On the other hand, Oliver Kamm aligns with Finkelstein, believing a two-state solution is still possible and desirable. The debate over these solutions is complex, with varying perspectives on their practicality and alignment with international law.

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Recent questions

  • What is the controversy surrounding Norman Finkelstein?

    Finkelstein's views on redrawing borders and a two-state solution have sparked debate.

  • Is a two-state solution still feasible in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

    Finkelstein remains optimistic about the viability of a two-state solution.

  • What is the BDS movement in relation to Israel?

    BDS aims to isolate Israel and end its occupation.

  • What are the criticisms of equating criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism?

    Critics argue against conflating criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism.

  • What are the implications of abandoning the two-state solution?

    Debates arise on the consequences of supporting a one-state solution.

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Summary

00:00

Debating the Feasibility of Two-State Solution

  • Israel has solidified its occupation with every peace talk, asserting Jerusalem as its capital, dashing hopes for peace and a Palestinian state.
  • Norman Finkelstein, a controversial figure, believes in redrawing borders based on old maps, despite criticism for his views.
  • Finkelstein advocates for a two-state solution, emphasizing international and popular support for it.
  • Despite numerous failed attempts at peace talks, Finkelstein remains optimistic about the feasibility of a two-state solution.
  • Finkelstein argues that a two-state solution is more viable than a one-state solution, given the current political landscape.
  • Jeff Halper, an activist, believes the two-state solution is no longer possible due to irreversible facts on the ground.
  • Oliver Kamm, a columnist, agrees with Finkelstein that a two-state solution is still possible and desirable.
  • Finkelstein proposes allowing around 60% of Israeli settlers to remain in place as part of a two-state solution.
  • Finkelstein acknowledges the challenges of convincing Israel to agree to a two-state solution but believes it is achievable with international pressure.
  • Salma Karmi-Ayyoub, a Palestinian activist, argues against the two-state solution, deeming it unfair and impractical for addressing broader Palestinian issues.

15:01

"Debate over BDS and international law"

  • Active support involves mass nonviolent resistance in occupied territories, with the first attempt being successful but ultimately aborted.
  • The situation in the occupied territories is dynamic, with the potential for the Palestinian Authority to collapse, leading to new possibilities like a one-state solution.
  • Support for the one-state solution is strong, contingent on a collapse that would render current discussions irrelevant.
  • The BDS movement, akin to the South African anti-apartheid movement, aims to isolate Israel and impose costs for its occupation.
  • While supporting BDS tactics, there is contention over the goal of ending Israel's occupation and recognizing Palestinian rights.
  • BDS aligns with international law, emphasizing the right to self-determination, but the recognition of Israel's statehood under international law is debated.
  • Criticism of Israel is legitimate, but comparisons to apartheid are seen as tendentious and disgraceful.
  • The debate over BDS and international law is contentious, with accusations of misunderstanding and attacks on BDS supporters.
  • The discussion shifts to Norman Finkelstein's controversial views and his stance on being labeled a self-hating Jew.
  • Finkelstein's book "The Holocaust Industry" is scrutinized for its provocative language and accusations of anti-Semitic stereotypes.

29:21

Debating Israel: Holocaust, Criticism, Solutions, Consequences

  • Raul Hilberg, a leading authority on the Nazi Holocaust, praised the Holocaust industry and stated his conclusions in his book were conservative.
  • The US Holocaust Museum and Elie Wiesel asked Hilberg to remove his name from a book, but he refused, affirming the truth of what was written.
  • Hilberg, a son of Nazi Holocaust survivors, emphasized his sensitivity to Holocaust denial accusations and affirmed his commitment to acknowledging the Holocaust.
  • Jeff Halper from the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions expressed reservations about linking criticism of Israel to anti-Semitism.
  • Halper argued against equating criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism, emphasizing the distinction between Israel as a country and Jews as a people.
  • Discussion arose on whether it is easier to criticize Israel from within the country compared to outside, with varying opinions on the level of criticism.
  • Oliver highlighted the Israeli Foreign Ministry's concept of the new anti-Semitism, which associates criticism of Israeli government policies with anti-Semitism.
  • Salami, a Palestinian based in Britain, discussed the challenges faced in debating the principles underlying the state of Israel without being labeled anti-Semitic.
  • Audience members raised questions about the feasibility and implications of a one-state solution versus a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  • Debates ensued on the support for a one-state solution among Palestinians and the potential consequences of abandoning the two-state solution.

43:40

Decline in Two-State Solution Support

  • Support for a two-state solution drops significantly when discussing actual settlement on the June 67 border and a Palestinian capital in East Jerusalem, decreasing from as high as 95% to 10-15%.
  • The speaker clarifies that while he admires Hezbollah for expelling foreign occupiers from their country, he does not explicitly support the group, emphasizing the courage and heroism displayed.
  • The speaker believes in the effectiveness of nonviolent resistance, citing Gandhi's tactics as applicable in certain circumstances, particularly in internationally recognized areas like Israel-Palestine, contrasting it with situations like South Lebanon where nonviolence was deemed ineffective due to lack of global attention.
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