Locus: The Seton Hall Journal of Undergraduate Research

Volume 2 Article 3

September 2019 Occupation: Neoliberalism’s Role in Palestinian Apartheid Devyn Johnson [email protected]

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Recommended Citation Johnson, Devyn (2019) "Occupation: Neoliberalism’s Role in Palestinian Apartheid," Locus: The Seton Hall Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2 , Article 3. Available at: https://scholarship.shu.edu/locus/vol2/iss1/3 Johnson: Occupation

Occupation: Neoliberalism’s Role in Palestinian Apartheid

Devyn Johnson Seton Hall University

Abstract Arendt discusses the concept of the banality of evil in connection to the Eichmann Trials, explain- The Palestinian-Israeli conflict remains one of ing the idea as the recognition that one, ordinary the most contentious political topics in our world people are capable of terrible deeds, and two, ev- today. Although violence has been spewed from eryday acts can become evil if they are perceived both sides, imbalance is demonstrated in power as normal and acceptable by the general public. structures used to maintain occupation by the This, however, does not excuse the evil that is cre- state of Israel. Using the concept of Neoliberal- ated and as was affirmed in Eichmann’s trial, all ism, this paper seeks to explain the motives be- individuals are accountable for their own actions. hind state political and economic practices that The circumstances are no different in Israel and subdue the Palestinian public and control the nar- Palestine; violence enacted by the State of Israel rative of its actions. As attributes of neoliberalism in the various forms it takes in occupation - is nor- such as privatization, wealth inequality, and secu- malized. Through different mechanisms of state rity are considered acceptable by society, this pa- violence, suppression, surveillance, and control, per also examines how injustices that exist under the banality of evil continues to override regard these attributes are ignored or denied, and cre- for basic human rights. ated a prison-like society in the OPT (Occupied Palestinian Territories). By using neoliberalism as a lens for analysis, we seek to better explain 1. Before Occupation how the elaborate system of the occupation was crafted, normalized and continues to operate with Between 1917 and 1947 it was understood at little to no interference. all levels of Jewish administration that the popu- lation in Palestine needed to be “transferred” in Palestine is dying. This is an unspoken truth order for more European Jews to immigrate in. that many refuse to acknowledge, claiming that Palestinians were not the first or last indigenous the issue is too complex for any unbiased analysis. group to experience this multifaceted destruction Those of the Abrahamic faiths view Israel with of culture. For further comparison, one need only religious significance; Palestine then becomes an juxtapose Palestinian treatment to the treatment of ugly distraction from the beauty of faith and mir- indigenous peoples in the United States: from the acles. What has Israel done to always be vic- forced migration of peoples, to corralling whole tor? What has Palestine done to always be wor- tribes onto reservations, to subjecting indigenous thy of destruction? Maybe some men are weak, children to abuse in “Indian Schools” where they and some men are evil. Or perhaps there is some- were stripped of all their cultural signifiers and thing simpler at work. Political theorist Hannah forced to assimilate into the colonizer’s society.

