In the Twilight Zone – Between Human Rights Violations and Friends
Disturbed. Thursday. Reports on the incident: two wanted Palestinian suspects of terrorism shot to death despite surrender to Israeli Border Police. A video clip from the scene: Jenin. I tell myself not to submit to curiosity. I refrain from seeing it. Wondering how I resist the temptation.
It occurs to me that when I worked in a binational Israeli and Palestinian organization, even when I told myself I shouldn’t watch video clips of confrontations and violence involving Israeli settlers or soldiers and Palestinian civilians, if only to protect my emotional wellbeing. Often, however, I felt an obligation to know, to empathize with my colleagues in the West Bank – in Palestine. Not entitled to the luxury of avoidance of visual documentation. Knowing Israeli media would only expose me to a one-sided narrative leveraged to rally support for revenge, and justifying perpetrating any act of evil against Palestinians in the name of safety and security.
But the events of Thursday became part of the discussion with Haim and his son after Friday night dinner. They continued to penetrate our thoughts as the media covered the investigation into the actions by the Israeli Border Police. Investigation in accordance with procedures for inexcusable acts. The three officers in question released on limited conditions. Self-defense. Refutable? Human rights and the law. Elastic? One case. Among many. Resolvable?
I watched the video footage.
In between reading about two minors killed today in Khan Younis, Gaza and signing a petition addressed to foreign governments calling for pressure on Israel to release Dr. Abu Safia after 10 months during which he has been held without charges and under inhumane treatment. (Why is it so hard for me to say – reportedly tortured?)
Another news item on Friday and Saturday night: lines of Israelis waiting for citizenship papers at the Tel Aviv Embassy of Portugal. More than a brain drain. Largely an ethical exodus – if only because of the government generated erosion of the Israeli version of democracy. The ethical exodus probably largely indifferent to the ongoing Occupation that must end. Nevertheless, as Haim comments, “Bibi likes it. The more of his opposition that leaves the better for him.” Again, Bibi’s indifference to what is best for Israel. His preoccupation is with what is best for him.
From human rights to the character of our government. Ceasefire violations in the distance. Yet, anxieties tweaked when our son-in-law gets same-day notice for reserve duty in the north. Back home by the weekend.
Eating lunch while working midweek, skimming an article in Ha’aretz by Israel Harel, a right-wing commentator, on US relations with Qatar and Turkey as the latter two seek to save Hamas. By association, cringing, my thoughts are distracted by the idea of Americans objecting to US support for Israel as it commits genocide. Because we, Israel, need US support. We, Israel, need to be that democracy – you know, “the only democracy in the Middle East.” The one the US needs. When Pres. Biden withheld missiles from Israel, the Israeli public largely chose not to remember prior expressions of his commitment to Israel. How could withholding missiles while Israel was at war be perceived as an act with Israel’s best interests at heart? Rhetorical question in the public discourse. My question would differ: how could the government of Israel not recalculate its course?
Eternally grateful for the return of Israeli hostages from Gaza orchestrated by Pres. Trump. Yet, not endorsing the idea that the end justifies the means. It’s a stand-alone statement. I question – and I am not alone – how the government of Israel complied with US demands when they came from Pres. Trump, but not when they came from Pres. Biden.
Reading, however, superficially about the personal interests of Pres. Trump in his positions vis a vis Qatar and Turkey, and others in the neighborhood – Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt. Trump is Israel’s friend? Trump has the best interests of the United States at heart?
Israel’s best interests can best be served by friends demanding it abide by the International Human Rights treaties to which it is a signatory. Meanwhile, it looks a little foggy out there – walking in a twilight zone.
Harriet Gimpel – November 29, 2025