Voices Against Occupation: Former Israeli Officer Challenges Military Actions

In a compelling discourse on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Joel Carmel, a former Israeli officer and current advocacy director of Breaking the Silence, articulates the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) regarding their role in the ongoing military occupation of Palestine. Speaking during a recent visit to Dublin, Carmel highlighted the transformation in his perspective from an ardent defender of Israeli policies to a vocal critic of the military's actions in Gaza and the West Bank.

Carmel, who relocated to Israel from London in 2011, reveals the stark contrast between his upbringing in the Orthodox Jewish community and his current activism against military occupation, a stance that has led to significant personal consequences. "Speaking out publicly about the harsh reality of the occupation does not go down well with much of Israeli society," he stated, reflecting on the backlash faced by those who dare to challenge the status quo.

The context of Carmel's remarks is rooted in the recent escalation of violence following the unprecedented attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant loss of life and the capture of hostages. According to the Israeli government, over 1,195 people, predominantly civilians, were killed in the assault. Carmel noted that while the initial reaction among IDF soldiers was to defend the nation, the subsequent military operations revealed a troubling shift in objectives. "It became very clear, quite soon into the war, that this wasn’t about the objectives that the government said it’s about," he asserted.

Carmel's critique extends to the broader implications of the military's actions, suggesting that the current government is using the crisis to further its agenda of territorial expansion and settlement. He stated, "It’s about controlling larger and larger parts of the territory... paving the way for building new settlements." This opinion is supported by various reports from human rights organizations that have documented alleged war crimes and the potential for genocide in Gaza, with claims being investigated at the International Court of Justice.

The personal narratives shared by Carmel and other former soldiers reveal a deep-seated disillusionment with the military's operations. Many soldiers who had previously testified against the occupation have returned from combat in Gaza expressing profound disappointment. Carmel shared, "They returned with a deep disappointment in the mission and in the exploitation of people, of Israelis, in order to carry out this mission, which is so obviously a political war."

Carmel's insights are significant, especially as they resonate with the trauma inflicted on both Israelis and Palestinians. He noted that the experiences of soldiers witnessing the impact of military operations on civilians often lead to a moral awakening. "The way that I was brought up... you’re told that everything that we do as soldiers is for the purpose of keeping our friends and our families safe. It’s all about security. But seeing terrified children on mapping missions made me think there’s something very deeply wrong about what we’re doing," he recounted, emphasizing the stark realities faced by Palestinian families under occupation.

The organization Breaking the Silence faces considerable opposition from the Israeli government, which has historically attempted to suppress dissenting voices within the military. Carmel pointed out that measures such as the 2018 Breaking the Silence law and the proposed bill imposing heavy taxes on foreign donations aim to silence organizations advocating for human rights and transparency. "Our opposition is very, very weak in Israel... we’re kind of the extra-parliamentary opposition," he stated, highlighting the challenges faced by activists in their pursuit of justice.

The ongoing conflict continues to evoke strong emotions and polarized opinions within Israeli society, with the government often framing dissent as treasonous. As Carmel noted, the stigma surrounding anti-occupation sentiments creates a challenging environment for those who advocate for peace and justice. "I think, in terms of our organization, it’s very difficult for the government and for the State of Israel to have us, because we are speaking truth to power and we’re doing the work of the opposition," he concluded, underscoring the importance of dialogue and the necessity for change from within Israeli society.

As the situation in Gaza evolves, the voices of individuals like Joel Carmel become increasingly crucial in shaping the narrative around the occupation and the ethical responsibilities of soldiers. Their testimonies provide a glimpse into the complexities of military service, national identity, and the moral obligations that arise in times of conflict, challenging all parties involved to confront the harsh realities of their actions and the implications for peace in the region.