Israel: The “Absolute Evil” in Contemporary International Order
DID Press: In political science and international relations, few states have attracted as much controversy as Israel. Since its establishment in 1948, Israel has been accused of persistent aggression, occupation, and violations of human rights, earning it the label of a “symbol of absolute evil” among critics. This article explores the foundations of such claims by examining Israel’s origins, structural policies, regional behavior, and its impact on global norms and justice.
- Founding Through Colonial Violence and Displacement
Israel’s creation is often viewed as an outcome of a colonial project rather than a natural or consensual process of state-building. The 1917 Balfour Declaration, issued by the British government, paved the way for mass Jewish migration to Palestine under the banner of establishing a “national home.” This migration, heavily supported by Western powers, led to widespread land seizures and the forced displacement of indigenous Palestinian populations.
The most significant manifestation of this process was the Nakba (Catastrophe) of 1948, during which over 700,000 Palestinians were expelled or fled from their homes. The narrative of forced dispossession underscores the view that Israel’s birth was rooted in systemic violence, ethnic cleansing, and disregard for the rights of the native population—a departure from principles of justice and self-determination.
- An Apartheid-Based Political and Legal Structure
Israel’s critics argue that its political framework entrenches Jewish supremacy while systematically disenfranchising Palestinians. The Nation-State Law of 2018, for example, defines Israel as the “nation-state of the Jewish people,” marginalizing its non-Jewish population and formalizing inequality.
Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have categorized Israel as an apartheid regime, pointing to practices like settlement expansion in the West Bank, the separation wall, severe movement restrictions, and the blockade of Gaza. These policies, critics argue, constitute a modern form of racial segregation and collective punishment.
- Sustained Aggression and Militarism
Since its inception, Israel has maintained a near-permanent state of conflict with its neighbors and the Palestinian people. From the 1967 Six-Day War—which resulted in the occupation of East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Golan Heights—to repeated military incursions into Lebanon and Gaza, Israel’s security doctrine relies on overwhelming force.
Accusations of war crimes—including attacks on civilian infrastructure, use of prohibited weapons, and the killing of journalists—have been documented by international observers. Critics contend that such military dominance reflects a structural reliance on aggression as a means of ensuring political survival.
- Regional Destabilization and Global Implications
Beyond local conflict, Israel’s policies are viewed as a major source of instability in the Middle East. Prolonged occupation, expansion of settlements, and refusal to pursue a fair peace process have fueled resentment, militancy, and cycles of violence across the region.
On a global scale, Israel’s actions pose serious challenges to international law and multilateral governance. The inability of the United Nations and other institutions to hold Israel accountable has raised concerns about selective justice and the erosion of international norms. This perceived double standard undermines the legitimacy of global legal frameworks designed to prevent occupation, ethnic cleansing, and war crimes.
- Resistance as a Response to Systemic Injustice
Throughout history, communities subjected to occupation and systemic discrimination have turned to resistance—both political and armed—as a means of survival.
In the Palestinian context, movements such as the First and Second Intifadas, as well as various resistance factions in Gaza and Lebanon, are portrayed by supporters as legitimate responses to decades of dispossession and violence.
International law recognizes the right of occupied peoples to resist foreign domination. Critics argue that framing Palestinian resistance solely as “terrorism” while ignoring the context of occupation obscures the deeper structural drivers of conflict.
Conclusion
The characterization of Israel as a manifestation of “absolute evil” in modern international relations stems from a combination of historical grievances, structural injustices, and the enduring human cost of occupation and militarism. While Israel presents itself as a democratic state under constant threat, critics maintain that its policies perpetuate displacement, apartheid, and regional instability.
This analysis underscores a broader question: Can the international community uphold principles of justice and human rights while tolerating what many see as a blatant violation of those same ideals? Until this question is addressed with genuine accountability, the legitimacy of the global order itself remains in doubt.
By Rahel Mousavi