Title:
How the Israeli Government is Utilising the Term ‘Antisemitism' to Silence Critiques of Israeli Illegal Actions

Authors:
Dr. Hesham Alkhalayleh, Australia

Abstract:

This paper investigates the strategic appropriation of the term "antisemitism" by the Israeli government to suppress criticism of its actions, particularly those perceived as violating international humanitarian law and human rights in the Palestinian territories. It explores the historical evolution of the term, the controversial use of the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) working definition of antisemitism, and the implications of conflating political critique with racial or religious hatred. Through analysis of case studies involving activists, academics, and international organizations, the study demonstrates how accusations of antisemitism are often employed to delegitimize legitimate political discourse and shield Israeli policies from accountability. The paper argues that this instrumentalization of antisemitism dilutes the term's significance, undermines efforts to combat real antisemitic threats, and poses a danger to freedom of expression and global human rights advocacy. Recommendations are made to adopt clearer definitional boundaries that respect both the fight against antisemitism and the right to critique state conduct under international law.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.51505/ijaemr.2025.1402