In the heart of Israel’s escalating conflict with Gaza, a perplexing question echoes: “Why is Israel bombing Gaza hospitals, ambulances? It’s all about ‘winning’.” This enigmatic pursuit of victory is underpinned by a controversial slogan, “Together we will win,” dominating billboards and placards across the nation. This rallying cry, embraced by many, conceals a dark and divisive reality, leaving observers to grapple with the multifaceted meanings of “winning.”
The Ambiguity of Victory
Amidst the chaotic landscape of bombings and displacement, the ambiguity of what “winning” truly entails emerges as a central theme. The slogan’s brevity, “beyahad nenatzeach” in Hebrew, allows for diverse interpretations, sparking a profound internal dialogue among the Israeli population. However, a disconcerting consensus prevails — that victory demands lethal violence on Gaza, a narrative where the means justify the end.
The Toll on Gaza’s Civilians
The past month bears witness to the ruthless toll exacted on Gaza’s civilian population. An unprecedented 30,000 tonnes of explosives have ravaged the strip, leaving half of the hospitals and a majority of primary care health centers incapacitated. Nearly 70% of Gaza’s 2.3 million inhabitants face forced displacement, while schools crumble under the weight of conflict. The pursuit of victory, for many Israelis, sanctions the sacrifice of thousands of civilian lives, including the harrowing toll on children.
Divergent Interpretations of ‘Winning’
As the quest for victory unfolds, the interpretation of “winning” diverges based on political affiliations within Israel. For the religious right, it signifies an opportunity to resettle Gaza with Jewish settlers, while the political right envisions a transformed, controlled perimeter around the strip. Amidst this, a minority calls for an immediate ceasefire, advocating for a paradigm shift towards a single democratic state where Jews and Palestinians coexist as equals.
In the face of the prevailing narrative of ‘winning’ through destruction, a small faction within Israeli society champions an alternative vision — a “together” that transcends the prevailing Jewish exceptionalism.
