Many Republicans and Democrats see Israel not as a liability to real democracy, but as a shining example to be followed.
Last month, US Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the government’s “zero tolerance” policy at US border crossings. It was a matter of weeks before the new policy began yielding tragic outcomes.
Those attempting to unlawfully cross into the US were subject to federal criminal prosecution, while their children were taken away by federal authorities, which placed them in cage-like facilities.
Expectedly, the policy caused outrage and was eventually reversed. However, many of those who have chastised the administration of President Donald Trump seem willfully ignorant of the fact that Israel has been carrying out far worse practices against Palestinians.
In fact, many within the American ruling classes, whether Republican or Democrat, have been captivated with the Israeli model for decades. For years, US pundits have praised not just Israel’s supposed democracy but also its security apparatus as an example to be emulated.
A new chapter in the ongoing cooperation was penned soon after Trump declared his plan to build a wall at the US-Mexico border. Even before Israeli companies jumped at the chance of building Trump’s wall, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted approvingly of Trump’s “great idea,” claiming that Israel’s own wall has been a “great success” for it “has stopped all illegal immigration.”
Israel spins the concept of democracy in whichever direction that would allow it to ensure the dominance of one community at the expense of Palestinians.