Dr. Ruth Kabsa Abramzon Says Gaza Disengagement Marked Israel’s Deep Crisis With Its Identity

Dr. Ruth Kabsa Abramzon, author of 'The State Is Not Available Now,' spoke at the Katif Heritage Center conference marking 21 years since the Gaza Strip and northern Samaria disengagement. She described the 2005 disengagement not merely as the uprooting of settlements but as a profound crisis where, in her words, "the state disconnected from itself, its values, and its citizens." Kabsa Abramzon argued that the event symbolized a turning point in Israel’s relationship with its people, highlighting that the state was no longer accessible or supportive to the residents of Gush Katif.

She emphasized that the repercussions extended far beyond the evacuation, noting a rapid deterioration in national cohesion and values. According to her, Israel has since distanced itself from its Jewish and Zionist principles, adopting progressive and universal values within its institutions, which she believes neglect the nation’s core interests. Addressing the failures experienced by Gush Katif evacuees in dealing with state authorities, she suggested these issues stem from deeper systemic problems rather than mere bureaucratic inefficiency.

Kabsa Abramzon also criticized the government’s portrayal of the disengagement, describing a pre-planned campaign that framed the settlers as an unruly minority against the "kingdom" of the state, which she said ultimately divided Israeli society and obscured the broader public interest in Gush Katif.

Concluding, she warned that Israel cannot survive without reconnecting to its Jewish and Zionist identity. She stressed that resolving governance crises requires a clear understanding of national identity, and that a state apparatus disconnected from its foundational roots cannot effectively address threats or opportunities. Kabsa Abramzon urged a national awakening to preserve the Jewish state for future generations.