ICF vs IDF Myth

Israeli Colonial Forces

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) myth refers to the perception, both domestically and internationally, of the IDF as an invincible and morally superior military force. This myth has been cultivated and perpetuated by Israel as part of its broader narrative of national security and defense against perceived existential threats. However, beneath this myth lies a reality where the IDF's actions often serve the interests of Israel's settler colonial project.

Convenient armed clashes serve several purposes for Israel's settler colonial project.

1. Fuelling Propaganda

Armed clashes, especially when portrayed as defensive measures against terrorism, reinforce Israel's narrative of victimhood and the need for a strong military response to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens. This portrayal paints Palestinians as the aggressors, justifying Israel's continued military presence and control over Palestinian territories.

www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2023/10/8/there-is-nothing-surprising-about-hamass-operation

2. Testing New Weapons

Israel often uses these armed clashes as opportunities to test and showcase its military technology and weaponry. The Gaza Strip, with its densely populated urban areas, serves as a testing ground for new tactics and weapons systems, which are then marketed internationally as battle-proven and effective in urban warfare scenarios.

3. Silencing Internal Dissent

Internally, armed clashes provide a rallying point for unity and solidarity among Israelis, deflecting attention away from internal issues such as socio-economic inequalities and political corruption. Criticism of Israeli military actions is often equated with disloyalty or treason, effectively silencing dissent and maintaining a unified front in support of the settler colonial project.

Miko Peled, author of "The General’s Son"

The concept of "Mowing the Lawn" in Gaza refers to Israel's periodic military campaigns aimed at degrading Hamas's military capabilities and infrastructure in the Gaza Strip. These campaigns, characterized by intense bombardment and ground incursions, are often presented as necessary responses to rocket attacks from Gaza or to prevent Hamas from rearming. However, they also serve to maintain Israel's military dominance and control over Gaza, perpetuating the cycle of violence and insecurity for Palestinians living under blockade and occupation.

Overall, the IDF myth has been strategically utilized by Israel to justify its military actions and maintain the status quo of settler colonialism, with armed clashes serving as a tool for achieving and perpetuating Israel's objectives in the region.