Jewish violence in the West Bank is terrorism - and Israel must admit it - opinion

Jewish settlers in the West Bank are engaging in acts of violence that include torching cars, attacking farmers, and hurling stones at vehicles. The author argues these actions should be unequivocally labeled as terrorism, a term they believe Israel is hesitant to apply when Jews are the perpetrators.

“

On the contrary, we have an obligation to use it. It is “terrorism.”

The article criticizes the Israeli term "Nationalistic crime" as a vague and sanitized phrase that avoids directly confronting the reality of the violence. The author posits that if the roles were reversed, with Palestinians committing similar acts against Israelis, the immediate response would be to label them terrorists. This double standard, the author contends, highlights a reluctance to use the appropriate vocabulary when Jewish individuals are involved.

Terrorism, the piece argues, is defined by the act itself, not the religion or nationality of the perpetrator. When violence is deliberately directed at civilians for ideological or nationalist aims, as seen in the West Bank, it must be called what it is. The author clarifies that this does not imply all settlers are terrorists, distinguishing the violent minority from the vast majority of Israelis living in the West Bank who oppose such actions.

“

Terrorism is not determined by the religion or nationality of the person who carries it out. It is determined by the act.

The author asserts that Israel has an obligation to use the word "terrorism" to describe these acts, emphasizing that the definition hinges on the nature of the violence and its goals, not the identity of those carrying it out. The piece calls for a clear and consistent application of this definition, regardless of who is perpetrating the violence.

“

When violence is deliberately directed against civilians in pursuit of an ideological or nationalist goal – which is the case in the West Bank – we need to be capable of calling it what it is.