Boycotting the boycotters

"People will treat you as you treat them. .." And of course, the ultimate could happen there.... displacing and dispossessing those who dis- place and dispossess others....Dutch

By Mr. Levy's own standards (and his nearly infinitely elastic definition of the word "boycott") shouldn't all those pushing for boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel also fully support's Israel's "boycott" of Gaza (and everything else Levy sites in this article) or be declared hypocrites? Taking it one step further, shouldn't Levy himself - as an Israeli supporter of boycott - demand that his friends and associates abroad immediately boycott and shun him. And failing that, shouldn't Levy boycott both himself and this Zionist newspaper? Just asking...

For substantially two millennia, the Jewish population of Palestine was less than 10%. A massive wave of Jewish immigration began in the 20th century. By 1931, 17 percent of the population of Palestine were Jews, an increase of six percent since 1922. The European powers deciding the issue of Jewish settlement in Palestine were classic colonialists glad to give land which was not theirs. The local Arabs naturally protested and resisted, ultimately by refusal to recognize Israel when overwhelmed by force and Western diplomacy. It was a simple case of an unacceptable imposed solution on the Arabs. But that situation fundamentally changed with the Arab League Peace Initiative of 2002, aka the "Saudi Plan", offering the Jewish State far more territorial benefit than the United Nations allowed in 1948. This represents a generous settlement, and any Israeli pretensions beyond that, namely beyond the 1967 armistice line, are patently absurd, both legally and morally. Especially morallyIs the `67 Green Line making 77 % Israeli, 23% Palestinian, per the Saudi Plan not ?fair? enough for Israelis?The Occupied West Bank is 2,270 square miles.Gaza is 139 square miles.Israel proper is 7,992 square miles.The Palestinian people have arguably more rights to ALL of Palestine than do the Jewish people, who never exceeded 10% (far less than 10%) of the population of Palestine for nearly the entire past two millennia, until about the 1920`s.

we are defending ourselves

It was always "there's no one to talk to, they're terrorists." Now it's "there's no one to talk to, they're boycotters."

Only a sociopathic mindset cannot understand why a country like Israel which boycotts other entities it does not like, cannot tolerate being boycotted by others. Criminals cannot accept being hounded for actions they perceive to be justified. Railng against boycott of products manufactured on occupied territories, in contravention of the Geneva Convention article IV and arguing that the boycott is against the Palestinians' own economic interests is like threatening to blow up an establishment for refusing to pay protection money, counting on the owner's need for economic self preservation. Yes, what Israel does is to extort the Palestinians, plain and simple.

It is too bad that Gideon Levy cares so little for the Palestinian well being. I have news for you Gideon, it is only Israel that cares for the Palestinians (especially in Gaza...it certainly is not Hamas or the PA who is concerned for civilian Palestinian wellbeing)

Claiming moral equivalence of Hamas and Israel is preposterous. For a Jew to advocate boycotts of Israel would be laughable if it were not so sad.

What happens when their neighbours have their own umbrellas? There's the problem. It's only an illusion of invincibility. It's really a monster which devours all.

what a ridiculous assertion by Levy that extends no deeper than a atom. Why has Levy refused to state that Israel's boycott of Gaza is because that entity wishes to have all Israel exterminated-liqidated--with no peace, no compromise, and no right to exist. Levy 's article is pure hypocrisy

there is enough treachery, hatred violence absurdity in the average human being to supply any given army on any given day and the best at murder are those who preach against it and the best at hate are those who preach love and the best at war finally are those who preach peace those who preach god, need god those who preach peace do not have peace those who preach peace do not have love beware the preachers beware the knowers beware those who are always reading books beware those who either detest poverty or are proud of it beware those quick to praise for they need praise in return beware those who are quick to censor they are afraid of what they do not know beware those who seek constant crowds for they are nothing alone beware the average man the average woman beware their love, their love is average seeks average but there is genius in their hatred there is enough genius in their hatred to kill you to kill anybody not wanting solitude not understanding solitude they will attempt to destroy anything that differs from their own not being able to create art they will not understand art they will consider their failure as creators only as a failure of the world not being able to love fully they will believe your love incomplete and then they will hate you and their hatred will be perfect like a shining diamond like a knife like a mountain like a tiger like hemlock their finest art

