What policies make Israel an apartheid state?

The characterization of Israel as an "apartheid state" is a subject of significant debate and contention. The term "apartheid" originates from South Africa, where it described a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination. In the context of Israel and the Palestinian territories, some analysts, activists, and organizations argue that certain policies and practices create a system of inequality that resembles apartheid. Here are some of the main points often cited in this discussion: 1. **Legal Discrimination**: Critics argue that there are laws and policies in place that treat Jewish citizens and Palestinian citizens of Israel (often referred to as "Arab Israelis") differently. For instance, the Nation-State Law passed in 2018 is seen by some as privileging Jewish identity and heritage over that of non-Jewish citizens. 2. **Restrictions on Movement**: The movement of Palestinians in the West Bank is heavily restricted by a series of checkpoints, the separation barrier (often referred to as the "apartheid wall" by its critics), and the permit system. Critics argue that these restrictions severely limit the rights of Palestinians compared to Israeli citizens. 3. **Settlements**: The ongoing expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank is another point of contention. Critics argue that these settlements violate international law and contribute to the fragmentation of Palestinian land, leading to further inequalities and limitations on Palestinian rights. 4. **Separate Legal Systems**: In the West Bank, Israeli settlers are subject to Israeli civil law, while Palestinians are subject to military law. This dual legal system creates disparities in rights and protections based on identity. 5. **Access to Resources**: There are significant disparities in access to resources, such as water and land, between Israeli settlements and Palestinian communities. Critics argue that policies facilitate Israeli access while restricting Palestinian use of these resources. 6. **Citizenship and Family Reunification**: Palestinians from the occupied territories who marry Israeli citizens face legal barriers when trying to live in Israel, effectively preventing family reunification for many couples. 7. **Political Representation**: While Palestinian citizens of Israel can vote and have representation in the Knesset (Israeli parliament), those in the occupied territories do not have the same rights to self-determination or political representation. Proponents of viewing the situation as apartheid often cite the definitions provided by international legal instruments, including the 1973 International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid and the 2009 report by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which noted that certain Israeli practices raised concerns about racial discrimination. Opponents of the apartheid characterization argue that the situation is more complex due to the historical and security context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing Israel's right to defend itself and its citizens. They also argue that the term "apartheid" undermines the unique historical experiences of South Africa and can obscure the nuances of the Israeli-Palestinian situation. The use of the term "apartheid" in this context remains deeply controversial and is met with strong and varying opinions from different political, academic, and advocacy groups.