Fact-Check: "Israel is an apartheid country much like South Africa used to be"
What We Know
The claim that Israel operates as an apartheid state similar to historical South Africa has gained traction in recent years. According to a 2025 article in The Mail & Guardian, many Israelis, particularly those aligned with the Zionist movement, have consistently rejected the idea of a single democratic state that includes both Israelis and Palestinians. Instead, there is a prevailing preference for a two-state solution that preserves a Jewish demographic majority within Israel's current borders. This sentiment mirrors the historical resistance seen in South Africa, where the white minority opposed the idea of majority rule until the very end of apartheid.
The article further draws parallels between the political dynamics in Israel and those in South Africa during the apartheid era. It notes that as pressures for change mounted, the white South African electorate shifted sharply to the right, a trend that is observable in Israel today, where support for far-right parties has increased amid global criticism of its policies towards Palestinians (source-2).
Additionally, the Citizen reported that various organizations have called for boycotts and disinvestment from Israel, likening its practices to those of apartheid-era South Africa. This reflects a growing international movement that seeks to apply pressure on Israel similar to that which contributed to the end of apartheid in South Africa.
Analysis
The comparison of Israel to apartheid South Africa is contentious and often debated. Proponents of the apartheid analogy argue that both systems are characterized by systemic discrimination and the denial of political rights to a significant population based on ethnicity. For instance, a scholarly article discusses the similarities in oppression experienced by Palestinians and black South Africans under apartheid, highlighting the structural inequalities present in both contexts.
However, critics of the apartheid analogy argue that there are fundamental differences between the two situations. The ResearchGate publication emphasizes that while there are resemblances in terms of discrimination, the historical and geopolitical contexts of Israel and South Africa differ significantly. This perspective suggests that the term "apartheid" may oversimplify the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The reliability of sources discussing this claim varies. Articles from established media outlets like The Mail & Guardian and The Citizen provide a journalistic perspective that is generally credible, while academic sources may offer more nuanced analyses but can also reflect specific ideological biases. For example, the Cairo Review discusses the potential for international pressure to effect change in Israel, echoing sentiments from the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, but may not fully account for the unique aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Conclusion
The claim that Israel is an apartheid state akin to South Africa is Partially True. There are valid arguments and historical parallels that support the notion of systemic discrimination against Palestinians, similar to the experiences of black South Africans under apartheid. However, the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the differing historical contexts mean that the analogy is not universally accepted. While there are significant similarities in terms of oppression and political exclusion, the unique circumstances surrounding Israel require careful consideration before drawing direct comparisons.
Sources
- Lessons for Israel from South Africa – The Mail & Guardian
- Apartheid, Resistance, and Political Transition: Lessons for ...
- Apartheid then, apartheid now: Israel’s aggression is no ...
- Apartheid in South Africa and Israel/Palestine: A Case of ...
- The Beginning of The End - A Comparison Between the Apartheid ...
- South Africa – Israel: An Opportunity for a Reset ...
- A World that Ended Apartheid can do the Same for Israel’s ...