If Israel does it to someone else, they obviously deserve it. If someone does it to Israel, they are obviously antisemitic. Or self hating Jews. Next question please.....

at least, if no one else, you are going to read me and my messages are getting to you

But if we take the author's argument (not to mention his infinitely elastic definition of the word "boycott") at face value, doesn't that mean everyone who supports BDS (which, I presume, includes this author) must wholeheartedly support Israel's actions in Gaza (among other things) or risk being exposed as hypocrites? And taking things one step further, shouldn't Gideon Levy be calling on all of his friends and associates to boycott and shun him as a citizen of the state which deserves to be boycotted. Or, to be completely consistent, shouldn't Levy boycott both this newspaper and himself? Just asking...

Levy knows that Israel is in a state of war with the surrounding Arabs. What is all this talk of boycotting? The comparison is a fraudulent one. Israel's actions are a consequence of being at war-nothing to do with boycotting.

Nice try, Gideon. But the term is not appropriate for Gaza. The term siege is much more appropriate for what Israel is doing in Gaza. The caloric intake is limited as are entry and exit and communications to and from. A substantial percentage of their arable land is denied their use. And anybody seen from the border is subject to the death penalty without trial or appeal. I don't view boycotts as a useful tool to change behavior, especially with Israeli politicians. Like Hamas, Israeli politicians get theirs first.

there is no moral highground, rather, there is a problem. many solutions could be used but we'd rather use the best. Unfortunately none of them look good. the arabs use terror because it works. look at israeli leaders you idolize those same people that were guilty of terror. bring to trial all israeli terrorists and the arabs will bring to trial theirs. Decent folk want to live in peace. As long as religious fervor blinds people the fight will go on. also racism is exacerbated by different skin colors (sorry our eyes are wired directly into our brain). should a peace happen the arab terror will turn into poor people crime with a hint of hurt feelings, can you live with that? most nations do. give me the power and i'll make a fair and just peace. my methods will be irrefutable and i challenge anyone to a debate.

Mr. Levy certainly cannot complain about a boycott of products advertised in Haaretz. I suggest that anyone who pays MONEY for Haaretz also boycott this "newspaper". It won't have any effect, however, since Haaretz is now the propaganda arm of Fatah/Hamas and receives funding from the PA.

Gideon Levy is right about boycotts, at home and abroad. They are a childish legacy of a hundred years ago. Boycotting and blockading countries with which it has no reason to interfere (beyond its power) have been a major feature of US foreign policy since the time of Woodrow Wilson, who was ever ready to invoke principle against the helpless. The ongoing official boycotts of Cuba, Iran, Burma, North Korea and other countries have never done anything except reinforce thuggy regimes and starve people. Boycotting Israel might seem more relevant as it, like South Africa in the old days, is very dependent on trade and human contacts with the US. Unfortunately, in the former case such a boycott can again have little effect but to strengthen the ... , er, government. The fundamental difference between Israel and South Africa is that Israel is a US satellite (major advance post in the middle east). SA was not. Israel only acts with US permission (cf. the massive military and other aid). Ending the US financial and diplomatic support is a better way to get the Israelis and Palestinians to solve their problems--on their own-- than any boycott. It may be the only way.

Thank you again, Gideon, for being a true Jewish soul.

Gideon, make no mistake. "Boycott Israel" campaign is not directed against Bibi or against Lieberman only. It is directed against you, against Haaretz, against Shalom Achshav, against everything that comes out of Israel, whether it's good or bad. Because from the point of view of BDSniks in both Beirut and in Toronto there is no place for you in the "usurped holy Muslim land". Whether you like it or not.

SAY IT GIDEON!

In relation to Gaza, and according to Levy´s views, Israel shoud be the only country in the world, morally demanded to support its enemy. Gazans are innocent people but those warriors of Hamas are not, and they have proved it flooding Israel with thousands of rockets despite the unilateral disengagement in 2005

the peoples of the world need access to the articles that mr levy writes.it will make them realise that there are many ,many good people in israel that speak out against the persecution and unjustness of israel,towards the palestinians.israels policies in support for the horrible settlers,bring shame to israel and menace to jews around the world.lets get pre 1967 israel proper back to the high world standing it once had.settlers out,israel in!

There seems to be more to it than just the Israeli side.

Levy sees through all the lies and hypocrisy that is that democracy -- the Jewish state.

