Astromystic, 8/12/25
Ilan Pappé’s The Ten Mythologies of Israel identifies ten foundational myths that distort the historical narrative of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, shielding Israel’s colonization, occupation, and violence from moral scrutiny. These myths, widely accepted in Western media and political discourse, serve to justify Israeli actions and delegitimize Palestinian resistance.
These myths, Pappé concludes, are not merely historical errors—they are tools of moral and political manipulation that sustain oppression and prevent justice. Challenging them, he insists, is not anti-Semitic but essential for universal human rights and peace.
Myth 1 falsely claims Palestine was “land without people,” erasing its vibrant Arab society under Ottoman rule. The myth’s second half, that Jews were “people without land,” is less critical but still used to justify dispossession.
Myth 2 falsely portrays early Palestinian resistance as “anti-Semitic terror,” ignoring that settlers were initially welcomed and resistance emerged only after colonial intent became clear.
Myth 3 falsely blames Palestinians for their displacement in 1948, claiming they rejected the UN Partition Plan or fled voluntarily. Pappé reveals these myths ignore the colonial nature of Zionism and the fact that half of refugees were expelled before the war began. He also debunks the “David vs. Goliath” myth and the claim that Israel extended peace offers—instead, Israel assassinated mediators and rejected peace initiatives.
Myth 4 falsely depicts pre-1967 Israel as a benign democracy, ignoring that Palestinian citizens were subjected to military rule, and Israel actively supported Arab regimes’ overthrow.
Myth 5 falsely labels Palestinian resistance as “terrorism,” ignoring its anti-colonial character and the global bias against Muslim-led liberation movements.
Myth 6 falsely claims Israel was forced into 1967 occupation and must hold territory until peace is achieved. Pappé shows Israel planned to annex the West Bank since 1948, and 1967 was the culmination of that plan.
Myth 7 falsely portrays Israel’s occupation as benevolent, with violence as a response to Palestinian resistance. In reality, Israel used collective punishment, denied rights, and unilaterally annexed territory.
Myth 8 falsely portrays Oslo as a genuine peace process. Pappé argues it was a Zionist strategy to partition Palestine into a fragmented “Bantustan,” excluding refugees and denying sovereignty.
Myth 9 falsely claims the Second Intifada (2000-2005) was a terrorist plot by Arafat. In truth, it was a popular uprising against Oslo’s betrayal, crushed violently by Israel, forcing Palestinians into more desperate resistance.
Myth 10 falsely claims the “two-state solution” is imminent. Pappé argues it’s a Zionist illusion designed to maintain Israeli control over the West Bank while excluding Palestinians’ rights to return, equality, and Jerusalem.