In his book “On Palestine,” eminent political thinker Noam Chomsky examines the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and offers a critical analysis of Israel’s actions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Drawing on a wealth of sources, Chomsky provides a clear and concise overview of the events that have shaped the conflict from its roots in the late 19th century to the present day.
The book begins with a brief history of Zionist settlement in Palestine, tracing the origins of the movement back to Europe in the late 1800s. Chomsky then discusses the role that British colonial policy played in furthering Zionist aims, particularly in the creation of the Balfour Declaration which promised Jewish settlers a “national home” in Palestine. He also explores how these early settlers dispossessed Palestinians of their land and how, in 1948, they declared the establishment of the state of Israel on 78% of historic Palestine. In doing so, they expelled over 750,000 Palestinians from their homes in what Chomsky describes as “the ethnic cleansing of Palestine.”
Chomsky goes on to condemn Israel’s continued occupation of Palestinian territory since 1967, highlighting various human rights abuses such as widespread torture, arbitrary detention, and house demolitions. He also criticizes Israel’s construction of settlements in occupied territory and its efforts to fragment Palestinian land through the building of walls and checkpoints. In conclusion, Chomsky argues that there can be no lasting peace in the region until Israel ends its occupation and grants Palestinians their right to self-determination.
On Palestine is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With clarity and precision, Chomsky dissects more than a century of history to provide context for the current situation. Though at times critical of both Israelis and Palestinians, he ultimately argues that peace can only be achieved through Israeli withdrawal from occupied territory and respect for Palestinian self-determination.