B'Tselem

B'Tselem. B'Tselem is a prominent Israeli non-governmental organization dedicated to documenting and advocating against human rights violations in the Israeli-occupied territories. Founded in the context of the First Intifada, it seeks to influence Israeli public opinion and policy by providing rigorous, evidence-based research on the conduct of the Israel Defense Forces and the impact of Israeli settlements. The organization's work has garnered international recognition and has frequently placed it at the center of political controversy within Israel.

History and establishment

B'Tselem was established in February 1989 by a group of Israeli academics, lawyers, journalists, and Knesset members, including figures like Zahava Gal-On and the late Dedi Zucker. Its creation was a direct response to the outbreak of the First Intifada and growing concerns over the Israeli military government's actions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The founding members aimed to create an authoritative source of information that would challenge the official narratives from the Israeli government and the Israel Defense Forces. The name, meaning "in the image of" in Hebrew, is drawn from the Book of Genesis and reflects the principle of human dignity. Early investigations focused on incidents of lethal force, administrative detention, and the demolition of Palestinian homes.

Mission and objectives

The organization's core mission is to document and educate the public about human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, striving to end Israel's occupation based on the principles of international humanitarian law. Its objectives include exposing the realities of life under occupation, challenging the systemic impunity enjoyed by the Israel Defense Forces and Israeli settlers, and promoting accountability. B'Tselem operates on the conviction that as the occupying power, Israel bears responsibility under the Fourth Geneva Convention and other legal frameworks. It aims its advocacy primarily at the Israeli public and institutions of the State of Israel, seeking to leverage domestic pressure for policy change.

Activities and methodology

B'Tselem's primary activity is systematic field research and documentation conducted by a team of Palestinian field researchers based in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. This work involves collecting testimonies from victims and witnesses, filming incidents with video cameras, and analyzing official data, military orders, and legal documents. The organization publishes detailed reports, position papers, and statistical analyses on issues such as fatalities, house demolitions, land expropriation, and the Israeli settlement enterprise. It also engages in public outreach through its website, social media, lectures, and meetings with Knesset members, diplomats from the European Union, and officials at the United Nations.

Key reports and impact

Influential publications by the organization have included major reports on the conduct of the Israel Defense Forces during Operation Cast Lead in Gaza and Operation Protective Edge, which drew significant international media attention. Its groundbreaking 2017 report, "A Regime of Israeli Apartheid Between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea," marked a significant shift in its public framing of the conflict. The organization's video documentation, often provided to outlets like BBC and CNN, has been crucial in challenging official accounts of specific incidents, influencing debates at the United Nations Human Rights Council and within the International Criminal Court. Its data is frequently cited by other major groups like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.

Funding and structure

B'Tselem is structured as an independent, non-partisan organization governed by a board of directors and managed by an executive director, such as former director Hagai El-Ad. It is funded primarily by contributions from foundations and governments in Europe and North America, including support from entities like the European Union, the United Kingdom, Norway, Germany, and private foundations such as the New Israel Fund and the Open Society Foundations. The organization maintains a small staff in its Jerusalem office, coordinating the work of dozens of field researchers. Its financial reports are publicly available, and it states that it does not accept donations from the Israeli government or any political party.

Criticism and controversy

The organization faces intense criticism from the Israeli government, right-wing politicians, and groups like Im Tirtzu, who accuse it of being biased, undermining the Israel Defense Forces, and engaging in lawfare against Israel on the international stage. Officials, including former Prime Ministers Benjamin Netanyahu and Naftali Bennett, have denounced its work as providing ammunition for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. In 2021, the Israeli Ministry of Defense designated it as a "terrorist organization," a move widely condemned by the European Union and human rights groups. Critics also argue its focus on Israeli actions, without equivalent reporting on Hamas or the Palestinian Authority, presents a distorted picture of the conflict.