Israeli Professor Discusses 'Permanent War' and Societal Shift Amidst Conflict with Iran

Idan Landau is a professor of linguistics at Tel Aviv University. He has been repeatedly jailed for refusing to serve in the Israeli military.

This interview conducted by C.J. Polychroniou with Landau, who is also a leftist activist, discusses the current political situation in Israel, the war with Iran, and the changing mentality of Israeli society.

• After the October 7 attack, the Netanyahu government launched a brutal campaign in Gaza, expanded settlements in the West Bank, clashed with Hezbollah and the Houthis, and ultimately succeeded in drawing the United States into a war with Iran. What is Israel's ultimate goal in creating terror in West Asia? How has this affected Israeli society and the general public?

I think 'permanent war' is the most appropriate explanation. It has no 'ultimate goal.' The state of permanent war keeps the Israeli right-wing powers in office despite the rising economic, emotional, and political costs. This power survives on people's anxiety, excessive suspicion, and fear of destruction. The Israeli public is misled about many things; for example, they are unaware of the Geneva nuclear talks or the Lebanese government's proposals. The media portrays neighboring countries only as villains.

One thing is certain: the plan to expand settlements in the West Bank has never stopped. This plan has intensified since October 7. The effect on Israeli society is very disheartening. Political debate is limited to hollow slogans like 'existential threat' or 'necessary military force.' The word 'peace' is now almost taboo there.

• Is Benjamin Netanyahu the only problem with this permanent war? Aren't the opposition parties in Israel also supporting the attack on Gaza and the war with Iran?

Netanyahu is merely a skillful figure who unites all the 'dark impulses' of Israeli society. He did not start all of this himself. Since the 1970s and 80s, the Holocaust (Jewish genocide) has been used as a tool to justify every military action. The idea of humiliating Palestinians and expanding settlements predates Netanyahu. The frightening thing now is the helplessness of the opposition. In past wars, there was strong opposition in parliament and on the streets, but now that is zero. Permanent war has forced the opposition to remain silent as well.

• Israel is openly violating international humanitarian law. Is Israel unconcerned that it is becoming isolated globally and turning into an outcast state?

As long as the United States protects it, Israel has no worries. The Trump administration even imposed sanctions on the judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Most Israelis believe that the rules do not apply to them. Israel's judicial system is claimed to be 'independent and robust,' but no one has been punished for the hundreds of heinous crimes and acts of torture committed since the Gaza genocide began. This is all just a large cover-up.

• There are also brave voices in Israeli society speaking out against war and violence. Does the Netanyahu government consider these anti-war demonstrations a threat to national security?

Not just the government, but intolerance has also increased in society. If you stand on the street and protest the war, any ordinary pedestrian might assault you. This is a completely fascist environment. People do not want to hear any dissenting opinion for fear of disturbing their 'peace of mind.' Many journalists are also following this trend now.

• Israel imposed censorship on news about the events in Gaza. Is the same thing happening with the war against Iran?

Since the Israeli military does not have direct control over Iran, information there is filtered and misleading messages are spread. Civilian casualties are hidden under the old excuse of human shields. The Gaza war has established a new and frightening standard of indifference towards civilian casualties. The Israeli media does not show the suffering of Iranian civilians; instead, it only tells the stories of the bravery of our pilots and cyber fighters. War crimes are being committed by both sides, but there is no objective reporting on that here.

• Do you see any possibility of peace in Israel?

Eventually, every war ends. But I do not think the current Israel will reap the fruits of peace. For peace, it must become a completely different kind of nation, where Jews and Arabs can live together with equal rights. This is not possible under the current regime. As long as the US and Europe continue to shield Israel from facing the consequences of its immoral actions, this path for Israel is unlikely to change.