Ex-Shin Bet chief Ayalon says he’d resist Israeli occupation if he were Palestinian
Speaking to the Israel-based Maariv newspaper, Ayalon said that if he were a Palestinian, he would fight against the occupation. (Photo via Haaretz)
Ami Ayalon, the former head of Israel’s internal security agency Shin Bet, has spoken out about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing that if he were Palestinian, he would resist the occupation of his land.
In an interview with Israeli media outlet Maariv newspaper, Ayalon addressed the ongoing issues between Israelis and Palestinians, stating, “If I were born Palestinian, I would fight those who attempt to steal my land.”
Ayalon, who led Shin Bet from 1996 to 2000, noted that Palestinians view themselves as a distinct people, while Israelis often mistakenly perceive Palestinians as having divided intentions. He remarked, “The Palestinians lost their land. When people ask me what I would do if I were Palestinian, my answer is this: If someone came to steal my land, I would fight them to the end.”
‘They focus on Palestinian state’
He criticized the notion that economic aid and food provisions could resolve the conflict, asserting, “The issue is not about food; it’s about a fundamental desire for freedom. Palestinians are not seeking what we propose; they are focused on establishing a Palestinian state.”
Ayalon also reflected on the First Intifada of 1987, arguing that the Fatah Movement had no choice but to pursue diplomacy during that time.
He pointed out that Hamas rejected diplomatic efforts, claiming that the Jewish state’s promises were unfulfilled, as evidenced by continued settlement expansion.
In a previous interview with ABC News in last March, Ayalon reiterated his stance, stating, “If I were Palestinian, I would fight against Israel for my freedom.”