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These common factors speak to the generalized this ethnic cleansing mission was hardened in the goal of colonialism: to replace a living society legal ban of refugee return to the now occupied Is- with one after the image of the colonizer. If this raeli territory. The whole ordeal was then repeated is true, there is no space where any colonial acts during the 1967 6 Day War; although under more cannot be considered violent. The price of cre- international scrutiny, Israeli forces managed to ating something new always comes at the cost of expel 300,000 more Palestinians from Gaza and destroying what has existed before. the West Bank. By the end of 1970 the majority of Once the idea of transferring Palestinians from the Palestinian population was forced to flee, with their land was firmly planted throughout the Zion- those who were left forced to live under military ist leadership, it was only a matter of time be- rule in the now occupied territories or to live as fore severe action was taken. Things came to a minority citizens in the new state of Israel. head in 1948 and culminated in the ethnic cleans- Palestine’s status as a state in the interna- ing of Palestine, called by Palestinians the Nakba, tional community remains contested, with some or Catastrophe. Many in the West and in Israel states, mainly in the Global South, recognizing call it the Arab Israeli-War of 1948. Before 1948, statehood, and others refusing recognition. Israel when the UN General Assembly voted to partition on the other hand, despite several rulings by the Palestine in order to establish the state of Israel, no UN and the International Court of Justice (one of Palestinians were given an opportunity to speak, which will be explained below) decrying the un- and 55% of their land was given to Israel, with an lawful nature of the occupation, continues to be additional 23% eventually being gained through recognized as a state. One of many reasons for Israeli force. There was no agreement to go to this, is the existence of the so-called Fateful Tri- war, no struggle between powers for contested re- angle. The “Fateful Triangle” refers to the eco- sources; this “catastrophe” bears the mark of colo- nomic, political, social, and military relationship nialist genocide through and through. between Israel, Palestine, and the U.S. American The Nakba and the 6 Day War both offer proof popular opinion about Israel and Palestine is influ- of ethnic cleansing on massive scales, not only in enced by a supposed shared experience with ter- murder and destruction of property but in scare rorism and, as is evident in the U.S.’s own foreign tactics used to push people out and then legislation policy, security and protection from terrorism are passed to ban refugee reentry. Ethnic cleansing constantly used to legitimize Israel’s occupation. is defined by the UN as “rendering an area ethni- In the face of terrorism and public fear, every act is cally homogeneous by using force or intimidation justified and explained away; allegiances are made to remove from a given area persons of another between political and corporate forces who fight ethnic or religious group.” The main goal of the terrorism for “the good of the public.” Zionist forces on the ground was to destroy Pales- Both states utilize neoliberal policies of priva- tinian villages in order to encourage the inhabi- tization and security to influence the masses. For tants to flee so that they could seize the land. In the example, international security companies such as language of military orders there was much talk G4S, which is the third largest private company in of “cleansing” and “clearing”; Palestinian villages the world, play a role in maintaining occupation became essentially enemy bases that needed to be in Israel as well as private prisons in the United destroyed and evacuated in order to ensure the cre- States, and surveillance at the U.S./Mexico border. ation of the State of Israel. “In a period of less than In this example we can see not only the far reach seven weeks leading up to Israel’s creation and the of neoliberalism, but the depth of the relation- Arab-Israeli war, 200 Palestinian villages were oc- ship between the U.S. and Israel, and their ded- cupied and their inhabitants expelled.” At its end, ication to distancing themselves from the prison

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process while also being the primary force behind tutional checks on the government. With this def- it. Through this increase in privatization and inter- inition of liberalism explained, it is easier to see connectedness between surveillance and control neoliberalism as a continuation of this line of po- systems it is evident that neoliberalism is increas- litical thought. Thorson and Lie of the Univer- ingly changing the way systems of inequality are sity of Oslo synthesize literature on neoliberalism allowed to operate. and come to the following definition: “Neoliberal- ism is. . . a loosely demarcated set of political be- 2. Neoliberalism as a Framing Analysis liefs which most prominently and prototypically include the conviction that the only legitimate pur- Neoliberalism is a fairly new concept in po- pose of the state is to safeguard individual, espe- litical theory and is, unfortunately, as abstract as cially commercial liberty, as well as strong private it is evasive. When neoliberalism is discussed it property rights.” Based on this definition, it is easy is important to look at it not, as its name sug- to see why some theorists see neoliberalism as an gests, as a new form of political theory different attempt to return to a laissez faire form of gover- from liberalism, but as a continuation of this trend nance. Others still see a more treacherous work in of liberalism with a focus that has adapted to a process, one which emphasizes the marketization changing world. Tracing liberalism back to its ear- of every individual and every service, prioritizing liest forefathers, Locke, Smith, and Montesquieu, and substituting monetary value for human rights. it was originally a political theory that emphasized There is some debate about why neoliberal- the newest goals of the state: to safeguard a con- ism occurred in the manner that it did. After the stitutional democracy, protect the liberties of the western world saw that liberalism was no longer people, and ensure that the market was allowed to enough to combat the various economic crises that flourish without much state intervention. As mod- hit in the 70s, neoliberalism situated itself as the ern liberalism developed out of classical liberal- new governing program. Leaders like Margaret ism all the main tenets seemed to stay the same Thatcher and Ronald Reagan came onto the scene except for involvement of the state in economic and immortalized what would come to be known affairs. Under modern liberalism it became clear as neoliberalism with hallmark features such as, that although capitalism preached the benevolence “crushing trade unions, deregulation, privatiza- of the invisible hand, there came a time where tion, outsourcing, and competition in public ser- laissez-faire could no longer exist while also ful- vices.” Economist David Henry believes that ne- filling the role of safeguarding the liberties of the oliberalism was the inevitable next step in the de- people. While continuing to intervene in the mar- velopment of capitalism, with the ultimate goal of ket for the purpose of regulation and protection of accumulating wealth from many facets. Before the consumer from corporations, modern liberal- Henry, in 1974 Antonio Negri theorized that ne- ism posits that the state has a duty to provide ser- oliberalism would come inevitably with the politi- vices and goods that citizens are unable to provide cization of economics. In his view, as economic for themselves. This idea contributes to liberal control came to be one of the most important as- tenets of democracy and freedom that would oth- pects of political power, neoliberalism would nat- erwise be infringed upon if the state did not assist urally rise as a way for politicians to maintain when it was needed. These concepts of classical their position while also ensuring they could re- and modern liberalism combine to form a general tain wealth and influence economic sectors. Oth- understanding of liberalism that is against unre- ers like Gerard Dumenil and Dominique Levy de- stricted capitalism, emphasizes individual liberty, fine neoliberalism as a response to crises of the supports democratic state rule, and favors consti- financial sector. They believe that neoliberalism

