Israel operates under a climate of absolute impunity, says Craig Mokhiber, former top UN official. This statement highlights the ongoing concerns regarding Israel’s actions and the lack of accountability it faces on the international stage. The country’s actions and policies have long been a subject of controversy and debate, with critics arguing that Israel’s actions violate international law and human rights standards. In this article, we will explore the concept of impunity, its implications for Israel, and the international community’s response to these concerns.
Impunity refers to the exemption from punishment or accountability for wrongdoing. It is a concept that is often associated with countries or individuals who are able to act without fear of facing consequences for their actions. In the case of Israel, many argue that it operates under a climate of impunity, as it continues to face minimal repercussions for its actions in the occupied territories and towards the Palestinian people.
One of the most significant examples of Israel’s perceived impunity is its continued expansion of settlements in the occupied territories. The establishment of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem is widely considered illegal under international law. Despite this, Israel has continued to build and expand settlements, displacing Palestinian communities and further entrenching its control over the occupied territories. The international community has repeatedly condemned these actions, but Israel has faced little more than verbal criticism and symbolic gestures.
Another area where Israel’s impunity is evident is in its treatment of Palestinian civilians. Human rights organizations have documented numerous cases of human rights abuses committed by Israeli forces, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and torture. Despite these documented violations, very few Israeli soldiers or officials have been held accountable for their actions. This lack of accountability sends a message that Israeli forces can act with impunity, knowing that they are unlikely to face consequences for their actions.
The international community has not been silent on these issues. The United Nations, in particular, has repeatedly called on Israel to end its settlement activities and to respect the rights of the Palestinian people. However, these calls have largely been ignored, and Israel has faced little more than symbolic resolutions and condemnations. The lack of meaningful action by the international community has only reinforced the perception of impunity surrounding Israel’s actions.
The concept of impunity also extends to the United States’ relationship with Israel. The US has long been a staunch ally of Israel and has provided significant military and financial support to the country. This support has often shielded Israel from international criticism and consequences for its actions. The US has used its veto power in the UN Security Council to block resolutions critical of Israel, further contributing to the perception of impunity.
In conclusion, Israel’s operations under a climate of impunity have been a subject of concern for many years. The country’s actions, particularly its expansion of settlements and treatment of Palestinian civilians, have been widely criticized as violations of international law and human rights standards. Despite these concerns and calls for accountability, Israel has faced minimal consequences for its actions. The international community’s response has been largely symbolic, with little meaningful action taken to hold Israel accountable. As a result, the perception of impunity surrounding Israel’s actions continues to persist, raising questions about the effectiveness of international law and the commitment to human rights.