So it's true, Israel is boycotting all those that disagree with its policy.

Hamas is a terrorist organization. This is a fact. Their fundamental covenant is to deny Israel's existence. Is Israel responsible for a people who wishes Israel's destruction? You mean we should feed and build up Gaza until they become so strong that they can fulfill their wish? Where are all the Arab countries who cry crocodile tears about the Gazans? Why don't they help?

The Palestinians attack Israel. The Palestinians formally call for Israel's destruction. Meanwhile, there is still travel, exchange of goods, security measures, and varying other types of coordination, and you are pretentious enough to pretend there's a "boycott?" Is Israel at war or conflicted with Britain? NO, imbecile.

Boycott: : to engage in a concerted refusal to have dealings with (as a person, store, or organization) usually to express disapproval or to force acceptance of certain conditions Blockade: the isolation by a warring nation of an enemy area (as a harbor) by troops or warships to prevent passage of persons or supplies; broadly : a restrictive measure designed to obstruct the commerce and communications of an unfriendly nation Mr. Levy doesn't seem to know the difference. What you have in Gaza is a blockade and not a boycott. Whether or not Levy wants to admit it there is a war going on and a blockade is a legitimate action during war. And where is there a boycott of the scale Mr. Levy claims is going on in the West Bank ? Military ? - if I remember correctly, the Israelis gave the Palestinian police weapons. Academic ? - wasn't it Bir Zeit University that refused to allow Ilan Pappe to speak because he was Israeli ? But then again Mr. Levy has never been known not to twist the English language to fit his own agenda.

Israel does deserved to be boycotted. Absolutely! And now, Chomsky is not allowed into Israel to deliver a lecture. Unreal. Gideon, you are one of the few voices out in the wilderness, but rest assured that there are plenty people who support you and will never boycott you.

News is breaking now. Bizarre twist.

Mr. Levy: What do you recommend the the Government of Israel do about the situation in Gaza? hamas does not recognize Israel's right to exist. Hamas fired rockets and continues to do so targeting Israeli civilians. Israel refuses to allow material that could be used to make rockets enter Israel. Until hamas declares that it no longer seeks the destruction of Israel and killing all its' Jews. I believe the government's actions is correct. So those on talkback who agree with Hamas are indeed anti-semites since no other country in the world would do business with a neighbour much less offer humanitarian assistance as Israel does when the government of that country seeks its' annihilation.

I am unaware of much commerce between US and Japan from 1942-45, or between Germany and GB 1939-45 (except for exchange of live munitions. This is the way of war. Duh. Perhaps Levy should read the Hamas Charter, the call for endless armed struggle, the continual rocketry, and see that Gaza chooses to be at war with Israel. It might give him some insight into why there is a boycott. War is a bitch, ain't it?

Gideon interesting to hear you about boycots being effective. The Arab world tried to boycot Israel and destruct it even before the six day war. Your points are onesided as usual and show at least where you stand, you want the world to boycot Israel, weaken it and in the end allow it to be destroyed as a Jewish state. Your pathetic pointing of fingers to Israel concerning Gaza when we all know Hamas is a terror organisation and Egypt keeps Rafah closed. The Gazans voted for war and got war. The Egyptians do not care for the Palestinians but yet you only attack Israel. Onesidedness from your side makes Jews like me not listen to you which is sad or not? Become balanced and point out the wrongs of the other too instead of making them saints and your own people might start listening to you.

if israel was scrutinised like any other 7m pop country, nobody would have even heard of it. gideon u r just another buffoon. more people get killed in car accidents in israel/gaza/judea etc than the conflict.

Beautiful Article, much respect from Canada

there were no settlements when the Arab League announced NO PEACE NO Negotiation NO recognition of Israel No body stopped Arafat accepting the Clinton plan except his own incitement which then made it politically impossible for him to accept any peace deal

Try not being such an ignorant idiot ALL the time.

Israelis and other people calling for an academic boycott against Israel do not necessarily blame Israeli universities in general or any particular university for inappropriate acts. They are calling for an action against the State of Israel. And note that an academic boycott was one of the actions the UN took against South Africa, so extending this idea to cover Israel too is really natural. My own preference is for a targeted boycott, against Israeli institutions which support what is happening in the West Bank. An example would be Bar Ilan university and the Ariel College (if it has any contact abroad).