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was created with the intention of correcting issues gained a grip, corporate managers and large own- of profitability and inflation but instead, ended up ers of capital form a core element in neoliberal causing more instability for consumers. Instead of coalitions, always linking neoliberalism to the restricting politicians from rewarding themselves interests of capital and sometimes taking direct with additional funds, neoliberalism actually cre- political power.” These coalitions are integral to ates loopholes through private companies where the functioning of neoliberalism; they are what money is eventually filtered back into the same makes neoliberalism such a powerful and debil- hands. In this scenario consumers are no match itating force. It is, although very disheartening, for the strength of the money-sharing relationship understandable that corporations and businesses between corporations and politicians. are concerned primarily with the acquisition of Regardless of its exact starting point, neolib- wealth. What is more troubling is the way ne- eralism must be understood as a global policy that oliberalism has thrived in political systems that are can only thrive based on the way that capitalism supposed to be about the preservation of democ- operates internationally. If, as was theorized ear- racy. Alliances between banks, corporations, and lier, neoliberalism is a reaction to the market and politicians are hidden from the public but it is gen- how it grows, it cannot be identifiable as a West- erally the politicians who give face to the neolib- ern or American problem. As long as capitalism eral policies all members benefit from. As mem- persists, neoliberalism will continue its reach to bers of the legislative body, politicians are able to every aspect of world society, although it is hard complete the necessary policy rewrites that guar- to say whether there currently remains any part of antee all participating parties receive what they society untouched by neoliberalism. want legally. As the goals of neoliberalism are In his book Surveillance in the Time of Inse- achieved and wealth is accumulated it becomes curity Torin Monahan describes the function of harder and harder to separate truth from deceit. neoliberalism as “a market rationality that colo- After all, those who benefit from neoliberalism nizes most spheres of public life and transforms benefit from keeping citizens blind to their oper- their function to prioritize economic gain over all ations. other measures of quality or success.” There is a In her newest book Freedom is a Constant clear line that can be drawn from this definition Struggle, scholar, activist, and educator An- of neoliberalism to its application today. The cost gela Davis boldly states that the issue of the of healthcare, education, healthy food, access to Palestinian-Israeli conflict is the most important technology, transportation, and security are all af- social issue of our world today. As an activist, fected by the policies of neoliberalism. Instead of Davis has always stressed the importance of in- services that should be seen as human rights or at ternational liberation as the only way to address least services rendered accessible for most of the structures of racism, patriarchy, and economic in- population, these social attributes are commodi- justice; if we are aware of oppression in any other fied, leaving room for inequality and injustice to space, we must take action, or our own strug- flourish under the weight of monetary benefit. It gles mean nothing. In her book, Davis connects is no coincidence that the supporters of neoliberal the Palestinian struggle with the Black Lives Mat- policy are usually wealthy politicians, the business ter movement in the United States and the anti- elite, and corporations while those most affected Apartheid movement in South Africa. Of course are the most vulnerable members of the popula- oppression in any case calls for focus and atten- tion. tion but I believe Davis pinpoints the Palestinian In Neoliberalism and Everyday Life Raewyn struggle because of 1) its elaborate nature and 2) Connell explains, “Wherever neoliberalism has its secretiveness and simultaneously ostentatious

