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Short answer
B’Tselem, an Israeli human rights NGO, whose official mission is to document and educate the Israeli public and policymakers about human rights violations in Palestinian Territories. In practice it focuses mostly on de legitimizing the Jewish state on the international stage than promoting human rights within Israel. Multiple concerns were raised about its funding and research methodologies…. B’Tselem’s claim that Israel is an apartheid state ignores the equality of rights of Arab citizens in Israel and the complex security realities. The organization falsely equates Israeli citizenship with Jewish ethnicity and focuses on the rights of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, who are not Israeli citizens. B’Tselem’s condemnation of security measures like checkpoints and the separation barrier undermines Israel’s right to self-defense. Despite vocal advocacy against Israel’s very existence, B’Tselem’s freedom to operate is protected by Israel’s democratic values, even though its actions may harm Israel’s international image.
Long answer
B’Tselem is an NGO presenting itself as an Israeli human rights organization, whose official mission is to document and educate the Israeli public and policymakers about human rights violations in Palestinian Territories.
In effect many observers signify that the organization has strayed from its initial purpose of promoting human rights within Israel and instead became a tool for de legitimizing the Jewish state and promoting a biased, anti-Israel agenda on the international stage. . Concerns have been raised about B’Tselem’s extensive funding from foreign sources, suggesting potential external influences on its activities.
B’Tselem often employs flawed methodologies in its research, such as relying heavily on unverified Palestinian testimonies and downplaying the context of violence, particularly in areas facing security threats. In some instances, B’Tselem’s reports have been found to contain inaccuracies and inconsistencies with medical documents, photographic evidence, and military logs. Their report’s methodology was criticized for its small sample size (e.g. 7% of total casualties), lack of independent verification, and potentially biased questionnaire design.
B’Tselem falsely equates Israeli citizenship with Jewish ethnicity, ignoring the fact that millions of Arab citizens have equal rights in Israel. B’Tselem focuses on the rights of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, who are not Israeli citizens and are governed by the Palestinian Authority and Hamas.
The organization’s frequent use of the term “apartheid” to describe Israel has drawn sharp criticism, being as a gross mischaracterization of the situation, which ignores the complex security realities Israel faces and distorts the historical context of the Israeli- Palestinian conflict.
B’Tselem’s persistent condemnation of essential security measures, such as checkpoints and the separation barrier, is an undermining Israel’s right to self-defense and protect its citizens from terrorism. These measures, while sometimes inconvenient, are necessary to counter the ongoing security threats Israel faces.
B’Tselem often fails to acknowledge the responsibility of Palestinian actors in the conflict, particularly terrorist organizations like Hamas, which deliberately use civilians as human shields and incite violence against Israelis.
Since October 7, 2023, B’Tselem has become a vocal advocate against Israel’s very existence and a tool for promoting a biased and often inaccurate narrative of the conflict on the international stage.
Although B’Tselem’s activities cross the line into anti-Israel advocacy, potentially harming Israel’s international image and undermining its legitimacy, the Israel as a true democracy, upholds freedom of speech and association, including for organizations critical of its policies. This is rooted in Israel’s democratic values.
