In the midst of Israel's multi-front challenges, left-wing activists, both local and international, have been actively engaging in activities within the region of Judea and Samaria. At the forefront of these activities stands the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), an organization that has garnered attention for its controversial actions and alleged affiliations.
The ISM, a group known for its strong stance on Palestinian rights and opposition to Israeli policies, has been operating in various parts of the West Bank, including Mount Hebron. In recent days, reports have emerged of ISM activists, alongside other left-wing proponents, descending upon this historically significant region, causing disruptions in the activities of Israeli soldiers stationed there.
Vittorio Arrigoni was an Italian activist who moved to Gaza in 2008 to promote anti Israeli work under the International Solidarity Movement. He was working with Gazan fishermen when he was kidnapped and murdered by an Islamist terror group.
— Bad Hijabi 🇮🇱🍁 (@RukhsanaSukhan) October 31, 2023
He was killed before the stated… pic.twitter.com/vcCUZksoRZ
It's important to note that the ISM has a contentious history. In the past, the organization has faced accusations of maintaining close ties with individuals associated with Hamas. Moreover, it has been alleged that ISM activists conducted intelligence surveillance on Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops and settlers in Hebron. These actions have generated concerns among Israeli authorities.
IDF reservists stationed in the Mount Hebron area have voiced their frustrations, claiming that left-wing activists have hindered their operations. These activists, according to the reservists, engage in provocative behavior, approaching soldiers' positions, taunting them, and, in some cases, recording incidents on cameras. When soldiers attempt to respond, the activists often accuse them of violence. This has led to a situation where the ISM activists are disseminating what some claim to be manipulated or fake videos, thereby fueling an international narrative of settler violence.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, ISM activists have sought diplomatic support from foreign embassies, including those of Ireland, Belgium, and Great Britain. They call upon these nations to condemn Israel and curtail the activities of the IDF in the West Bank. In doing so, they effectively serve as a human shield for Palestinians, presenting themselves as protectors against what they perceive as excessive security measures by the IDF.
This recent resurgence of ISM activity echoes previous incidents. Several months ago, the "Ad Kan" organization revealed an intelligence report allegedly created by ISM activists, which included detailed information such as license plate numbers of vehicles used by IDF personnel in Hebron. This revelation raised concerns about the extent of ISM's involvement and its connections to extremist elements, particularly Hamas.
URGENT CALL TO ACTION!!
— ISM Palestine (@ISMPalestine) October 31, 2023
Pressure the governments of UK, Ireland, Belgium and Mexico to protect their citizens by taking immediate action to stop the attacks happening in #MasaferYatta. More: https://t.co/zqh7AqrU5v
A template email can be found here: https://t.co/7pnp5vuqdd.
Paul Larudee, a leading figure in ISM who has personally met with Ismail Haniyeh who resides in the United States, has not shied away from controversial statements. In a recent published video, he expressed support for Hamas and its actions against Israel, referring to Israeli military equipment as taking food away from Palestinian children. This rhetoric has further heightened tensions and added to the controversy surrounding ISM.
While ISM is a prominent figure in this narrative, it is not acting alone. In fact, there are reportedly 22 other left-wing organizations collaborating on similar activities against the State of Israel. These organizations have recently issued a joint statement, urging the international community to intervene and condemn what they describe as "the transfer in the West Bank." In their plea, they accuse the Israeli government of supporting settler violence, which they claim may lead to the expulsion of Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