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violation of human rights and basic dignity. When for a transitory period until further steps could be we unpack the intricacies of how Israeli occupa- taken. Thus we see that terminology has deep im- tion operates in Palestine it becomes even clearer portance for the Palestinians; ‘occupation’ vs ‘col- how neoliberal policy specifically affects both the onization’ or ‘annexation’ is used to suggest to the acts of occupation on the ground and perceptions world that the whole situation is in flux and that Is- of occupation from the outside. raeli motives aren’t clear. Without a strict system of rules and laws displayed, it is hard to question 3. Occupation and Statehood what is happening on a day-to-day basis. In addition, violations of rights to freedom of “Occupation” refers to Israel’s outstanding movement, freedom from arbitrary arrest, etc. can presence, surveillance, and regulation of and in be legitimized by the fact that Israel supports the the Occupied Palestinian Territories, otherwise Palestinian economy and the healthcare systems known as the State of Palestine. In order to main- to some degree. In the early days of occupation, tain control of the Palestinian population as well as Israel provided financial assistance for farmers, the resources and land area in Palestine, Israel has helped to vaccinate livestock, increase plant pro- organized and maintained, since 1948, a strict sys- duction in the region, and offered subsidies and tem of regulation and security. After the Six-Day loans for farming machinery. Vocational courses War in 1967, the international community was led and privately funded programs were introduced to believe that occupation was only a temporary to teach new, more profitable practices to Pales- solution until peace processes were engaged over tinians in various fields of work and to encour- disputed land claims. Using various tactics from age women to involve themselves in the work- complete disregard to international law, to legal place. These efforts to provide economic success rewrites and court rulings, the state has established were granted in order to keep the people in line an intricate system of checkpoints, military bases, and discourage them from thinking nationalisti- Israeli settler colonies, and surveillance systems cally or from gaining support outside. Onlook- that restrict Palestinian movement and keep con- ers of the Palestinian crisis see Israel here as the trol of Palestine in Israeli hands. As will be dis- benevolent state, who has selflessly assisted Pales- cussed later on, the aspects of security and reg- tine economically and socially. For Palestinians, ulation that define occupation have been height- the small allowances and freedoms from Israel are ened by the significant influence of neoliberalism. given conditionally with a thinly veiled warning of Privatization has enhanced the prison-like features what will happen if they do not remain complicit of occupation and has made it easier for Israel to in their own oppression. infringe on Palestinian rights with little to no re- Israel is a state made by Jews for all Jews. sponsibility. Impermanence is a trademark char- It is no doubt, extremely interesting when that acteristic of occupation as well. “Israel contin- fact comes into conflict with the reality of what uously imposed temporary curfews and closures, is required of a state. According to international set up temporary checkpoints and roadblocks, and law, statehood is derived from a state having “a continuously issued and revoked permits,” creat- permanent population, defined territory, govern- ing a system of temporariness that blinded Pales- ment, and a capacity to form relations with other tine and the international community to the intent states.” Furthermore, recognition of statehood is of the Occupation. The defense of temporariness determined in one of two ways: these require- could be used to excuse any advancement in occu- ments for statehood are fulfilled, or this state is pation that was seemingly arbitrary; if contested, recognized by others as legitimate. Outside of it could be argued that the actions taken were only these lawful requirements a state has a responsi-

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bility to ensure the safety and well-being of all of 4. Neoliberalism under Occupation its citizens. In the unique case of Israel and Pales- tine a conundrum of statehood and responsibility 4.1. Privatization of Security/Surveillance is created. As a self-identified state for all the Jews of the world Israel, as former Prime Minister Immediately following the start of occupa- Shamir once said, ‘cannot exist long like any other tion, Israel began the tedious process of collect- state whose main interest is to insure the welfare ing information and data concerning all aspects of its citizens.’ Ultimately, the state upholds its of Palestinian life. This includes everything from promise to all members of the Jewish faith first be- average household income to which crops were fore anyone else. Israeli law makes a specific dis- planted during planting season and what forms tinction between nationality and citizenship stat- of entertainment were most popular. But, as au- ing that while technically all people born and liv- thor Neve Gordon points out, “the rapid estab- ing in the state of Israel are citizens, only Jews lishment of such an extensive surveillance appa- are considered nationals “because the whole pur- ratus. . . raises the question of whether Israel ever pose of political Zionism is a state for the Jewish had the intention of withdrawing from the OT [Oc- nation.” The self-imposed title of a Jewish democ- cupied Territories] or conceived the occupation as racy highlights the Israeli need to maintain the ide- temporary.” In the neoliberal world we live in, it is ological and religious origins of its country above common for states to spend exorbitant amounts of all else. money for surveillance and thus for security. But it is uniquely interesting that a state like Israel, who claims that occupation is only temporary would Israel has also constantly used legislation and invest so much in surveying a population outside the existence of Jewish only organizations to fur- of its state. Not only has surveillance worked to ther the mission of an apartheid state. Private covertly monitor Palestinian communication and organizations- a trademark tool of the neoliberal action, it has overtly served as a scare tactic as agenda- such as the Jewish National Fund (JNF), military bases have been strategically placed sur- Israel Lands Administration (ILA), and the World rounding Palestinian villages. In addition, Israel’s Zionist Organization (WZO) for example were surveillance protocol has been notorious for re- sold Palestinian land by the government, but be- cruiting Palestinians to serve as spies for them in cause they are private organizations, they have no exchange for economic or law favors. For exam- obligation to fairly distribute land to all citizens. ple if a Palestinian was accused of a crime or taken Organizations like these, which exist for the pro- by an Israeli officer and imprisoned they might motion of the Zionist state can promote rampant be offered the opportunity to serve as a human inequality with almost no repercussions. Abuses surveillance apparatus for Israel in exchange for and rights violations that would be considered il- freedom or lighter sentencing. In both cases Israel legal if committed by the state itself, are instead uses the physical presence of surveillance in the handed over to Zionist organizations who will do community to monitor Palestine life and to influ- anything to support the success of Jewish citizens ence Palestinian action or inaction. in the Jewish state. Land disenfranchisement is For the sake of security and surveillance too, one of the primary ways that Israel has maintained it is evident that terrorism has been used as a its ongoing apartheid within the state. Palestini- scapegoat for much of the violence perpetrated by ans, after having almost no rights to their land, are the Israeli state. The label of terrorism has been treated as secondary citizens deemed as potential used since the 1970s to denote any Palestinian “demographic threats” to the state. who might be in support or a member of organi-