There are boycotts and there are boycotts. Boycotting the corner butcher because he is known to have a heavy thumb is one thing;. boycotting his neighborhood to teach him a lesson is another. Can collective punishment ever be excused? Unless collective guilt is proven, what justification can there be for collective punishment?. The military, economic and social siege of Gaza does not differentiate between the innocent and the guilty. There are not one million and a half terrorists in Gaza; there are, minus the terrorists, close to a million and a half innocent civilians who should be living a much better life than we allow them. What is likely to be the final result of the IDF blockade of Gaza? In the long run is there anyone at all, even in our present government, who thinks the blockade can be continued on indefinitely, year after year? If so, he can be ignored as a fool. The Israeli PM and his cabinet know full well that when the finally the blockade, collective punishment and boycott are a thing of the past, Israel will still have to deal with the Palestinians, all of whom will have become more bitter, more enraged, more ready to commit suicide if only to punish those whom they think punished them. You hold a loaded revolver in your hand. you point it at your foot, you pull the trigger. What a surprise, you have shot yourself in the foot. Some one should have taught you something about cause and effect.

i cannot understand why gideon stay in israel he hates so much i am living in paris and some left green muslims coalition enter supermarket searching for israeli products no matter made in israel or territories the result of boycott will be just bashing israel with no results hopefully i am zionist have an apartment in israel and hope to come

I can understand that Gideon Levy is unhappy Gazans are not allowed to import qassams.

It is exactly for the reason, Gideon Levy is descri- bing in his article: HYPOCRISY !! Make no mistake, the Israel of 2010 is BY FAR not the only "sinner" on this planet, there are many, many others around, but most of them at least do not pretend to act holier than holy.... But unfortunately that sheer hypocrisy isn't only restricted to Israel, but also to parts of the Jewish Diaspora. To be honest, till today, I haven't met too many people that are more hypocritcal and bigoted in their views, than most of the represen- tatives of the Jewish Diaspora in the United States, from AIPAC to the ADL, to the WJC, to Jewish Congressmen/women to the Neoconser- vatives to Alan Dershowitz etc, etc, etc..... Therefore, not only the Israel of today has to change its ways, in order to get along better with the rest of the world, but also the leading figures of the Jewish Diaspora overseas.....

The non-violent way, boycotts, wins hands down. Why would anyone choose generations of traumatized people, murder and widescale destruction over boycotts? Oh, right. The pharmaceutical industry, the building industry and the arms industry..... silly me. We boycotted Spain for 500 years, we boycotted Germany (some of us still do).

He is arguing on the grounds of the moral rule that if one thing is wrong for one party it is by simple logic wrong for the other. I admit it is the golden rule in morals, but it doesn’t work on extremists. It will not even work at home. If the parent hit its kid it does not mean that the kid can hit the parent.

Yes, questions can be asked regarding the logic of boycotting academics and clowns on their way to Gaza. But why blur the real issue? You will not ask a person who is well to see the doctor - But you will advise a sick person to do so. It is not an issue of whether doctors are a good or a bad thing but it depends on the circumstances. It is the same with boycotts; sometimes they are legitimate and sometimes not. In your eyes boycotts of Israel are as legitimate as boycotts of Hamas. But in the eyes of others, myself included, there is a huge moral difference between these two parties (and since I am responding in this particular news source, I feel the need to add; in favor of Israel). Why simplify things so they no longer describe reality? Propaganda like this may win some votes in the short run, but in the long run, reality will catch up.

The logic in this article is so twisted I don't even know where to begin! It is just another example of how the left has a knee jerk reaction to anything the governments of Israel do except for giving away the country of course. I get the feeling that the left was a lot happier when buses and pizza shops were blowing up. Their policies and silly articles like this will return us to those days promptly. When will you learn not to morally equate reactions to terror and terrorist groups which control Gaza (Hamas) with the victims? This article is reprehnsible.

There are times when articles written by Haaretz really DO need to be seen by the world(and especially the U.S. congress), and THIS is one of them! There's no doubt in my mind that most Israelis who read this will recognize the truths you have outlined. There's also no doubt that the talkbacks will be filled with denials, name calling, insults, and accusations from the usual bunch, because they'll have nothing - other than finger pointing and chants of anti-Semitism - to discount anything you've said here.