Podcast Summary: The Martyr Made Podcast – "War All the Time: Israel vs. Palestine, 1948-82 (Bonus Episode)"

Release Date: November 11, 2023
Host: Darryl Cooper

Introduction

In this bonus episode of The Martyr Made Podcast, host Darryl Cooper delves into the tumultuous period of the Israel-Palestine conflict spanning from the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 to the Lebanon War of 1982. Serving as an addendum to his earlier series, "Fear and Loathing in the New Jerusalem," Cooper aims to illustrate the escalating savagery and dehumanization that entrenched both sides in an unending cycle of violence.

Post-1948 War and the Birth of the Conflict (00:03 – 15:30)

Cooper sets the stage by recounting the aftermath of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, known to Arabs as the Nakba or "catastrophe." The war resulted in the expulsion of approximately 700,000 Palestinian Arabs, who found themselves in refugee camps under harsh conditions. Cooper emphasizes the deep-seated trauma experienced by both Palestinians and Israelis, highlighting the mutual dehumanization that fueled ongoing hostility.

Cooper (00:03): "This episode is specifically about how the level of savagery has escalated over the years... It's not a pretty story."

Formation and Rise of Palestinian Militancy (15:31 – 40:00)

The narrative progresses to the formation of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1964 under Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser. Cooper introduces key figures like Yasser Arafat and Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad), illustrating how frustrated Palestinians turned to armed struggle after repeated failures of political and diplomatic efforts.

Fedayeen Leader: "Palestine would not be liberated by Arab armies. It would only be liberated through the armed struggle of a Palestinian people's war."

Cooper draws parallels between Palestinian militants and global revolutionary movements, noting their adoption of tactics inspired by the FLN in Algeria and other insurgent groups.

Israeli Countermeasures and the Evolution of Operations (40:01 – 1:10:00)

As Palestinian attacks intensified, Israel's response evolved from targeted assassinations to broader military operations. Cooper highlights the establishment of elite units like Unit 101, led by Ariel Sharon, which conducted retaliatory raids and collective punishment to deter further attacks. These actions often resulted in collateral damage, perpetuating the cycle of violence.

Moshe Dayan (15:50): "We have the ability to set a high price for our blood... We must not flinch from seeing the hatred that accompanies..."

Cooper discusses the challenges faced by Israeli intelligence, such as Operation Susanna (Levan Affair) and the assassination attempts on PLO leaders, illustrating the blurred lines between legitimate defense and extrajudicial killings.

Black September and the Sabra & Shatila Massacre (1:10:01 – 1:40:00)

One of the critical turning points covered is the events of Black September in 1970, where internal strife within Jordan led to the expulsion of the PLO. Cooper details the involvement of Lebanese Christian militias, backed by Israeli forces, in the Sabra and Shatila massacre, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinian civilians.

Robert Hatem (1:35:20): "We used to shoot them in the head and dump their bodies into lime pits."

This section underscores the moral quandaries and international backlash faced by Israel as its alliances with brutal factions like the Falange exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.

The Lebanon War and Prolonged Occupation (1:40:01 – 2:20:00)

Cooper explores the 1982 Lebanon War, initiated by Ariel Sharon's unilateral invasion aimed at dismantling the PLO's stronghold in Lebanon. The operation led to widespread destruction, civilian casualties, and the entrenchment of Israeli forces in Lebanon for nearly two decades. Cooper critiques Sharon's aggressive tactics and the resultant fracturing of Israeli politics and society.

Darryl Cooper (2:15:45): "Regular acts of appalling savagery followed by savage Israeli reprisals became part of the background noise of the 1970s."

The war's aftermath is portrayed as a dark era where both Israeli and Palestinian societies were deeply scarred, paving the way for future militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.

Conclusion: The Endless Cycle of Violence (2:20:01 – End)

In wrapping up, Cooper reflects on the enduring legacy of the conflict, emphasizing the deep psychological and societal impacts on both Israelis and Palestinians. He poignantly notes the normalization of violence and the challenges in envisioning a peaceful resolution.

Cooper (End): "I just worry for the souls of everybody involved."

Cooper contemplates the futility of prolonged warfare, expressing skepticism about the viability of one-state or two-state solutions given the entrenched animosities and historical grievances.

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Darryl Cooper (00:03): "This episode is specifically about how the level of savagery has escalated over the years..."

• Moshe Dayan (15:50): "We have the ability to set a high price for our blood..."

• Fedayeen Leader (30:45): "Palestine would not be liberated by Arab armies..."

• Robert Hatem (1:35:20): "We used to shoot them in the head and dump their bodies into lime pits."

• Darryl Cooper (2:15:45): "Regular acts of appalling savagery followed by savage Israeli reprisals became part of the background noise of the 1970s."

• Darryl Cooper (End): "I just worry for the souls of everybody involved."

Key Takeaways

1. Historical Trauma: The 1948 Nakba and subsequent wars entrenched deep-seated animosity and trauma on both sides, laying the groundwork for prolonged conflict.

2. Militant Evolution: Palestinian resistance evolved from initial guerilla tactics to organized militancy with global alliances, while Israeli countermeasures became increasingly aggressive and often extrajudicial.

3. Moral and Ethical Decline: Both sides engaged in actions that blurred moral lines, contributing to a cycle of vengeance and dehumanization.

4. International Implications: External powers like the United States and Soviet Union influenced the conflict's trajectory, with interventions often exacerbating tensions.

5. Psychological Impact: The relentless violence had profound psychological effects on individuals and societies, making reconciliation challenging.

6. Enduring Conflict: The episode underscores the difficulty in breaking the cycle of violence, highlighting the complexities that hinder peaceful resolutions.

Final Thoughts

Darryl Cooper's comprehensive recounting of the Israel-Palestine conflict from 1948 to 1982 offers listeners a sobering perspective on the escalation of violence and the deep-rooted challenges in achieving lasting peace. By interweaving firsthand accounts, historical analysis, and poignant reflections, this episode serves as both an informative and heartfelt exploration of one of the most enduring conflicts in modern history.