Noam Chomsky – The Israel/Palestine Conflict

Note: This discussion was recorded many years ago, yet its insights remain relevant to the ongoing issues.

Critique of the United States’ Role

Noam Chomsky discusses the Israel/Palestine conflict, highlighting Israel’s long years military occupation of Palestine and the U.S.’s unilateral support for it. Chomsky argues that Israeli justifications are weaker than Palestinian claims, given that Palestine is not occupying Israel.

Obstructed Political Settlements

He points out that for the past 25 years, the United States has consistently obstructed a political settlement supported by Arab states, the PLO, Europe, and Eastern Europe. Chomsky criticizes the “generous” Camp David proposal for dividing the West Bank into isolated cantons, comparing it to apartheid-era South Africa’s Bantustans.

Increasing Regional Tensions

Chomsky criticizes the US for escalating regional terror, highlighting cases like US helicopters attacking civilians and blocking UN monitors during a peaceful time. He highlights the power imbalance and lack of a fair solution, despite international agreement, urging for “minimal honesty” in discussing media biases and the realities of the conflict.