Israel’s tactic of intimidating its critics is unravelling

▶ The Israeli government’s brutality is gaining more allies for the Palestinians’ just cause

Jerusalem-born Natalie Portman, the Oscar-winning Hollywood actress, is a champion of Israel. She once criticised those who called for a boycott of Israeli films but has now become the object of vituperation herself among apologists of Israel’s right-wing government for refusing to accept the Genesis Prize, known as the “Jewish Nobel”. Ms Portman has stated that the “mistreatment of those suffering from today’s atrocities” at the hands of the Israeli government compelled her to cancel her participation. Her decision comes as Israeli troops continue to shoot at will at Palestinian protesters on the Gazan border for a fourth week. At least 35 have been killed, including a 15-year-old boy and a disabled man.

Yet in an oppressive environment cultivated by Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, anyone who dares to raise their voice against this injustice opens the door to a campaign of victimisation and bullying. Jewish comedienne Sarah Silverman, a political activist, experienced a barrage of abuse when she tweeted calling for justice for 17-year-old Ahed Al Tamimi, who was jailed for eight months for slapping a soldier; singer Lorde was labelled a “bigot” for cancelling a concert in Tel Aviv. The Israeli government is shamelessly sifting the diaspora into “good” and “bad” Jews. But as Israel celebrates its foundation by re-enacting the horrors first perpetrated against Palestinians, the tide is turning. The odious narrative spun by Israel – of a progressive, morally upright democracy – is swiftly unravelling. The US State Department might have dropped the term “occupied territories” from its reports but even supporters of Israel can see the denial of Palestinians’ human rights and status for what it is. The brutality of the Israeli government is only gaining more allies for the Palestinians’ just cause.