How Israel Became a Moral Burden on Western Civilization
The West’s support for Israel has often been rooted in the aspiration to position it as the vanguard of a civilizational project in the East—an initiative aimed at blending Western values with the authenticity of the Arab world to create a harmonious synthesis. However, over time, Israel has transformed into a significant burden on Western civilization, undermining the very principles it was intended to represent.
Far from serving as a bridge between civilizations, Israel has shifted into an entity that deepens divisions between East and West. This transformation has hindered the potential for a constructive cultural exchange, one that could have greatly benefited humanity and accelerated global progress.
The Missed Opportunity for Civilizational Exchange
Islamic civilization, with its rich moral and intellectual heritage, was naturally predisposed to embrace and develop the burgeoning Western civilization. The political, economic, and ethical philosophies of Islam are inherently aligned with the foundational values of the West. Historically, Islamic civilization played a pivotal role in preserving and transmitting human knowledge to the West.
Without the ideological influence of the Israeli project, modern Western civilization — which transformed Eastern values into structured systems — might have found in the Eastern world a nurturing environment for growth. However, Israel’s ideology, rooted in exclusion, hatred, and hostility to progress, erected a psychological and ideological barrier between Eastern and Western civilizations, hindering the potential for cultural integration.
A Moral and Political Burden on the West
Driven by guilt over historical atrocities committed against Jewish communities, Western nations offered unwavering support to Israel, equipping it with immense power. Israel has turned this support into a tool for oppression, engaging in crimes that have escalated to acts of genocide, as witnessed in its recent war on Gaza.
Despite the West’s sensitivity to genocide after World War II, its response to Israeli actions has been markedly different. In the Balkans, for example, the West intervened decisively against acts of genocide in the late 20th century. Yet, when it comes to Israel, Western media often justifies its actions as part of a struggle against “Islamic terrorism.”
This apologetic stance has tarnished the moral credibility of Western civilization, causing suspicion among Eastern peoples about the sincerity of the West’s commitment to human rights, gender equality, and the protection of vulnerable populations.
Selective Advocacy of Democracy
Western civilization, which championed democratic values such as peaceful transitions of power and governance through public mandate, has historically supported democratically elected governments. However, the Arab world has been an exception.
Western governments are fully aware that Israel is widely rejected by Arab populations, as it is perceived as an illegitimate entity built on the dispossession and oppression of Palestine’s indigenous people. Any democratic process in the Arab world would likely result in leaders opposed to Israel.
As a result, the West has turned a blind eye to authoritarian regimes in the region, fearing that democratic alternatives would challenge Israel’s existence. Worse still, some Western nations have actively undermined Arab democratic aspirations, particularly during the Arab Spring. For example, Israel’s influence played a role in Western silence over the Assad regime’s atrocities, as Israel preferred a familiar adversary over the uncertainty of a democratic government hostile to its existence.
Undermining International Law
The greatest damage Israel has inflicted on Western civilization lies in its ability to undermine the international legal framework that the West itself helped establish after World War II. In its recent assault on Gaza, Israel received unparalleled support from the United States — the leading power of Western civilization — despite committing what many have labeled as acts of genocide.
When nations like South Africa sought accountability for Israeli leaders through the International Criminal Court, the U.S. went as far as imposing sanctions on the court, undermining its authority. By doing so, the U.S. not only shielded Israel but also eroded the institutions of international law, jeopardizing global peace and stability.
A Contradiction in Values
The West, which once advocated for rationalism and the rejection of religious extremism, now supports Israel’s far-right religious and political ideologies. This glaring contradiction has exposed the West’s selective application of its values, prioritizing Israel’s interests over its commitment to human rights and justice.
This hypocrisy has led many in the Arab world to seek alternatives to the Western model, including Iran’s sectarian project, which has further destabilized the region. Moreover, Arab intellectuals have begun to question the credibility of Western civilization, perceiving its advocacy for democracy and freedom as tools for cultural and political domination rather than genuine principles.
A Path Forward
The West must reconsider its unwavering support for Israel, which has transformed from a supposed bastion of its civilizational ideals into a source of hatred, conflict, and instability. By disengaging from this flawed project and addressing the century-old Palestinian crisis, the West can reclaim its moral leadership.
Collaborating with the Islamic world could pave the way for a genuine partnership that benefits humanity, fostering a global civilization rooted in mutual respect and shared progress. The time has come for Western civilization to align its values with its actions, ensuring that its legacy contributes to a more just and harmonious world.
source: Aljazeera
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