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zations like PLO (Palestinian Liberation Organi- strength. “Within a year of the Oslo Accords Israel zation) or more recently, Hamas. This no doubt established at least fifty-six permanent military wreaks havoc on the ground as any person who road blocks along its borders” while impermanent is accused or suspected of being a supposed anti- checkpoints have been scattered about throughout Israel organization can be arrested and imprisoned the West Bank and Gaza. The purpose of the in- by Israeli law. Israel maintains that it is “morally ner checkpoints has never been clearly articulated and legally justified in any action against them but again the same blanket defense of security has [suspected members] on the basis of self-defense been used to explain it away when questioned. and national security.” . The same “ticking-time B’Tselem, one Israeli human rights organization, bomb” hypothetical where the possibility of ter- has found that between 1996 and 2005 at least ror is stronger than anything else, so force must be 30 Palestinians died due to receiving delayed hos- used in every scenario just in case – is used as jus- pital access after being detained at a checkpoint. tification for torture of suspected Palestinian ter- Author Yehedit Keshur writes, “Checkpoints are rorists. This heightened security status is classic not about security. . . their true purpose is three- of neoliberalism. When the primary function of a fold: collective punishment, visible military con- state turns from preservation of the citizen (mak- trol of the civilian population, and the disruption ing sure the needs of every citizen are met) to pro- of territorial continuity that makes any prospect of tection of the citizen (placing safety as the most a viable Palestinian state impossible.” important need and forcing all others to become While the checkpoints restrict physical move- secondary), “Security threats are constantly mobi- ment they also serve as places where Israeli sol- lized in absolute terms, such that they seemingly diers can humiliate and harass Palestinians with necessitate the suspension of the law, direct mas- no warning and at any moment. Passengers may culine action, and the reduction of people to mere be forced to stay in the heat for hours, their travel bodies that can be manipulated by the state.” The permits might be confiscated, and they might even entire act of occupation is justified by the state of be subjected to brutal attacks for no reason. In a Israel on these very grounds. When the Interna- firsthand recount of what she saw at checkpoints, tional Court of Justice was tasked with answering Nina Mayorek recalls how almost every Pales- the question of whether or not it was illegal for tinian is regarded as a potential terrorist. “A preg- Israel to build a barrier that would separate them nant woman is a suspect. An ambulance bringing from the Occupied Territories and Palestine, the a sick person. . . there is no limit to the creativity basis of the Israeli defense was that the Wall was of the soldiers. . . you can make them jump rope, a justified response to Palestinian terrorism. De- you can beat them. Make them undress and stand spite this claim the Court did rule that the barrier for hours in the cold. . . they also chase elderly was illegal because it violates Palestinian’s right women with children. . . a witness told us how sol- to freedom of movement, but this seemed to have diers spilled the contents of school bags of 6-year- no effect on the status of the Wall in real time. old girls. . . ” It is clear that checkpoints have no real purpose other than creating opportunities for 4.2. Checkpoints and Private Prisons abuse and creating terror and the feeling, in Pales- tinians, of always being wrong. The imperma- Checkpoints and roadblocks are another way nence of these barriers is hard to challenge and that Israel controls Palestine physically and psy- the invisible line that marks the end of Palestine chologically. These tools are used to stop the flow and the beginning of Israel exists as a reminder to of movement of people and goods which is detri- Palestinians that their belongingness is always in mental for Palestinian livelihood and economic question, always temporary.

