Israeli writer attacks society's 'bestiality': We love war and celebrate the killing of women

Israeli writer Raanan Shaked questions the nature of a society that has come to find war a means of escaping routine, noting that many Israelis have come to love this feeling. Shaked believes that this love stems from an old childhood dream of absolute control and getting rid of existential threats with a roaring sound that terrifies everyone forever.

The article points to the stark contradiction in Israeli society, which supports the continuation of the war in opinion polls, while at the same time ranking eighth in the global happiness index. The writer explains this contradiction as an attempt to hide a simple truth, which is that a wide segment of the public actually enjoys the state of alertness and unity imposed by military confrontation.

Shaked describes the 'adrenaline' state that Israelis experience when hearing the sound of explosions and identifying missile interception sites, considering it a kind of 'Russian roulette'. He adds that some are relieved simply because the shells did not hit their homes but hit others in cities like Rishon LeZion or Arad, turning the tragedy into material for television viewing.

The writer strongly criticizes the celebration of the killing of Palestinians, citing the widespread interaction with news of the killing of four women in a women's salon near Hebron. Tweets covering the news garnered thousands of likes and supportive emojis, in a scene that reflects what he described as 'absolute bestiality' and deliberate loss of humanity.

The article also paused at the role played by Hebrew media, such as Channel 14, which sarcastically asked whether the public had distributed 'baklava' to celebrate the killing of women. Shaked sees this media discourse as confirmation of the moral decline that society has reached in light of the ongoing conflict.

In the context of military operations, the writer believes that Israelis love to see assassination lists and faces crossed out with red marks, even though this does not change the security reality at all. Missile launches continue by the dozens, and the targeted regime remains in place, yet the 'love' for these illusory victories continues.

Shaked attacks the return to the 'Lebanon quagmire', considering that there is an incomprehensible desire to sink into it again without thinking about the economic or psychological consequences. He criticizes society's disregard for the financial collapses of freelancers, and the cases of depression and suicide that have begun to spread in families affected by the war.

The Israeli writer describes the new Israelis as reckless 'war mongers' who stopped extending their hands for peace a long time ago and replaced them with sticks and rifles. He believes that over-reliance on the Iron Dome has created a kind of false resilience that allows living under missiles and calling it a daily 'routine'.

Shaked directs harsh criticism at Benjamin Netanyahu's government, describing it as a government with no expiration date and no real goal, seeking only to ensure the continuation of its rule. He expresses his astonishment at the Israeli public's failure to realize how this authority manipulates their fate for narrow political interests.

The article mocks Netanyahu's fleeting visit to the city of Dimona, where he spent only two minutes under heavy, air-conditioned guard, while the city suffers widespread destruction. He criticizes the statements of the mayor of Dimona, who considered the survival of Netanyahu's picture in the destroyed buildings a 'miracle and great luck' instead of demanding compensation.

In the city of Arad, where dozens were injured and residential buildings collapsed, the writer believes that marketing suffering as a 'miracle' is the tragedy of marginalized areas in Israel. These residents, according to the article, believe the lies of Likud party activists who lead them to ruin under religious and national pretexts.

The writer accuses Netanyahu of committing unforgivable mistakes, including forming a government with 'priestly racists' and abandoning the kidnapped in captivity for political purposes. He also criticizes the prime minister's refusal to form an official investigation committee into the events of October 7, and his daily sacrifice of the country to stay in power.

Shaked evokes George Orwell's words about war, describing it as not only horrific, but also 'disgusting and boring'. He believes that war in Israel has come to satisfy many who have not yet understood the limits of power, nor how brutal and incompetent governments sacrifice their people.

The writer concludes his article by calling on Israelis to regain their senses and realize the reality they live in before it is too late. He bitterly wonders if this life full of blood and eternal wars is really what the Israeli people deserve, warning against continuing in this collective blindness.

How we love this new affirmation of absolute bestiality, and the loss of humanity whenever it suits us.