The Spider Web The Roots of BDS and the Campaign to Delegitimize Israel

Key Findings:

For almost two decades, Israel has been subjected to an international campaign of political subversion – known as the “Delegitimization Campaign” – aimed at undermining its existence as the sovereign nation state of the Jewish people. The campaign operates in the political, legal, academic, cultural, religious, and economic fields, and also includes “direct action” activities such as flotillas or pre-coordinated demonstrations and marches around the world. 

This paper (part of JCPA’s ongoing research) aims to assist in filling the related research gap regarding the main groups that take part in the campaign and their EU sources of funding. This mapping exercise also reveals that in spite of the unique geo-political structures in each country, when looking at the main players in the Delegitimization Campaign, the picture is very similar.

International Far-Left Elements

Far-left elements, drawing inspiration from post-colonial and post-imperialist theories popularized by intellectuals like Edward Said and Noam Chomsky, perceive Israel as a stronghold of Western imperialism in the Middle East. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, certain factions within the far-left have identified political Islam, particularly Islamism, as a viable force capable of resisting what they perceive as U.S. hegemony and imperialist agendas. They frame terrorist attacks as legitimate responses of oppressed civilians against perceived oppressors, echoing Marxist ideology.

The nature of far-left ideologies, such as anarchism, necessitates continuous campaigning and activism. As a result, activists within these groups are constantly seeking new reasons to demonstrate and mobilize support. This pattern mirrors the strategies employed by Communist propagandist Willi Münzenberg in the past.

This activism manifests itself through international mobilization efforts, including direct action such as flotillas, organized demonstrations, marches, political lobbying, and online campaigns conducted in multiple languages. Additionally, the economic route of boycotts, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) against Israel is actively pursued. Tactics reminiscent of past successful campaigns, such as those against the Vietnam War and South Africa's apartheid regime, are implemented in the current battle against Israel. Moreover, key activists and intellectuals from these earlier movements continue to play significant roles in the anti-Israel campaign.

The Arab Anti-Peace Camp and the Palestinian Authority

Far-left European elements and Palestinian factions like Fatah, as well as Marxist/Maoist groups such as the PFLP and DFLP, have historical ties. Exiled leaders of the Matzpen Movement in Britain, who educated leading figures of the "new Left" in Europe on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, influences the discourse on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. During the 1990s, some key figures within Fatah and other PLO organizations opposed the Oslo Accords and remained militant oppositionists. Farouk Kaddoumi, head of the PLO’s Political Department in Tunis, is highlighted as one such figure who promotes anti-normalization and anti-peace sentiments within Fatah and the Palestinian Authority. A recent trend within Fatah and the Palestinian Authority involves figures formerly supportive of the peace process now participating in campaigns aiming to eliminate Israel.

In the 2000s, increased donor aid to Palestine led to a proliferation of NGOs addressing various agendas. Many NGO leaders were politically active, and attempts to redefine the relationship between civil society organizations (CSOs) and political parties were resisted, leading to NGOs gaining prominence while political parties were sidelined. This unique structure of Palestinian civil society allows certain NGOs to serve as fronts for political organizations, including those with violent backgrounds. Some former members of terrorist-designated groups like the PFLP cooperate with Western civil society bodies while operating their own NGOs. Using civil society organizations and NGOs, Palestinian factions spread anti-Israel narratives globally, branding Israel as practicing apartheid and ethnic cleansing. These platforms also facilitate collaboration between rival Palestinian camps, nationalist, and Islamist, both domestically and internationally. Despite the politicization of NGO networks, European decision-makers often seek their advice, even though their relevance to ordinary Palestinians is unclear.

Political Islamism, Mainly the Global Muslim Brotherhood

The internationalization of the Muslim Brotherhood, known as the Global Muslim Brotherhood, spans approximately 80 countries. Affiliated organizations in Europe and the United States operate extensive networks including mosques, charities, schools, and political lobbying groups. The Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe (FIOE) serves as an umbrella for European Muslim Brotherhood groups. The spiritual leader, Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, has influenced the Brotherhood's approach to Muslims living in non-Muslim countries, developing the theory of Minorities Jurisprudence [fiqh al-Aqaliyyat]. The Union of Good (UoG) is a significant umbrella group funding Hamas and operates within this network. 

The Brotherhood's involvement in the Delegitimization Campaign against Israel is noted, alongside its coordination with far-left groups. The Brotherhood's engagement in human rights issues aims to regain its credibility. Additionally, it mentions the rise of U.S. Muslim Brotherhood affiliates and their collaboration with European counterparts. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) identifies several U.S. Muslim groups with ties to the Brotherhood as anti-Israel.