THe Al-Aqsa Flood / Swords of Iron War marks one of the most intense escalations in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It began on October 7, 2023. Hamas launched a surprise multi-front attack on Israeli border communities. They infiltrated cities and villages and caused mass casualties. This unprecedented assault prompted a swift military response from Israel. This action led to a full-scale war. The conflict has left both sides with devastating civilian losses and widespread displacement.

The war has evolved into a humanitarian crisis. Palestinian civilian deaths have risen dramatically due to Israeli airstrikes targeting Hamas in densely populated areas. Current reports show over 16,000 Palestinian children have been killed. More than a million Gazans have been displaced. They are facing severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Meanwhile, Hamas holds over a hundred Israeli hostages. They continue to launch rockets. This exacerbates the conflict’s intensity and maintains high levels of violence on both sides.

Israel has deployed an AI system called Lavender. It is used to recognize hostile targets. This development has significantly altered the dynamics of casualty ratios. It impacts the classification of uninvolved civilians as casualties in combat zones.

Casualty Reports and Humanitarian Impact:

• . The humanitarian toll in Gaza is also covered in reports by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
• Human Rights Watch – Gaza Conflict

AI Technology in Warfare (Lavender System):

• Research articles or credible news outlets discussing Israel’s use of AI technology in identifying targets.
• BBC News – AI in Israeli Military

Background on the October 7 Attack and Ongoing War:

• News outlets like Al Jazeera, Haaretz, and The New York Times offer detailed timelines and analysis.
• Al Jazeera – October 7 Attack Overview

Hostage Situation and Hamas’s Role:

• For factual information about the hostages, reliable sources include the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Amnesty International is also dependable.
• Amnesty International – Hostages in Conflict

The eternal holy war of Israel

The concept of a perpetual or “eternal” war is becoming increasingly plausible. This is due to the Israeli political climate and the ongoing conflict with Hamas. This sense of an unending conflict is fueled by a political landscape that is shifting further to the right. Israeli society becomes more polarized in its perspectives on the war.

Recent analyses show growing support in Israel. Many believe that Hamas must be completely neutralized to guarantee long-term security. This sentiment is reflected in the war cabinet’s approach. Yet, dissenting voices warn that continued military operations lead to the emergence of a new generation of militants. The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, has formed a coalition with far-right parties. This coalition solidifies a political stance that sees a prolonged war as inevitable unless Hamas is decisively defeated

There is a broader consensus among many Israelis. They believe that negotiating with Hamas is not a doable path. This further pushes the narrative that military solutions, rather than diplomatic ones, are necessary. This makes the scenario of a protracted conflict almost inevitable. It becomes framed as a war for Israel’s very survival. For many, this “eternal war” mindset is linked to the belief that Israel can’t afford to show weakness. Offering concessions, they fear, would only invite further attacks

The use of advanced technology exacerbates this environment. Israel’s AI system, Lavender, has been deployed to target hostile elements more precisely. Nevertheless, such tools also contribute to the complexity of identifying and mitigating civilian casualties. They add to the ethical and humanitarian dilemmas that come with modern warfare strategies.

Overall, these dynamics are rooted in political shifts, security narratives, and technological advancements. They have created a situation where a perpetual state of conflict seems increasingly difficult to escape. For more detailed insights, you can explore the analysis from the Council on Foreign Relations and the Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center.

Council on Foreign Relations: This source offers a detailed analysis. It looks at the broader geopolitical implications of perpetual conflict in the Middle East. It includes the potential for an ongoing cycle of hostilities between Israel, Hamas, and other regional actors. It explores how political shifts and external influences can lead to a protracted, seemingly “eternal war.” Read more here.

Carnegie Middle East Center – What Day After for Israel?: This article explores the changing dynamics of Israeli security and military strategy. It highlights the internal and external factors that create a sense of perpetual insecurity. Additionally, it discusses the growing support for right-wing policies within Israel. It also addresses the impacts of the current war on regional alliances and Israel’s internal politics. Link to article​)

Carnegie Peace).

