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How Israel indoctrinates its people w/Miko Peled | The Chris Hedges Report

The Real News Network・2 minutes read

The Israeli military, deeply ingrained in society, influences government and industry, with a history rooted in settler colonialism and violence. Recent events have intensified militaristic nationalism, silencing dissent and leading to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Insights

  • The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) has a significant influence on Israeli society, with military service being a central aspect of citizens' lives, leading to a culture deeply rooted in war, militaristic nationalism, and violence.
  • The IDF's actions, including historical conflicts, ethnic cleansing, and brutalities, are often shielded from criticism, perpetuating a myth of heroism that contrasts starkly with the military's reality, showcasing a culture of violence, racism, and intolerance towards Palestinians and Arabs.

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Recent questions

  • What is the role of the Israeli army in society?

    The Israeli army, known as the Israel Defense Force (IDF), is central to Israeli society, with most citizens serving three years of military duty and continuing in reserves until middle age. Generals from the IDF often transition to senior roles in government and industry, showcasing the military's influence in Israeli society.

  • How does the Israeli military influence Zionist ideology?

    The prevalence of the military in Israeli culture contributes to the deep-rooted presence of war, militaristic nationalism, and violence in Zionist ideology. Israel's foundation is linked to a militarized settler colonial movement seeking legitimacy in biblical narratives, leading to a history of conflicts and violence.

  • What are the consequences of recent military failures in Gaza?

    Recent military failures in Gaza have led to high casualties among Israeli special forces, causing confusion and questioning within the Israeli population. The ongoing conflict in Gaza is seen as revenge by Israel, resulting in a humanitarian crisis with widespread suffering and disease among Palestinians.

  • How has religious Zionism impacted Israeli politics and society?

    The rise of religious Zionism within the Israeli government and military has led to a more violent and fanatical approach, with a willingness to harm civilians. Religious Zionists aim to take over Al-Aqsa and build a Jewish temple, attracting secular Israelis who see it as a national significance.

  • What is the response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza from American taxpayers?

    American taxpayers question why their government isn't supporting Palestinians, providing aid, or stopping the ongoing genocide. Most Americans desire a ceasefire, but Congress, influenced by the Israel lobby, resists it. The demand for a ceasefire is considered minimal, with the need for severe sanctions, a no-fly zone, immediate aid, and guarantees for Palestinian safety being crucial.

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Summary

00:00

Israeli Military Influence and Brutal Realities

  • The Israeli army, known as the Israel Defense Force or IDF, is central to Israeli society, with most citizens serving three years of military duty and continuing in reserves until middle age.
  • Generals from the IDF often transition to senior roles in government and industry, showcasing the military's influence in Israeli society.
  • The prevalence of the military in Israeli culture contributes to the deep-rooted presence of war, militaristic nationalism, and violence in Zionist ideology.
  • Israel's foundation is linked to a militarized settler colonial movement seeking legitimacy in biblical narratives, leading to a history of conflicts and violence.
  • The IDF's history includes ethnic cleansing, wars with Arab neighbors, invasions of Lebanon, Palestinian intifadas, and military strikes on Gaza, all rooted in settler colonialism.
  • Efforts to restrain the military, like those by Prime Minister Levi Eshkol, have been overshadowed by the military's influence, especially after setbacks in wars and invasions.
  • Extremists within Israel have abandoned democratic ideals, openly discussing apartheid and genocide, leading to the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and failure to uphold the Oslo Accords.
  • Recent events, like the attack on October 7 resulting in 1,200 Israeli deaths, have intensified militaristic nationalism in Israel, silencing dissenters.
  • Miko Peled, a former IDF member and author, discusses the military's role in Israeli society, highlighting the early indoctrination of children into military ethos.
  • The myth of the IDF's heroism, deeply ingrained in Israeli culture, contrasts starkly with the reality of the military's actions, including brutalities and war crimes, with little acknowledgment or discussion of these atrocities.

15:39

Israeli Loyalty and Military Culture in Crisis

  • The most loyal American Jews are strong supporters of Israel, with many Israelis in the DC and Maryland area also showing unwavering support for Israel.
  • The Israeli military's indoctrination is linked to the Holocaust, with the belief that militarization is a response to the atrocities of the Holocaust.
  • Personal experiences in the Israeli army reveal a culture of violence, racism, and intolerance towards Palestinians and Arabs.
  • The Israeli military is often revered and protected from criticism, but recent events have led to internal inquiries and criticism within the government.
  • Recent military failures in Gaza have led to high casualties among Israeli special forces, causing confusion and questioning within the Israeli population.
  • The lifestyle in Israeli settlements near Gaza is disrupted by Palestinian resistance, leading to a collapse of the military and intelligence systems.
  • The ongoing conflict in Gaza is seen as revenge by Israel, resulting in a humanitarian crisis with widespread suffering and disease among Palestinians.
  • The Israeli military's actions in Gaza are not seen as strategic but as a response to humiliation, with no clear plan to eliminate Hamas.
  • The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is exacerbating, with concerns about the uninhabitable conditions and the long-term impact on the Palestinian population.

29:22

US Sixth Fleet in Mediterranean, aiding Palestinians.

  • The Sixth Fleet, part of the US Navy, is in the Mediterranean and could potentially aid Palestinians by creating a no-fly zone and providing support.
  • American taxpayers question why their government isn't supporting Palestinians, providing aid, or stopping the ongoing genocide.
  • Most Americans desire a ceasefire, but Congress, influenced by the Israel lobby, resists it.
  • The demand for a ceasefire is considered minimal, with the need for severe sanctions, a no-fly zone, immediate aid, and guarantees for Palestinian safety being crucial.
  • Palestinians deserve more than just a ceasefire; the demand should include dismantling the apartheid state and ending the genocide.
  • Religious Zionism has risen within the Israeli government and military, with toxic combinations of messianic Judaism and nationalist fanaticism leading to violence and racism.
  • Religious Zionists aim to take over Al-Aqsa and build a Jewish temple, conducting tours with armed police, attracting secular Israelis who see it as a national significance.
  • Netanyahu benefits from the support of religious Zionists, ensuring his political power despite protests and opposition.
  • The rise of religious Zionism has led to a more violent and fanatical approach, with a willingness to harm civilians.
  • The relationship between settlers and secular Israelis is complex, with the former aiming to establish a Jewish temple at Al-Aqsa, symbolizing a return to a historical connection.

42:44

Exploring Israeli-Palestinian conflict with Miko Peled

  • Author mentioned: Miko Peled, writer of The General's Son: Journey of an Israeli in Palestine and Injustice: The Story of the Holy Land Foundation Five
  • Acknowledgment to Real News Network and its team members: Cameron Granandino, Adam Coley, David Hebden, and Kayla Rivara
  • Contact information provided: chrishedges.substack.com
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