Ex-Israeli spy chief accuses Tel Aviv of enforcing apartheid

Pardo, alleges that Israel enforces an apartheid system against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank

TEL AVIV, Israel – A former head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, Tamir Pardo, has alleged that Israel enforces an apartheid system against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

Pardo’s remarks reflect the views of a small but growing number of former officials, although the idea is usually mentioned only in passing in Israeli and international discussions.

Because of his security background, Pardo’s views carry great weight in Israel.

Although he did not clarify whether he held these beliefs during his time in the Mossad, Pardo stressed that the resolution of the Palestinian issue was of paramount importance, even more so than Iran’s nuclear program.

Pardo has already warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against fixing Israel’s borders to ensure the continued existence of the state for Jews.

Netanyahu’s party, Likud, reacted critically, accusing Pardo of defaming Israel.

Rights organizations point to Israel’s discriminatory policies, blockade of Gaza and occupation of the West Bank.

Last year, the international human rights organization Amnesty International accused Israel of committing “the crime of apartheid against the Palestinians.”

Israel denies these accusations, however, attributing its treatment of Palestinians to security concerns.

In 2017, a UN report called Israel an “apartheid regime” against the Palestinians. South Africa drew parallels to its own history of apartheid and called for Israel to be labeled an “apartheid state” the previous year.