Israel prides itself on having the most powerful military in the Middle East. It certainly isn’t lacking in its possession of top-of-the-line technology, largely courtesy of American taxpayers who subsidize the maintenance of Israel’s qualitative military edge.
But seriously, is the image below a representation of strength or weakness?
This image of 16-year-old Palestinian child Fawzi al-Junaidi, detained, blindfolded, & surrounded by 20 plus Israeli soldiers, is – unsurprisingly – all over social media. It was taken in Hebron on 7 December, during anti-occupation protests following Trump's announcement. pic.twitter.com/ClslzMQtsA
— Ben White (@benabyad) December 10, 2017
While I detest what the Israeli’s are up to in Hebron (and the occupied territories) and the fact that they are there at all, and I don’t doubt the photo captures just another incident of systemic injustice, I’m not sure this is an entirely accurate analysis of the photograph. If you’ve ever been to Hebron or know much about it, you’ll know that the settlers (Israelis) and soldiers are in a small minority there, so arresting a teenager and moving him through the streets puts them at some risk of a communal and perhaps even coordinated response from Palestinians, especially at an inflamed time such as this. They are essentially surrounded by angry Palestinians. If I were an Israeli soldier in that situation I would want lots of protection! I don’t understand why they didn’t use an armored vehicle instead. As always, there is more to the picture…!
I don’t think it’s the location of Hebron that’s the determining factor in the number of soldiers involved. Look at these kids being detained, also in Hebron.
David,
If you in fact “detest” what Israel is doing in Hebron — where 800 fanatical settlers lord over 215,000 indigenous Palestinians — then why are you asking for more context and balance in interpreting this photo? Wouldn’t it be better to take off your mask and admit that you’re a proud liberal Zionist, and “support Israel, right or wrong?”
Zivko — It’s one thing to disagree with someone’s comment, but a tiny bit of caution (uncommon in social media) might have led you to avoid throwing around baseless accusations. I too, thought David’s comment was off the mark. I also happen to know him and know that at his own expense he has spent summers helping Palestinians in the West Bank harvest olives — not a form of activism that one might expect from “a proud liberal Zionist.”
The problem with jumping on a soapbox to shout through a self-righteous bullhorn is that the only people you’re going to connect with are the people who already share your views. It’s a circular process. It goes nowhere.