Norman Finkelstein on Orthodox Jews Protesting Israel and Gaza Conflict

Orthodox Jewish Protests Against Israeli Actions

• 💡 Norman Finkelstein discusses protests by Orthodox Jews against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, noting that American Jews do not want Trump to meet with him.
• 📌 These protesters label Netanyahu a "murderer," "genocidal," and "anti-semitic," stating that the Israeli state does not represent world Jewry.
• 🎭 Historically, original Zionists were largely atheist and socialist, with many religious Jews believing a state should not be built before the Messiah.

Historical Context and Religious Zionism

• 🧩 The speaker notes a significant shift, as religious elements are now prominent in Israeli politics, citing figures like Smotrich and Ben Gavir as examples of "Jewish supremacists."
• ⚠️ A historical anecdote recalls PLO demonstrations in the 1970s where members of the Neturei Karta (an Orthodox Jewish group) marched with Palestinian flags.

Public Opinion and Gaza Conflict

• 📊 Opinion polls in Israel suggest that 95% of the population believes Israel is using the appropriate amount of force or too little force in Gaza over the last 18 months.
• 📉 Approximately 5% believe Israel is using too much force, indicating a stark contrast in public sentiment.
• 🚀 The speaker describes Israeli society as having become a "lunatic state," with many expressing enthusiasm and euphoria over the actions in Gaza on social media.

Societal Responsibility and Citizen Armies

• ⚖️ The concept of a citizen army in Israel is discussed, highlighting that if atrocities are committed, it implicates the entire society, not just a few individuals.
• 🎯 This contrasts with the US anti-war movement during Vietnam, where individuals like Lieutenant Calley were scapegoated, implying a broader societal detachment.
• 🌍 In Israel, the citizen army structure means that actions in Gaza reflect the entire society's involvement, making it difficult to claim only a few are responsible for alleged "genocide."