2 types of Zionism

[IndianaGreen]

2 types of Zionism

Settlers, mainstream Zionists heading towards head-on clash

Gadi Taub Published: 12.24.09, 01:00 / Israel Opinion

Based on recent reports, it appears that the IDF is preparing to enforce the construction freeze in Judea and Samaria as if it was dealing with a strike against Iran’s nuclear sites.

On the face of it, the preparations appear to be greatly exaggerated. The security establishment is treating the zealous rhetoric of the settlers as though we are dealing with a 300,000-member enemy army. However, the rhetoric is far from reality. The settlers will not attempt to defeat us with arms. They are used to being pampered by the State and they seem to think that their “price tag” policy will deter us.

While we are not dealing with an enemy army, what we are seeing is a fundamental clash between two types of Zionism that are incommensurate with each other, and hence we should not underestimate the shock we will experience before we are able to partition this land.

The settlers’ Zionism is a “Zionism of land,” while most of us endorse a “Zionism of state.” These two types of Zionism are easy to confuse. After all, the Zionism of Herzl, Ben-Gurion, Weizmann and Jabotinsky is also closely linked to the Land of Israel, while the settlers’ Zionism cherishes the State of Israel and is willing to sacrifice much for its sake. It is no coincidence that the settlers volunteer for combat units en masse, and that the spirit of sacrifice on behalf of the general public is a major part of their education.

Yet despite the above, the difference is meaningful and significant, and the rift has been growing since the 1970s. As Aviezer Ravitzky noted in his book, the followers of Rabbi Zvi Yehuda Kook praise the ideal state, while undermining the actual state we have.

The ideal state is one that sanctifies the settlement enterprise, and when the real government limits the settlements it loses its legitimacy. This is what stands behind the settlers’ readiness to hinder construction inspectors, demonstrate at an IDF pledge-of-allegiance ceremony, and teach students at hesder yeshivas that they are subject to authority that supersedes their commanders.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3823962,00.html

[Violet_Crumble]

1. Thanks for posting that...

This bit of the article won't do much to cheer those at DU who are supporters of the settlers and their goals: 'There is no need to panic. The Gaza disengagement demonstrated that at the end of the day, the “Zionism of land” will bow to the “Zionism of state,” as long as the State is sufficiently determined. The settlers do not have enough resources or ideological confidence in order to detach themselves from the State, let alone declare war against it.'

[pelsar]

2. and that is my belief....

“Zionism of land” will bow to the “Zionism of state,” as long as the State is sufficiently determined. The settlers do not have enough resources or ideological confidence in order to detach themselves from the State, let alone declare war against it.'

after that israel will be just another state-
(..........though to be honest, i'm sure many wont "let go")

and to Baraks credit he started to take the army kids out of the right wing settlement yeshivot,by declaring them no longer acceptable to the army learning program....those that teach that they are "above" the army and govt. That was nice to learn about. (really pissed off the rabbis, which i really really enjoyed)

[Violet_Crumble]

5. It's not often that Barak deserves praise...

..but he does for taking that step. Any group that teaches young soldiers that the group is above the army and government is dangerous to the stability of a secular and stable state...

[LeftishBrit]

9. Agreed!

[Shaktimaan]

3. huh?

Do you really think there are many people here who actually support the extremist settler movement?

[Violet_Crumble]

4. Where did I say there were *many*?

I didn't, and I'm curious to know why you took a very simple statement and added something to it that wasn't there...

[Shaktimaan]

6. you didn't.

I didn't mean anything by it.
Do you think there are *any* pro-extremist settlers here?

[Violet_Crumble]

7. Good. And yes, I think there are one or two of those type here n/t

[LeftishBrit]

8. Good article

Many a supposed 'super-patriot' is just the opposite, as they are prepared to undermine the real state in defence of an imaginary version of it; and this certainly applies to the RW settlers.