Gush Emunim
Introduction
Gush Emunim, meaning "Bloc of the Faithful" in Hebrew, was an Israeli settler movement that emerged in the aftermath of the Six-Day War in 1967. It was primarily composed of religious Zionist Jews who believed in the divine right to settle in the territories captured during the war, including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights. The movement played a pivotal role in shaping Israeli settlement policy and has had a lasting impact on the political and social landscape of Israel and the Palestinian territories.
Historical Background
Formation and Ideological Roots
Gush Emunim was officially founded in 1974, although its ideological roots can be traced back to the teachings of Rabbi Zvi Yehuda Kook, son of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, the first Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of British Mandatory Palestine. The Kook family espoused a form of religious Zionism that viewed the establishment of the State of Israel as a divine act and the precursor to the messianic redemption. This ideology was further developed by the Merkaz Harav Yeshiva, a central institution for religious Zionism, where many of Gush Emunim's leaders were educated.
The movement was also influenced by the broader context of the Yom Kippur War in 1973, which led to a crisis of confidence in Israeli leadership and a surge in religious and nationalist sentiments among certain segments of the population. Gush Emunim capitalized on this atmosphere, advocating for the settlement of Jews in all parts of the biblical Land of Israel as a religious imperative.
Key Figures and Leadership
Prominent figures in Gush Emunim included Hanan Porat, Moshe Levinger, and Yehuda Etzion. These leaders were instrumental in organizing and mobilizing settlers, often through grassroots activism and direct action. They were known for their charismatic leadership and ability to galvanize support among religious Zionists and other nationalist groups.
Activities and Impact
Settlement Efforts
Gush Emunim's primary focus was the establishment of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The movement's strategy involved both legal and extralegal methods to create "facts on the ground" that would make it difficult for any future Israeli government to relinquish control over these territories. Settlements such as Kiryat Arba, near Hebron, and Ofra in the West Bank, were among the first established by Gush Emunim activists.
The movement's activities often brought it into conflict with the Israeli government, particularly during periods when the government sought to limit settlement expansion as part of peace negotiations. Despite this, Gush Emunim managed to exert significant influence over Israeli policy, leveraging its political connections and public support to ensure continued settlement growth.
Political Influence
Gush Emunim's influence extended beyond settlement activities into the political arena. The movement was closely aligned with the National Religious Party and later with the Likud party, which came to power in 1977 under Menachem Begin. This political alliance facilitated the expansion of settlements and the allocation of government resources to support settler infrastructure.
The movement also played a role in shaping public discourse around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, promoting a narrative that framed Jewish settlement as a historical and religious right. This narrative has had a lasting impact on Israeli society and continues to influence debates over the future of the territories.
Decline and Legacy
By the late 1980s and early 1990s, Gush Emunim's influence began to wane, partly due to internal divisions and the changing political landscape. The Oslo Accords and subsequent peace process challenged the movement's objectives, as they entailed the possibility of territorial concessions to the Palestinians.
Despite its decline as a formal organization, Gush Emunim's legacy endures through the continued presence of settlements in the West Bank and the ideological framework it helped establish. Many of its former members and leaders remain active in various political and social movements, advocating for the expansion of settlements and opposing territorial compromise.
Ideological Tenets
Religious Zionism
At the core of Gush Emunim's ideology was a belief in religious Zionism, which combines traditional Jewish religious beliefs with modern Zionist nationalism. This ideology posits that the establishment of the State of Israel is a divinely ordained step towards the ultimate redemption and the coming of the Messiah. Gush Emunim viewed the settlement of the Land of Israel as a religious duty that would hasten this process.
Land of Israel Theology
Gush Emunim's theology was deeply rooted in the concept of the "Land of Israel" as a sacred and indivisible entity. The movement drew on biblical texts and rabbinic teachings to assert Jewish claims to the territories captured in 1967. This theological perspective rejected any notion of partition or territorial compromise, viewing such actions as contrary to divine will.
Messianic Activism
The movement's messianic beliefs translated into a form of activism that sought to bring about the redemption through human action. Gush Emunim's members believed that by settling the land and creating a Jewish presence in the territories, they were fulfilling a divine mandate and actively participating in the unfolding of the messianic era.
Criticism and Controversy
Opposition and Criticism
Gush Emunim faced significant opposition from various quarters, both within Israel and internationally. Critics argued that the movement's settlement activities undermined the prospects for peace with the Palestinians and violated international law. The United Nations and other international bodies have consistently viewed Israeli settlements in the occupied territories as illegal under the Fourth Geneva Convention.
Within Israel, Gush Emunim's activities were criticized by left-wing and secular groups, who viewed the movement as an obstacle to peace and a source of tension with the Palestinian population. The movement's religious and nationalist rhetoric also raised concerns about the potential for increased sectarianism and violence.
Internal Divisions
Over time, Gush Emunim experienced internal divisions, particularly over the question of how to respond to government policies that were perceived as contrary to the movement's goals. Some members advocated for continued nonviolent resistance and dialogue with the government, while others supported more radical measures, including civil disobedience and confrontation.
These divisions were exacerbated by the broader political and social changes in Israel, including the rise of new political movements and the evolving dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As a result, Gush Emunim's cohesion and influence diminished over time.
Conclusion
Gush Emunim was a significant force in Israeli society, shaping the country's settlement policy and influencing the broader discourse around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While the movement's formal organization has declined, its ideological legacy and the settlements it helped establish continue to play a central role in the region's complex and contentious landscape.