Why do some supporters of Israel advocate for collectively punishing Palestinians knowing they would be appalled if the shoe was on the other foot?
I’m pro-Palestine, but I am genuinely trying to have a civil discussion about the conflict. I keep reading comments on news sites that “Palestinians voted for Hamas,” and then those same people claim “Palestinian society is entirely comprised by terrorists.” If I said that Israelis in particular were collectively responsible for Netanyahu actions and Jewish people in general were reasonable for Israel’s actions I would be called a “bigot” and “antisemite” and rightfully so. Why is it ok to make blanket statements about Palestinians and not Israelis?
Furthermore in regards to collective punishment- why is it ok for Israel to demolish Palestinian homes even if only one member of the family is suspected of having committed a crime? It is even done without trials or giving the accused access to attorneys. The Israelis also seize land (both private and state land) every time there’s a terrorist attack to build new settlements and outposts. If olive farmers complain about the loss of access to their farms the response is usually along the lines of “tell your people not to support terrorism.”
Another example of collective punishment is when how Israel restricts the rights of Christian and Muslim worshipers in Jerusalem any time the conflict flares. The latest incident was a diplomatic crisis between the
Israel’s government and the Vatican.
Israel’s supporters would be appalled if I said that “Israel’s government actions, by claiming to be done in the name of Judaism, are grounds to collectively punish Jewish people.” Why is it ok to advocate for collectively punishing Palestinians?