Does Israel Have a ‘Right to Exist’? Mehdi Debunks This ‘Bullsh*t’ Argument

About this video

• Video Title: Does Israel Have a ‘Right to Exist’? Mehdi Debunks This ‘Bullsh*t’ Argument
• Channel: Zeteo
• Speakers: Mehdi Hasan
• Duration: 00:04:09

Overview

This video debunks the argument that Israel has a "right to exist," which the speaker identifies as a propaganda tactic used to shut down criticism of Israel. The speaker presents three counter-arguments to challenge this notion, emphasizing that while individuals have rights, states do not, and that discussions should focus on a country's actions rather than its inherent right to exist.

Key takeaways

• The "right to exist" argument is a common talking point used by supporters of Israel to silence critics and is often equated with anti-semitism if not conceded.
• The speaker proposes three counter-arguments: questioning where this right applies due to Israel's undefined borders and occupation of territories, asserting that only people, not states, have a right to exist, and highlighting that if Israel has this right, then Palestine should too, especially given Palestine's lack of UN recognition.
• The argument is framed as a form of propaganda, as this phrase is rarely, if ever, applied to other countries like Belgium or Luxembourg.
• The focus should be on Israel's actions, such as alleged war crimes and ongoing actions in Gaza and the West Bank, rather than its right to exist.

The three main arguments presented are:

1. Right to exist where? This argument challenges the ambiguity of Israel's borders, pointing out that it's the only country refusing to define them. It questions whether this supposed right extends to occupied territories like Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, which are considered illegally occupied under international law but are claimed by Israel.
2. What is this right to exist? This argument asserts that states do not have a right to exist, unlike individuals or people who possess fundamental human rights. The speaker explains that states are not fixed entities and can change their composition, borders, and governing structures over time, citing examples like the dissolution of the USSR and Yugoslavia.
3. Does Palestine have a right to exist? This argument points out the hypocrisy of demanding recognition for Israel's right to exist when Palestine, which is not a full UN member state, faces significant obstacles to its statehood. It highlights that Israel is a recognized state, while Palestine's right to exist as a sovereign member state is actively blocked at the UN, particularly by the US.