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Criticism of Israel
May 21, 2007
Is criticism of Israel legitimate?

That certainly depends on what one means by "Israel". If one means the existence of the State of Israel, the answer is categorically NO, both from a moral and ethical point of view, because UN-Resolution 181 is generally accepted - and it is not likely to be rescinded.

Sure, one can discuss all the possible reasons it was drafted and accepted, an probably find all sorts of non-reasons, but the fact of the matter is that as the existence of the State of Israel is NOW a fact, rescinding it would be a violation of the Israelis' basic right to nationality as expressed in UDHR article 15:

(1) Everyone has the right to a nationality.

(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.

If one by "Israel" means the entire national entity and it's population in it's entirety, the answer is yet again a categorical NO, simply because an entire nation and population cannot be held responsible, as there within a national entity and population will always be those , (the number is irrelevant) that disagree with others on a multitude of matters.

If one by "Israel" means the Government or Representative Body, the answer must also be NO, because a Government or Representative Body, although often consisting of a majority of representatives that are in agreement on many issues, does not contain only those, but also those in opposition or at least in disagreement with the majority of representatives.

Therefore one can only criticize those that are directly, actually and objectively responsible for the decisions, and none of those are named "The State of Israel."

Who then is there to criticize?

One can very well criticize individual representatives, such as the Prime Minister, the Minister of Defense, individual Commanding Officers and individual Legislators - one can even criticize pieces of legislation, propositions and drafts of those, when there is irrefutable evidence that those individuals one is criticizing have in fact acted or put forward material that violates International Law.

What is there to criticize?

One can justifiably criticize the practice of demolishing the homes of alleged suicide murderers and their families - and I deliberately say 'alleged', because if there is irrefutable evidence of the identity of said suicide murderer, then a crime has been committed, and from a point of justice a penalty has to be implemented. Yes, parents can, and should be held responsible for how they have raised their children.

One can further justifiably criticize if and when minors are detained and imprisoned in regular prisons. Minor, if there is evidence of their guilt, should be detained under such conditions that take into consideration that they are children.

One can also justifiably criticize imprisonment and detention without a just hearing and trial for any time-period other than what is stipulated in International Law - i.e it must be accepted that an alleged criminal can be held for questioning during the duration of the investigation of the crime and during the trial.

One can justifiably criticize any practice implemented by law-enforcement or military that is a violation of International Law, provided that an impartial, judicially knowledgable and objective investigation has been conducted by International Law Agencies that are not ethnically or otherwise compromised by connections to the area or peoples.

One can naturally criticize such political parties as are appropriate, provided that one can give irrefutable evidence that said parties in their "manifesto" endorse any of the above practices or violations of International Laws.

One has to be very careful that one, when criticizing ANY nation for human rights and International Law violations, has taken into consideration, objectively, all aspects of International Laws, and that one's criticism is not overlooking or willfully ignoring International Law in its particulars or entirety. One also need the KNOW exactly what is International Law, so one does not assume that Recommendations, Advice and/or Declarations are International Law.

When all of the above has satisfactorily been taken into consideration and implemented in one's reasoning, one can bring forth the criticism, but not until then.

Shalom!

This article, including artworks and photos are © Henric C. Jensen aka Shadow Bear and are NOT public domain, unless otherwise specified.

Imported from external blog

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Posted: May 21, 2007 9:47am

 
 
 
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