Beneath the Surface: Israel’s Unwavering Consensus on Jewish Supremacy

Israel’s rediscovery of its Altalena past has reignited a decades-old fault line, but scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find an unshakeable consensus that transcends partisan divisions. Beneath the rhetoric of unity and warnings against civil war lies a deep-seated agreement among Israeli Jews on one fundamental issue: Jewish supremacy.

The Altalena’s rediscovery has become a lightning rod for Netanyahu’s election campaign, but it’s not just about revisiting a historical grievance. It’s also a thinly veiled threat to the left – a reminder that, if need be, the right will come for them as they came for Etzel in 1948.

One of the most striking aspects of modern Israel is its unwavering consensus on security. Unlike many countries, where security is just one aspect of a broader national identity, for Israelis it’s the cornerstone – overriding all other considerations. The state’s primary purpose is to safeguard Jewish lives, preferably by establishing their dominance over their neighbors, particularly the Palestinians.

The recent October 7 attacks have accelerated this trend, as Netanyahu and his allies seek to justify Israel’s aggressive policies under the guise of self-defense. This shift has been met with little resistance from within Israeli society – a testament to the profound impact of Zionist ideology on Israeli identity. Jewish supremacy has become the default assumption, even among those who disagree on its scope or implementation.

The consensus extends across the political spectrum, including left-wing parties that have historically been critical of right-wing policies. These parties have largely acquiesced to Israel’s expansionist agenda, which prioritizes maintaining a Jewish majority over any consideration for Palestinian rights.

What this means for advocates of peace and normalisation with Palestine is that their efforts will continue to be met with resistance, and any attempts to challenge Israeli impunity will be viewed as a threat to national security. In practical terms, this translates into continued occupation, settlement expansion, and military aggression – all justified under the banner of Jewish supremacy.

The Altalena’s rediscovery serves as a reminder of Israel’s unyielding commitment to its founding ideology. As long as Jewish supremacy remains at the heart of Israeli nationalism, there will be no civil war – only an ongoing struggle for dominance over the Palestinians and other neighbouring communities.

As we scrutinise the complexities driving Israeli politics, it’s essential to remember that the views expressed by Netanyahu and his allies are not aberrations but symptoms of a deeper societal consensus. The Altalena’s story may capture our attention, but it’s the underlying currents that demand our concern for the future of the region.

The continued occupation of Palestine will not be resolved through symbolic gestures or token concessions; it requires a fundamental shift in Israel’s values and policies. Until such a transformation occurs, the cycle of violence and oppression will persist – with devastating consequences for all those caught in its crosshairs.

Ultimately, the rediscovery of the Altalena serves as a stark reminder that beneath the surface of Israeli politics lies an unwavering commitment to Jewish supremacy. As long as this remains the case, any attempts at peace or normalisation will be met with resistance – and the cycle of violence will continue unabated.