Throughline: A History of Settlements

Hosted by Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei

Release Date: October 31, 2024

Introduction

In the episode titled "A History of Settlements," NPR's Throughline delves into the intricate and often contentious history of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Hosted by Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei, the episode examines how these settlements transformed from a small religious mission into a central pillar of Israeli policy, deeply affecting the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Through expert interviews, historical analysis, and firsthand accounts, the podcast provides a comprehensive overview of the settlement movement's origins, expansion, and enduring impact on the region.

Historical Background

The Six-Day War and Aftermath

The episode begins by contextualizing the 1967 Six-Day War, a pivotal moment that reshaped the Middle East. Following escalating tensions and minor skirmishes, Israel launched a surprise attack on Egypt's air force bases, swiftly defeating the Arab militaries of Egypt, Jordan, and Syria within six days (11:15). This victory led to Israel's control over the West Bank, Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem, the Sinai Peninsula, and the Golan Heights (12:55). Historian Khaled Elgindi emphasizes the profound impact of this war, noting the "total humiliation of the Arab militaries" and the "euphoria" felt by Israelis (11:23).

Emergence of the Settlement Movement

Post-war, Israel faced the complex issue of the newly acquired territories. The International Court of Justice declared Israel's presence in Palestinian territories illegal, advocating for withdrawal (03:02). Despite international condemnation, Israeli figures like Yigal Alon proposed the Alon Plan, aiming to create "defensible borders" through the establishment of settlements across the West Bank and Jordan Valley (14:52). Although never officially adopted, the Alon Plan significantly influenced Israeli settlement policies (14:52).

The first major settlement, Giriat Arba, was established near Hebron by religious pioneers led by Rabbi Moshe Levinger (09:10). Anthropologist Gideon Aran recounts observing the settlement's growth and the settlers' belief in Judea and Samaria as the Jewish birthright (07:02). Sarah Yael Hirshhorn, a University of Haifa professor, identifies most modern settlers as economic suburbanists seeking better living standards rather than solely religious zealots (05:05).

Ariel Sharon and the Expansion of Settlements

Military Influence and Political Ascendancy

A central figure in the settlement narrative is Ariel Sharon. Initially a military officer, Sharon's actions during the 1967 war—and later during the 1973 Yom Kippur War—cemented his reputation as a formidable leader (17:24). Historian Avi Schlaim highlights Sharon's pivotal role in establishing Unit 101, which conducted retaliatory raids against Palestinian villages, marking Sharon's first involvement in controversial military actions (24:46).

Following the Yom Kippur War, Sharon transitioned into politics, aligning with Menachem Begin's Likud Party—a right-wing faction committed to expanding settlements (18:44). As Minister of Agriculture, and later as Minister of Defense, Sharon aggressively pursued settlement expansion, seeing it as both a security measure and a fulfillment of ideological aspirations (19:54).

Settlement Infrastructure and Impact

Under Sharon's leadership, settlements grew rapidly, from 10,000 in the early 1970s to over 100,000 by the early 1980s (27:51). This expansion involved the construction of infrastructure that often directly hindered Palestinian communities, including water, electricity, and roads (34:12). The creation of the security barrier, initiated by Sharon during his second term as Prime Minister, further entrenched settlement presence by encircling major settlement blocks deep within the West Bank (45:33).

International and Diplomatic Context

Oslo Accords and Continued Settlement Growth

In the 1990s, the Oslo Accords marked a significant yet ambiguous step towards peace, with mutual recognition between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) established (32:10). However, as Khaled Elgindi points out, the lack of a settlement freeze undermined the peace process, complicating negotiations over land (33:23). Despite international calls to deem settlements illegal and obstacles to peace, settlement activity surged, particularly in the West Bank's suburban areas, attracting settlers with better living conditions and government incentives (33:31; 34:00).

US Involvement and Support

The United States plays a dual role in the settlement issue. On one hand, American Evangelical Christians and various non-profit organizations provide substantial financial and moral support to the settlement movement (35:15). This external backing, coupled with a significant settler diaspora in the US, hampers American administrations' ability to effectively challenge settlement expansions (35:25).

Settlement Expansion and Its Effects

Social and Political Implications

The growth of settlements has profound implications for both Israelis and Palestinians. Settlements in the West Bank often resemble American suburbs, complete with paved roads, good schools, and shopping centers, contrasting sharply with the fragmented and economically strained Palestinian communities (04:48). This "securitized suburbanization," as described by Sarah Yael Hirshhorn, has led to a stark imbalance in quality of life and resource allocation (33:31; 34:07).

Impact on Palestinian Communities

Palestinians face daily hardships due to the settlement expansion. The construction of the security barrier, military checkpoints, and physical barriers severely restrict Palestinian movement, access to resources, and economic opportunities (46:20). Diana Butu, a Palestinian Canadian lawyer, vividly describes the dehumanizing treatment Palestinians endure, being constantly surveilled and subjected to violence at checkpoints (46:53).