The origins of “eternal war”

The term “eternal war” has its philosophical roots in Emmanuel Kant’s idea of “perpetual war.” He outlined this in his essay Perpetual Peace (1795).

Kant argued that war, whether justified or not, can’t bring lasting peace. It often perpetuates itself due to a lack of a central authority to judge conflicts. This leads to an unending cycle of hostility and mistrust between warring states.

The modern context of “eternal war” is notably popularized by George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984. In it, perpetual war is used as a tool for control. The regime in 1984 uses constant warfare to keep power, distract citizens, and justify authoritarian measures. The concept of “eternal war” in Orwell’s work is about creating a state of fear and dependency. It is where the government’s promises of protection become part of a larger system of oppression. This manipulation of warfare keeps people in a state of poverty and subjugation, maintaining the power of the elite

These sources offer context for understanding the term “eternal war” and its use as a mechanism of philosophical critique. It also serves as a tool for political control. This understanding is highly relevant in analyzing modern conflicts. Narratives of ongoing warfare serve to justify actions on both sides.

What about the Israeli left?

The Decline of the Israeli Left: A Crisis of Relevance

The Israeli left appears to have become a marginal group. They lack significant political power. They also lack effective leadership and a concrete backup plan. Participation in anti-war protests is minimal. They are often limited to individuals from high socio-economic backgrounds. This further alienates them from the broader Israeli public. Left-wing activists are often subjected to harassment, bullying, and, at times, even threats to their personal safety. This creates a pervasive sense of helplessness and despair, making their efforts even less impactful. Those who can leave the country increasingly view foreign intervention as their most practical strategy. Supporters of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement share this view of foreign intervention. Unfortunately, many find themselves unintentionally supporting anti-Semitic rhetoric, becoming “useful idiots” for more extremist elements. Some continue using outdated techniques. They chant slogans that no longer resonate. They refuse to engage in meaningful dialogue with the broader Israeli society. This sense of disconnection leaves the Israeli left politically isolated. They struggle to offer a practical backup narrative to the right-wing dominance in Israel.

Supporting Sources:

1. “The Collapse of the Israeli Left” by Haaretz: This article explores the waning influence of the Israeli left. There is a shift of political power towards the right. It highlights the declining support base. Left-wing leaders are unable to offer a compelling vision for peace and social justice. Read more here.
2. “Why the Israeli Left Can’t Win” by The Atlantic: The article discusses the socio-political factors. These factors contribute to the marginalization of left-wing ideologies in Israel. It includes demographic shifts and security concerns. A growing sense of nationalism undermines left-wing narratives. Link to article.
3. “Left-Wing Activism in Israel: Challenges and Decline” by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: This work provides a detailed exploration. It explains why left-wing activism in Israel faces difficulties. It analyzes its struggles to gain traction. It focuses on internal fragmentation, external pressure, and the harassment faced by activists. Read the full analysis here.
4. “BDS and the Israeli Left: A Contested Relationship” by +972 Magazine: The article explores the complex relationship. It examines the dynamic between Israeli leftists and the BDS movement. It highlights cases where left-wing activists have been ostracized for supporting international interventions. The article also discusses the backlash faced by critics. These critics target both the Israeli government and the BDS movement at the same time. Link to article.
5. “The Death of the Israeli Left: Why It’s Over” by The Times of Israel: The article examines the decline. It covers the reduction in power of the Israeli left. It explores their historical reduction in power. The piece analyzes their diminishing influence. It also discusses why public trust has been lost over time. It traces the loss of public trust and political clout. It delves into how the left has struggled to engage with security narratives that dominate Israeli politics. Read more here.
6. “Jew-Washing: The Guardian article explores the co-inclusion of Israeli leftists.” The article discusses the inclusion of Israeli leftists. It covers how anti-Semitic narratives exploit them. These narratives use Israeli leftists as shields. This occurs abroad. This serves to unintentionally offer a veneer of legitimacy to otherwise problematic discourses. Link to article.
7. “Why the Left is Losing the Battle in Israel” by Foreign Policy: The article investigates the broader geopolitical factors. These factors have marginalized left-wing voices. This includes the collapse of the peace process. It also includes the global rise of populist nationalism. Read the article.

