Palestinian Citizens of Israel Urged to Organize and Internationalize Their Cause

The author argues that the disqualification of candidate Sami Abu Shehadeh by the Israeli Supreme Court, at the request of Itamar Ben-Gvir, signifies a new low for Israeli society and politics. The article criticizes the court, which it claims has previously allowed occupation, settlements, starvation, and extermination, for failing to deliver justice to Abu Shehadeh and his people. The author also points to the Israeli judicial advisor, opposition parties, and media for joining a campaign of incitement against Abu Shehadeh and Arab parties.

Since the October 7th attacks and the war in Gaza, the author observes a significant global shift in favor of the Palestinian people, contrasted with unprecedented extremism within Israel towards Palestinians. This has altered international dynamics concerning Israel and Palestinians. The Palestinian Authority is described as having become an instrument of repression, prioritizing security coordination with Israel over Palestinian struggle, and neglecting the events in Gaza.

The article criticizes Palestinian parties and the public for political stagnation and fear, particularly in their response to the Gaza war. It notes a decline in political activity since the Oslo Accords, with the Knesset becoming the primary, and perhaps only, arena for political struggle due to a lack of alternative methods. The failure to achieve a unified joint list in recent Knesset elections is also mentioned.

To counter this, the author calls for a two-pronged approach: internal societal organization and internationalization of Palestinian issues within Israel. The first involves establishing professional unions and organizations for farmers, doctors, engineers, and transporters to strengthen the community. The second entails leveraging educated, multilingual youth to engage the international community and establish an international advocacy center to address fundamental issues like land, religion, identity, and political status, particularly after the Nation-State Law. These new tools are seen as complementary to, rather than a replacement for, parliamentary action.