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Psychological Asymmetry Post-October 7: The Palestinian Perceptual War Strategy Against Israel
(Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs) Dr. Irwin J. Mansdorf - Over the past two years, in military terms, Israel certainly seems to have damaged the enemy more than the enemy has damaged Israel. But in the cognitive, perceptual, and psychological war, Israel's enemies have gained the upper hand as more Israelis feel unwelcome around the world. The psychological war between Israel and the Palestinians started long before Oct. 7. An already present anti-Israel narrative promoted by the UN focused on Palestinian dispossession which began in 1948. Even the "genocide" libel started long before Oct. 7. In partnering with or piggybacking on social change movements, Palestinian narratives have gained not only prominence but cultural acceptance which, in turn, has fueled political acceptance. A militarily defeated enemy that feels they have won is not really defeated. Hamas has managed to turn defeat into success by manipulating a gullible, naive, and partially antisemitic world. As noted by Mordechai Kedar, "Even if only one of Hamas remained, with a severed leg and hand, he would stand on the remains of a destroyed mosque and raise his two fingers in a victory sign." For Hamas and many Palestinian Arabs, Oct. 7 remains a day they are proud of. The writer is a clinical psychologist and a fellow at the Jerusalem Center specializing in political psychology.