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This tactic of causing terror for the supposed system. The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions aim of stopping terrorism is also very visible in (BDS) movement has pointed to the security com- the mass incarceration of Palestinians. Israel fre- pany G4S as one of the primary investors of the quently and often unjustly uses imprisonment and occupation. G4S is one of many private compa- arrest as a way to control the Palestinian popu- nies that works with the Israeli state to continue lation and curtail any possible dissent. Through occupation and is complicit in the human rights disciplinary actions such as administrative deten- abuses and violations perpetrated on behalf of the tion, where a person can be arbitrarily arrested government. In addition to providing full body and imprisoned for up to 6 months without trial, scanners at several internal checkpoints, metal de- ambiguity and vagueness are repurposed to make tectors, and ankle bracelets, they provides security any action deemed by Israel as possibly terroristic personnel, and security equipment to businesses as a punishable offense. According to B’Tselem, and the Israeli government. G4S is also a ma- by the end of March 2018, 431 Palestinians were jor supplier of security for the IPS facilities as being held in administrative detention In Israel well as other detention and torture facilities in Is- Prison Services (IPS) facilities. In a popular case rael, the U.S. and internationally. As Monahan ex- that has received international outcry, Palestinian plains, “U.S. Government agencies actively part- teenager Ahed Tamimi was arrested and detained ner with the security industry to propagate fear of in December of 2017 after a video of her slapping terrorist attacks and cultivate a desire for preven- and kicking an Israeli soldier went viral. Since her tion through technological means. . . it is funda- arrest (in the middle of the night), Tamimi has re- mentally about the realigning of national security mained in prison and her lawyer has complained interests with the profit motives of private com- of sexual abuse and taunting she has been sub- panies.” The same is true internationally: govern- jected to by Israeli soldiers. It is suspected the ments and organizations, are ultimately required state of Israel is using her as an example, as her to overly stress security which would then re- family has been a symbol of Palestinian resistance quire them to be in allegiance with companies who for many generations. Ahed is one of many minors could provide the tools for achieving said security. under the age of 18 who have been detained and But it should be noted here that any allegiance be- arbitrarily arrested by Israeli forces. “Since 1967, tween governments and private security firms pro- every Israeli soldier has had the right to detain any motes the idea of a police state; if all goals can Palestinian person if the soldier has grounds for be translated into the need for a state to protect suspicion that the detainee may have committed its citizens, most other needs or violation of rights a security offense. . . persons may be detained for become secondary. Policing then becomes the pri- eighteen days without a charge and without access mary means of essentially, protecting the public to a lawyer.” Although the entire period of arrest from itself. may last as long as the state allows it to, this spe- It is evident through occupation that neolib- cific period of time can be used to interrogate and eralism “now takes on an added disciplinary di- torture detained individuals to get a forced con- mension with the simultaneous augmentation of fession by any means necessary. Once confes- security forces throughout societies.” As the se- sions are received they cannot be appealed, mean- curity structure of the occupation becomes more ing that despite confessing under duress, any ad- and more privatized we see a shift in responsibil- missions can be used against the individual with ity and a decrease in state control of individual ac- no possibility of redaction. tors. When companies like G4S provide their own Of course, neoliberalism has also infiltrated security personnel and contracted workers the Is- the inner workings of the prison and checkpoint raeli authorities take no responsibility for any ac-

