#Lebanon / Colonial mindset

A 71-year-old Israeli settler and researcher was killed Wednesday during an unauthorized “archaeological expedition” with #IDF forces in southern Lebanon.

Ze’ev (Zhabu) Arlich, a resident of Ofra settlement in the occupied West Bank, entered Lebanese territory with an IDF colonel to examine an ancient fortress approximately 6 kilometers from the border, military officials confirmed. The incident occurred when two Hezbollah fighters opened fire on the pair, killing Arlich and wounding the officer.

Military sources described the civilian's presence as "severe and improper," noting that Arlich had entered the combat zone without required authorizations. The incident has prompted an IDF investigation, particularly into reports that this wasn't Arlich's first unauthorized entry into Lebanese territory for archaeological research during the current conflict.

Arlich, known for his research in the occupied West Bank where he resided in the Ofra settlement - considered illegal under international law - was posthumously recognized as an IDF casualty despite entering Lebanon as a civilian.

#Hebrew ynet.co.il/news/article/b1lt7a…

@academicchatter
@israel
@palestine
#IsraelOccupation
#IsraelWarCrimes

מחדל בלבנון: זאב חנוך ארליך, בן 70, הצטרף לכוח צה"ל - ונהרג בהיתקלות, יחד עם לוחם

"ז'אבו", חוקר ידוע של ארץ ישראל, נהרג בהיתקלות עם מחבלי חיזבאללה - בעת שבדק מבצר עתיק. לוחם ששמו טרם הותר לפרסום נהרג, לוחם נוסף נפצע קשה וקצין בכיר במיל' בינוני.

^{יואב זיתון, אלישע בן קימון (ynet)}

Quoting an anonymous reservist who participated in the slaughter in Gaza and Lebanon:

"This thing won't be erased in the next hundred years. No matter how much Israel tries to hide, to blur - the destruction in Gaza will define our lives and our children's lives from now on. A testimony to unbridled rampage."

"It's clear to all of us, from the command center operator to the last fighter, that the political echelon doesn't know how the hell to continue. There are no targets to advance to, no political ability to retreat."

Most significantly, it’s about accountability:

"Where is the line between understanding the 'complexity' and blind obedience? When have you earned the right to refuse to be part of a war crime? That's less interesting. What's more interesting is when will the Israeli mainstream wake up, when will a leader arise who will explain to citizens what a mess we're in, and who will be the first kippah-wearer to call him a traitor. Because before The Hague, before the American universities, before the condemnation at the Security Council, this is first and foremost our internal matter. And that of two million Palestinians."

Also about the U.S. who makes it possible for Israel to continue and even intensify these wars.

"The ability to fight this way is made possible thanks to the stream of munitions that the #IDF receives from the United States, and the need to control the area with minimal forces stretched to the limit. This is true for both #Gaza and #Lebanon. The main difference between Lebanon and the yellow hell that surrounds us is the civilians. Unlike the villages of South Lebanon, the civilians are still here. Dragging themselves from one combat zone to another, carrying packed backpacks, jerry cans."

Hebrew haaretz.co.il/opinions/2024-11… or archive.is/rxv9U

@palestine
@israel
#IsraelWarCrimes