Israel Governs Lawlessly

by Stephen Lendman

Israel reflects the worst of rogue state lawlessness. Netanyahu's a world class thug. Knesset members reflect fascist rule. Ethnic cleansing is official policy. So is slow-motion genocide.

Israelis are increasingly marginalized and denied. Neoliberal harshness harms millions. Israeli Arabs have virtually no rights. Praying to the wrong god is dangerous.

Occupied Palestinians face ruthless state terror. It persists out-of-control. In the seven-day period ending July 4, 64 Palestinian civilians were arrested. A PLC member was abducted.

Free expression's endangered. Security forces harass and brutalize peaceful protesters. The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) expressed alarm.

Police conduct "warning conversations," it said. Activists are confronted. They're "in the crosshairs." They're targeted ahead of planned demonstrations.

Reports reveal alarming trends. Police "dispers(e) protest vigils and legal demonstrations." Some use masks to hide identities. ID tags are concealed.

Arrests and detentions follow. They're done "without legal grounds." Unjustifiable violence persists. Demonstrators are ruthlessly targeted.

"(S)erious combat equipment" is used. Tear gas, rubber bullets, toxic chemical spray, and live fire are commonplace. According to ACRI attorney Sharona eliahu-Chai:

"The role of police in a democratic nation is to protect citizens' freedom of expression and to permit political protests, not to intimidate protestors and social activists."