honeybadgerpress.ca

ISRAEL HAS NO LAWFUL CLAIM TO SELF-DEFENSE
(in Occupied Palestinian Territories)

Washington Report on Middle East Affairs: October 2026

The ongoing terror campaign by Israeli settlers in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is literally a state-backed pogrom designed to drive Palestinians from their hereditary lands.

The hypocrisy of Israel’s “right to self-defense” mantra is striking when we consider that most Israeli military violence is directed at Palestinians lawfully defending themselves from a brutal occupation.

Any serious discussion of terrorism and Israel’s so-called right to self-defense must include reference to Zionism’s long history of political violence. Unfortunately, this effort must include the active hostility of a United States government that continues to shield the Israeli state from accountability.

Therefore, all nations must collectively pressure Israel to obey every U.N. resolution protecting Palestinians, especially the right of return or full reparations for stolen land, possessions and wealth.

Such action could create the conditions for a bi-national state where all citizens would enjoy equal rights to both exist and prosper. This new state might engage in a “truth and reconciliation” amnesty program to ease lingering tensions among former enemies.

Short of these measures, Israel could accept the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative that promised peace and full diplomatic relations if Israel agreed to empty its illegal settlements and return to its pre-1967 “borders.” Israel utterly rejected that practical plan.

History has demonstrated that only serious external pressures, like economic sanctions and a major arms embargo, will convince Israel’s leadership to cease their endless aggression.

—Morgan Duchesney, Baddeck, NS, Canada

Rosemarie Esber agrees with your assessment on p. 19 of this issue, noting, “history shows that every time Palestinians were disarmed, Israeli or allied forces killed, maimed, expelled or terrorized them.” As for the prospects of the U.N. doing anything to uphold international law, Ian Williams notes on p. 60 that, “even the best candidates [to become U.N. Secretary-General] have tiptoed around enforcement of U.N. policies on the Middle East.” So, don’t hold your breath.