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Debunking the Myths: Why Israel Is Not Considered an Occupier

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The historical debate over the ownership of the land between Israelis and Palestinians has been a contentious issue for decades. Some claim that Israel is an occupier, citing that the land has been historically owned by others. However, this narrative is based on several misconceptions and lacks substantial historical evidence. Let’s address these myths and understand the facts.

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The Historical Context

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Between 3000 and 1100 B.C., the Canaanite civilization covered what is today Israel, the West Bank, Lebanon, and much of Syria and Jordan. The extended kingdoms of David and Solomon, which Zionists base their territorial demands on, lasted only about 70 years. Even if we consider the entire lifespan of the ancient Jewish kingdoms from 1000 B.C. to 586 B.C., the period of Jewish rule amounts to only 414 years. However, the Bible, often cited as evidence, is not considered a reliable historical document among many scholars.

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The United States provides an excellent analogy: if Native Americans are considered to have ‘first ownership’ of the land, then why do people claim that the United States occupies the land first? This comparison highlights the illogical nature of such assertions.

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Legitimate Sovereignty and International Recognition

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Israel was established as a sovereign nation in 1948, and its borders and territorial rights have been recognized and supported by many nations. The UN General Assembly Resolution 181 in 1947 recommended the partition of Palestine into Jewish and Arab states. This was a legally and internationally recognized right to occupy lands and territory. In 1948, Israel was granted certain land/totory, which has been recognized and supported by numerous nations.

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The borders of Israel have been slightly modified since 1948, but these changes are within the scope of internationally recognized boundaries. Anything beyond these borders is considered illegal occupation.

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The Role of Islam and Islamist Claims

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Some claim that Islamists have occupied the land and exercise 'squatter's rights,' but this is a politically charged and historically inaccurate statement. The argument against sovereignty for any nation except Islam is simplistic and falls apart under scrutiny. Sovereignty is a principle of international law that applies to all nations, regardless of their religious or ethnic makeup.

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The Preposterous Idea of Historical Claims

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This idea that a nation's right to land is based on historical claims millennia old is fundamentally flawed. Native Americans, for instance, would have a field day if their rights to land were derived from historical claims thousands of years old. Multiple peoples with such claims would create chaos and conflict. Legally and internationally, any such claim would be preposterous and impractical.

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The international community has recognized the right of a nation to occupy and govern its land based on a combination of post-World War II international laws, UN resolutions, and regional agreements. The dispute in the Middle East has never been resolved primarily due to historical claims but rather due to political, social, and cultural complexities.

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It is important to address the myths surrounding the ownership of the land and recognize the internationally recognized legal and historical frameworks that support Israel’s right to its land.

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Keywords: Israeli occupation, land ownership, historical claims, sovereignty, Palestine