The Influence of Nachala on the Israeli Government: A Dangerous Alliance

In recent years, the relationship between the far-right Israeli government and the ultranationalist Orthodox Jewish organization Nachala has become increasingly intertwined. This alliance is not only shaping Israel's domestic and foreign policy but is also driving a dangerous and extremist agenda that threatens to destabilize the region further. Nachala's influence within the Israeli government, particularly among far-right parties, is a critical factor in understanding the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Nachala's Ideology: A Biblical Justification for Conquest

Nachala is rooted in a strict interpretation of the Hebrew Bible, particularly the narratives surrounding the conquest of Canaan. According to this interpretation, the land of Canaan—modern-day Israel and surrounding areas—was divinely promised to the Jewish people through the Abrahamic Covenant. Nachala and its supporters believe that this promise is still in effect and that it justifies the complete ownership of these lands by the Jewish people.

This belief is not merely symbolic. Nachala's ideology draws directly from the commandments in Deuteronomy, which include instructions for the Israelites to conquer the land and to kill "everything that breathes," including men, women, and children (Deuteronomy 20:16-18). For Nachala, these ancient texts provide a divine mandate to reclaim the land of Israel in its entirety, regardless of the consequences for the current inhabitants.

Nachala's Control Over the Israeli Government

The influence of Nachala on the Israeli government is both profound and alarming. This organization has found a strong ally in the far-right elements of Israel's ruling coalition, particularly within parties like Otzma Yehudit and certain factions of Likud. These political figures share Nachala's vision of a Greater Israel, which includes the expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and potentially even Gaza—territories that are internationally recognized as occupied and subject to Palestinian claims.

Evidence of Nachala's control can be seen in the actions and rhetoric of government officials who have openly supported settlement expansion. For example, during a far-right conference in January 2024, members of the Israeli government, including ministers from Netanyahu's coalition, expressed support for the resettlement of Gaza, despite widespread international condemnation. This conference, which echoed Nachala's extremist views, highlighted the extent to which the organization's ideology has permeated government policy【16†source】.

Moreover, Nachala's influence extends beyond mere rhetoric. The organization has been instrumental in mobilizing settler communities, encouraging illegal settlement activities in the West Bank, and promoting the idea that the entire land of Israel belongs to the Jewish people by divine right. The Israeli government's tolerance, and in some cases, active support of these activities, demonstrates how deeply Nachala's agenda has penetrated the state's highest levels of power.

The Emergence of Islam: A Response to Jewish Extremism

Islam emerged in the 7th century in a region deeply influenced by Jewish and Christian traditions. The concept of Qisas, or retribution, which is central to Islamic law, can be seen as a response to the aggressive territorial expansion and religious extremism embodied by groups like Nachala. Faced with a narrative that justified the conquest and annihilation of entire populations, early Muslims developed a framework that allowed them to defend themselves and their lands against such aggression.

The principle of retribution in Islam—often summarized as "an eye for an eye"—was not merely about justice but also survival. In a context where Jewish extremism, as exemplified by the conquest of Canaan, justified the destruction of all that lived in the land, Islam's concept of retribution provided a necessary counterbalance. It allowed Muslims to assert their right to defend their homes and communities against what they perceived as unjust and existential threats.

Religious Extremism: The Catalyst for Perpetual Conflict

The religious extremism that drives Nachala and its supporters within the Israeli government is a significant factor in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By promoting an ideology that justifies violence and territorial expansion based on ancient religious texts, Nachala and its allies are perpetuating a cycle of violence that has devastating consequences for all involved.

This extremism is met with equally strong resistance from the Arab world, where the memory of historical conflicts and the principles of retribution in Islam serve as a powerful motivation to resist what is seen as Jewish aggression. The result is a situation where both sides are locked in a perpetual struggle, each believing that they are divinely justified in their actions.

Conclusion: The Danger of Extremist Influence

The influence of Nachala on the Israeli government represents a dangerous fusion of religious extremism and political power. By pushing for policies that are rooted in a literal interpretation of ancient texts, this alliance is creating a "hell on earth" scenario in which violence and retribution become the norm. The international community, as well as moderate voices within Israel, must recognize the dangers of this extremist influence and work to counter it if there is to be any hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

References:

1. "Proposed Israeli resettlement of the Gaza Strip," Wikipedia. Link【16†source】.
2. Alon Pinkas, "An Orgy of Jewish Supremacy and Antidemocratic Euphoria, Encouraged by Netanyahu," Ha'aretz, January 2024【16†source】.
3. Ezra Brand, "Claims on 'Canaan' by Africans and Arabs in the Talmud," The Blogs, Times of Israel【15†source】.