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tions they commit even though orders may have illegal settlements. As of 2009, there are almost come from them. Private police forces have free half a million illegal Israeli settlements in the West reign to use their power to enforce the law how- Bank, Gaza Strip, and in East Jerusalem. In the ever they see fit, which means more chaos and ter- aforementioned ruling by the International Court ror for Palestinians. On the ground, the rules al- of Justice, Israeli settlements were considered il- ways seem to be changing and Palestinians are al- legal because they are created on territory that of- ways in the wrong. “The private security industry ficially does not belong to Israel. Yet and still in Israel is large and profitable. . . due to its exten- Israel continues to bypass international law, bull- sive involvement and Israeli control and surveil- dozing houses, taking land, and effectively repop- lance of the Palestinian people.” As long as pri- ulating it with Jewish settlers fulfilling the mission vate companies continue to profit, and that profit of the World Zionist Organization’s ‘Master Plan’ can be shared with the state of Israel, occupation to eventually incorporate the entire West Bank into will continue to flourish. Israeli territory. So far, they have been quite suc- cessful. 4.3. Use of Force: Land Confiscation, Settlements, and Demolition 4.4. Policing and State Military Violence As has been discussed previously, the confis- cation of land has been used as a way to impose When Palestinians however, resist or question and maintain Israeli control as well as a more con- this colonization process, the results are often vi- vert way of physically repopulating the land with olent. In the Jewish settlements, settlers con- Jewish residents. By the spring of 2000 the UN tinue to use violence against Palestinians and are Commission on Human Rights found that since rarely punished for it, as they are backed by the 1967, an estimated 60 percent of the land in the military and the Israeli government. The treat- West Bank had been confiscated in addition to ment of Palestinian lives “is characterized by con- “a third of the Gaza Strip and a third of Pales- tempt toward Palestinian complaints and leniency tinian land in Jerusalem.” Even during the Oslo toward the offenders.” Law enforcement at all lev- peace process, land was continuously being taken els seems to only exist for the protection of Jew- and repurposed into access roads and illegal set- ish lives and the severe policing of any Palestinian tlements. In addition to confiscating land, Is- action. This can be seen on a day to day to ba- raeli authorities routinely used housing bulldoz- sis with the random violence that can occur at any ing, sealing and demolition to continue their mis- moment in and around checkpoints. “If soldiers sion of colonizing the West Bank. Sealing is a feel provoked or threatened, they may respond related practice to bulldozing (with the same goal with live fire, not infrequently with fatal results.” of expelling Palestinians), “in which windows are Soldiers, apparently, may feel threatened by any- blocked with cement and cinder blocks and doors one from a six-year-old girl to an injured old man are hermetically sealed in order to deny persons and when violence occurs there is no repercussion access to all or part of their homes.” Various ex- for the soldier. The structures of occupation law cuses and explanations have been giving for de- and Zionist focus protect soldiers and further the molition ranging from lack of permits to punish- mission of total Israeli control by literally beat- ment for security offenses. Ultimately, the goal ing Palestinians into submission. In addition to has been to force Palestinians out, and to retain as abuses by military personnel, the state also carries much land mass as possible for Israel. After land out various assassinations and unjustified shoot- demolition and confiscation the next phase in the ings to regulate the population. Political assassi- colonization of Palestinian land is the creation of nations of leaders in Palestinian liberation move-

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ments such as Salah Shehadeh (leader of Hamas) cupied territory. As security of the state is lauded and Abu Ali Mustafa (leader of the Popular Front as the most primary concern, protection, surveil- for the Liberation of Palestine) were meant to si- lance, and even violence have been used strate- lence all dissent and objections to occupation. The gically to explain away every action as a neces- justifications for these murders were often terrorist sary. Under neoliberalism this has meant priva- claims or simple miscalculations of rocket fire. In tization of various security apparatuses that can addition, mass killings of civilians are often por- be used by the state to infringe upon Palestinian trayed by the media as accidents and unforeseen rights with no reciprocal state responsibility. To casualties even if civilians are peacefully protest- the rest of the world, these claims of necessity for ing. security’s sake are accepted and because of this, Violence operates in Palestine much like it the realities of abuses and violations of Palestinian operates in the United States; whether by police rights are completely hidden. Many news articles force, military officials, or regular citizens, vio- and reports in the U.S. especially restrict conver- lence is meant to display who is in control and re- sations about Israel and Palestine to discussions mind those who are not what will happen if they of terrorism and Palestinian violence, which only step out of line. Violence is used in tandem with contributes to this narrative of the fearful Israeli privatization and security to enforce the status quo state on the offense against an uncontrollable pop- and fully back the governing body at whatever cost ulation. Without a concerted mass effort to recon- to the affected population. At the same time vio- struct the current image of the Palestinian-Israeli lence assists in the perpetration of control in the conflict, the harrowing occupation will continue neoliberal state, neoliberalism’s heightened focus and Palestine will be erased from history. on security and protection of the state claims the necessity of violence in order to insure that cit- 5.1. Future Trends and Recommendations izens (albeit certain citizens) are protected from whatever danger prompted violence. Even further, There are several obstacles in the way of privatization leads to an outsourcing of individuals achieving the mass movement needed to free who can instigate or respond with violence and Palestine and reconfigure current misconceptions a more removed state responsibility and punish- of the conflict. One, as we have explained, is the ment. fear of the terrorist. Another is the fear of being labeled an anti-Semite, related to the fear of being 5. Conclusion racist. It is odd that we are more afraid of the label than the actual meaning of the word (which de- Israeli control over Palestine is thorough: from notes hostility, oppression, and prejudice against settlements, surveillance, checkpoints, permits, Jews). Palestinians and Free Palestine supporters and private prisons to political assassinations and obviously have an inherently hostile relationship U.S.-Israel comradery, an almost impenetrable with the State of Israel. It would be unfair to ask physical and social barrier has been built around them to love their oppressor, under whose hand Palestine. Sequestered on their own land and they have suffered for so many generations. But it alienated from the rest of the world, Palestine would also be unfair to simply label all anti-Israel has suffered a lonely existence under Israel’s oc- sentiments as anti-Semitic and therefore not wor- cupation. Although occupation predates the for- thy of consideration. The Palestinian struggle isn’t mal conception of neoliberalism, its policies have between Muslims and Jews or Muslims and Jews since transformed the physical conditions and and Christians; it is against the state of Israel, who treatment of Palestinians in Israel and in the oc- has used religion as a means to colonize Palestine,

