The Dynamics of Collective Amnesia in Israel

In the aftermath of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas on October 10, 2025, a notable shift in public discourse has emerged within Israeli society. Yair Lapid, the head of the Israeli opposition, publicly dismissed accusations of genocide and starvation against Palestinians in Gaza, stating, “There was no genocide, no intentional starvation.” This statement reflects a broader trend of collective forgetting regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has been characterized by significant violence and suffering.

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The phenomenon of collective amnesia has manifested in various ways across liberal Israeli society. Institutions and public figures have actively sought to redefine acceptable narratives surrounding the conflict, often sidelining discussions of Palestinian suffering. For instance, a psychiatrist published an op-ed in Haaretz, labeling accusations of genocide as a “fantasy of morality.” This dismissal underscores a pervasive indifference to the consequences of Israeli actions, as many Israelis, including 44% of opposition voters, believe the media should not cover the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

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The ongoing neglect of Gaza is not a recent development but rather a continuation of a trend that has persisted for nearly two decades. The violence and destruction in Gaza have intermittently captured media attention, only to fade from public consciousness. This cycle of visibility and invisibility has been exacerbated by a concerted effort to construct a national narrative that absolves Israel of wrongdoing, thereby allowing for a return to a normalized state of denial.

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The Israeli military and media have developed strategies to manage public perception of violence against Palestinians. When incidents of brutality arise, they often follow a predictable pattern: initial reporting, a lack of accountability, and eventual public disengagement. For example, the killing of 15 paramedics in Rafah was met with minimal investigation and no significant consequences for those involved. This pattern has fostered a culture of impunity, where the suffering of Palestinians is largely unacknowledged.

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Critics argue that this collective amnesia is not only harmful but also dangerous, as it perpetuates cycles of violence and neglect. The Israeli Supreme Court, once viewed as a protector of democracy, has also been criticized for its lack of scrutiny regarding military actions, further contributing to the public's disengagement from the realities of the conflict.

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International responses have also played a role in facilitating this amnesia. Following the ceasefire, several countries, including Germany and France, have signaled a willingness to resume arms sales to Israel, undermining efforts to hold the state accountable for its actions. This shift in international sentiment reinforces the notion that the past two years of violence can be forgotten, allowing Israelis to revert to a state of passive neglect regarding Palestinian lives.

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The collective amnesia surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict poses significant challenges for both domestic and international critics seeking to confront the realities of violence and suffering. As long as this culture of forgetting persists, the potential for future tragedies remains high, echoing a historical pattern of neglect that dates back to the founding of Israel. Without a willingness to confront and remember the past, the cycle of violence is likely to continue.

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• “There was no genocide, no intentional starvation.” — Yair Lapid, Head of Israeli Opposition

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