To be a genuine ally to the colonized and oppressed people, one must engage in solidarity with depth. This engagement should go beyond surface-level expressions of support. The Israeli radical left often falls into a reductionist view. Despite its opposition to the occupation and vocal advocacy for Palestinian rights, it sees Palestinians merely as victims needing protection. It overlooks the fact that Palestinians are agents with complex narratives, diverse ideologies, and autonomous political desires. This approach, while well-unmentioned, can unintentionally perpetuate a form of paternalism and reinforce power imbalances instead of dismantling them.

Analyzing Common Expressions and Behaviors

From conversations and observations, some typical expressions from radical left activists in Israel include phrases like:

• “We need to be their voice because they have none.”
• “Palestinians are fragile and need our protection.”
• “It’s not our place to critique their resistance tactics.”

These statements, while seemingly supportive, reflect a paternalistic mindset. They frame Palestinians as passive recipients of advocacy rather than active participants in shaping their own political futures. This viewpoint diminishes Palestinian agency. It also obscures the nuances within Palestinian society. These nuances include diverse political views, strategies, and debates on resistance.

Inadequate Understanding of Culture and Language

One glaring issue is the lack of investment in understanding Palestinian and broader Arab culture, history, and language. While advocating for Palestinian rights, many Israeli left-wing activists do not speak Arabic. They also have limited knowledge of Islamic cultural and social structures. This lack of cultural competence can cause only surface-level support for Palestinian causes. It means that the complexities of Palestinian identity, religious practices, and internal conflicts are often overlooked. Without this deeper understanding, solidarity becomes a hollow performance rather than a meaningful engagement.

Turning a Blind Eye to Problematic Dynamics

Additionally, many radical left activists ignore or rationalize problematic dynamics, like:

1. Terrorism and Violence: While opposing Israeli state violence, they often dismiss instances. They sometimes downplay when Palestinians commit acts of terrorism against Israeli civilians. This selective empathy can come across as hypocritical and diminish the left’s credibility.
2. Racism and Anti-Semitism: Some radical leftists are reluctant to acknowledge racism or anti-Semitic rhetoric within Palestinian or Arab media. Organizations like MEMRI (Middle East Media Research Institute) have reported on incitement, hate speech, and calls for violence. Ignoring these issues in the name of solidarity does not help achieve mutual understanding. Instead, it reinforces a one-dimensional perspective.
3. Genuine Palestinian Pluralism Ignored: Many leftists subscribe to a monolithic view of Palestinian identity. They neglect internal differences such as those between secular nationalists and Islamist factions like Hamas. These differences also include the ideological spectrum from moderates to hardliners. This reductionist view oversimplifies the situation. It does not include Palestinian voices critical of Israeli policies. Some voices also criticize the strategies of certain Palestinian groups.

What Does Real Allyship Look Like?

A genuine allyship should involve:

• Learning Arabic and Understanding Islamic and Arab Cultures: Language is a gateway to culture. Understanding Arabic is not just a symbolic gesture. It is a practical way to engage with Palestinian narratives directly and in their own terms.
• Engaging Critically with All Narratives: Being an ally does not mean agreeing unconditionally. True solidarity involves listening, learning, and respectfully challenging narratives that promote hate, violence, or discrimination, even within the oppressed group.
• Avoiding Ideological Purity Tests: Radical left activists often ostracize those who don’t align perfectly with their views. Yet, genuine solidarity requires flexibility. It also demands an openness to multiple perspectives, including uncomfortable truths about both Israeli and Palestinian societies.

Suggested Sources:

1. MEMRI (Middle East Media Research Institute) for insights on media narratives and incitement within Palestinian territories: MEMRI