Violence and Extremism

Settler Violence and Massacres

The settlement movement has been marred by violence and extremist actions. One of the most infamous incidents was the 1994 massacre at the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, perpetrated by Baruch Goldstein, a settler from Kiryat Arba (36:38). This atrocity, which resulted in 29 Palestinian deaths, underscored the severe tensions and the capacity for extreme violence within the settlement communities (37:55).

Second Intifada

The early 2000s saw the eruption of the Second Intifada, a period of intensified Israeli-Palestinian violence. Ariel Sharon's provocative visit to the Temple Mount in 2000 acted as the catalyst, igniting widespread protests and violent confrontations (42:36). Ramtin Arablouei narrates how these tensions led to the rise of radical groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, further destabilizing the region (31:06).

Rise of Hilltop Youth

During Sharon's tenure, the Hilltop Youth emerged as a radical settler faction. These young militants established unauthorized outposts and engaged in violent acts against Palestinians, reinforcing fears and perpetuating the cycle of violence (47:44). Diana Butu highlights the omnipresent fear Palestinians live under due to these aggressive settler actions (48:09).

Political Shifts and Ongoing Issues

Sharon's Legacy and Continued Settlement Policies

Ariel Sharon's policies left an indelible mark on the settlement landscape. His push for the security barrier and continuous settlement expansion aimed to solidify Israeli control over the West Bank, often at the expense of Palestinian rights and land (45:50). Historian Avi Schlaim argues that these actions were not merely security measures but strategic land grabs to cement Greater Israel's borders (45:40).

Current State of Settlements

As of the episode's release, over 130 settlements are officially recognized by the Israeli government, with numerous unofficial outposts established by extremist groups (51:30). The majority of settlers cite improved quality of life as their motivation, while a vocal minority pursue ideological goals of ethnic cleansing and eternal Israeli sovereignty (51:55; 35:09).

International and Domestic Opposition

Despite international condemnation and legal challenges, the settlement movement continues to thrive, heavily supported by right-wing political parties like Likud, now led by extremist figures such as Itamar Ben-Gvir (52:36). This political dominance ensures that settlement expansion remains a central Israeli policy, often leading to increased settler violence and further marginalization of Palestinians (52:16; 52:54).

Perspectives and Conclusions

Voices from Both Sides

Throughout the episode, various experts and individuals provide insight into the settlement issue. Khaled Elgindi underscores the marginalization of Palestinians within the West Bank, highlighting how settlement infrastructure perpetuates inequality (03:32; 52:16). Sarah Yael Hirshhorn discusses the "securitized suburbanization" of settlements, illustrating how government policies favor settlers while disadvantaging Palestinians (33:31; 34:07).

Diana Butu offers a poignant perspective on the human cost of settlements, describing the daily struggles and violence Palestinians endure as a direct consequence of settlement expansion (37:55; 46:53). Avi Schlaim provides a critical historical analysis, arguing that settlement growth undermines Israel's security and the prospects for a fair peace agreement (25:15; 31:43).

Future Outlook

Throughline concludes by emphasizing the entrenched nature of the settlement movement and its profound implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The episode suggests that without significant policy changes and genuine efforts towards equitable solutions, the cycle of violence and displacement is likely to continue, hindering any meaningful progress towards peace.

Notable Quotes

• Khaled Elgindi (03:02): "For Palestinians, the exact opposite [of Israeli seamless contiguity] is true. To have that kind of seamless contiguity, you have to disrupt Palestinian society."

• Sarah Yael Hirshhorn (05:05): "Today, Israeli settlers are primarily economic settlers. They're essentially suburbanites that I believe if they had been offered the same standard of living at prices that they could afford in other parts of territorial Israel, would have no real reason to be living in the West Bank."

• Ariel Sharon (26:04): "I received permission to establish three settlements a month. Then I really started to push."

• Diana Butu (37:44): "We were no longer the people who were the owners of the land. We were now turned into effectively the thieves and the interlopers, the people who shouldn't belong, and we were treated as such."

• Avi Schlaim (45:40): "But I would argue the real purpose or one of the purposes of the security barrier was land grabbing."

• Diana Butu (48:31): "It's terrifying to be there. The Israeli army has been going into, particularly in the northern part of the West Bank and destroying the cities and killing people as they choose. Who do I turn to for that safety and security? There is no rule of law. It's rule of power. It's the law of power."

Conclusion

"A History of Settlements" offers a nuanced exploration of the Israeli settlement movement, tracing its historical roots, political dynamics, and lasting effects on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By weaving together expert analysis, historical events, and personal testimonies, Throughline provides listeners with a deep understanding of why settlements remain a contentious and central issue in the quest for peace in the Middle East.