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and used a long history of pain to rally support ground in Israel and Palestine working to change for Israel and contempt or dismissal for the Pales- current conditions under occupation. Adalah is tinian cause. To compare anti-Semitism with anti- an organization in Israel that addresses the legal Israel movements does a grave disservice to Pales- rights of Palestinians in Israel, IDRID and ICAHD tinians and their supporters, and automatically de- respectively focus on civil rights for displaced monizes those who advocate for a Free Palestine. Palestinians in Israel and the end to house demo- It must be recognized that this tendency to stop litions, and organizations like Zochrot are intent all discussion at the accusation of anti-Semitism on making sure Israelis are educated to the truth not only masks real instances of anti-Jewish prej- about the history of Israel and Palestine. Interna- udice, but is also a propaganda tactic used by pro- tionally, the general consensus is that there needs Israelis and Zionists to keep the majority of the to be a global campaign in support of Palestine public from critiquing the occupation. and against Israel and occupation, much like there It can be argued that the question of acknowl- was during South African apartheid. Groups like edging or denying what is happening in Palestine National Students for Justice in Palestine have or- is not just a question of opinion, but one of moral ganized globally to promote the Palestinian cause reasoning. What one chooses to do or believe and argue for boycotts and divestment from Israel in has real ramifications. Drawing on insights and companies that help to support the occupa- from the American Civil Rights movement, the tion. BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) is African American hero Dr. Martin Luther King a Palestinian led group that raises awareness about Jr. wrote in 1963, “Human progress never rolls in the conditions in Palestine and calls for boycotts, on wheels of inevitability; it comes through the divestment, and sanctions in order to stop Israel tireless efforts of men willing to be co-workers in their goal of colonization. The goal for every- with God, and without this hard work, time it- one on the opposition it seems, is an end to oc- self becomes an ally of the forces of social stag- cupation; discussions abound about the how and nation.” King’s words emphasize how in history, the why and the where and if a two-state solution change was brought about by those determined to is feasible. But as White emphasizes, there can do what they understood to be necessary. At the be no hypothesizing about statehood of Palestine time of his assassination, King was speaking out without first the necessary acknowledgement of, for worker’s rights, opposing the war in Vietnam, and end to occupation. Whatever follows must be and pointing to capitalism as one of the three evils built on this understanding and with it justice will of American society. Very late in his life King un- come too. derstood what many of us have not yet been able to doing the right thing has never really meant References doing the popular thing, but meant doing some- thing. If this paper shed light on the facts regard- Arendt, Hannah. “Eichmann in Jerusalem: ing the plight of Palestinians systematically disen- A Report on the Banality of Evil.” franchised through various forms of state violence The New Yorker. 16 Feb. 1963. and control, then opinions on whether or not this https://www.newyorker.com/contributors/hannah- is wrong or should continue is a decision left to arendt. the reader. I have argued that the lens of Neolib- eralism helps explain why the Palestinian crisis is Arendt, Hannah. “Eichmann in Jerusalem: so potent yet easily ignored by everyone else. A Report on the Banality of Evil.” In view of these considerations, what can be The New Yorker. 16 Feb. 1963. done? There are several organizations on the https://www.newyorker.com/contributors/hannah-

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