In a compelling interview on the Superhumanizer podcast, renowned historian Professor Ilan Pappé offers a perspective rarely heard in mainstream media: we are witnessing what he calls "the last phase of Zionism." As Israel's military campaign in Gaza continues with over 41,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023 according to the United Nations, Pappé's historical analysis provides crucial context for understanding both the intensity of the current violence and why it may signal the beginning of the end for the Zionist project.
"Historically such developments in ideological movements, whether they are colonials or empires... it's usually the final chapter that is the most ruthless one, the most ambitious one, and then it's too much, and then they fall and collapse," explains Pappé, who was born in Haifa to German Jewish parents who fled Nazi persecution.
This pattern of intensification before collapse is evident in what Pappé terms "Neo-Zionism" – an extreme version of the original ideology. While classical Zionism sought gradual implementation of Jewish statehood, Neo-Zionism aims to achieve complete territorial control in a much shorter timeframe. This acceleration explains why far-right Israeli ministers like Smotrich and Ben Gvir now openly call for settlements in Gaza, something previous governments approached more cautiously.
Pappé identifies three key indicators that signal Zionism's impending collapse:
First, deepening internal divisions within Israeli society. Despite facing what Israelis consider an existential threat, the country remains deeply divided about its identity. "This idea that Judaism is a nationality has now been exposed as a real problem," Pappé notes. The question of whether Israel should be a western liberal society or a Jewish theocratic one has created what Pappé describes as having "a lot of symptoms of civil war already."
Second, the incompetence of populist leadership. Neo-Zionist politics follows a global pattern of populism, which Pappé observes historically leads to collapse: "Populist leaders are not very competent and they don't know how to run state systems, whether they're economic, cultural, financial." This incompetence accelerates systemic breakdown.
Third, growing international isolation. While political elites may continue supporting Israel, global civil society increasingly views it as a "pariah state." This includes significant shifts among Jewish communities worldwide, with younger generations rejecting Zionism at unprecedented rates. A 2021 Brookings Institution study found support for Israel among young American evangelicals dropped dramatically from 75% to 34% between 2018 and 2021.
Despite the current devastation, Pappé finds reason for hope. "This is a very dark moment," he acknowledges, "but here and there huge shows of solidarity with the Palestinians... gives some hope, some comfort, some faith in humanity."
For Pappé, the question isn't if Zionism will collapse, but when. "I'm quite confident that it will happen, but I don't know when," he says. The timeline remains uncertain, but the indicators of collapse are clear.
As student encampments spread across university campuses and global protests grow, Pappé sees the emergence of a new consciousness that rejects the dehumanization at the core of the Zionist project. This growing solidarity movement may help shape what comes after collapse – hopefully something better for everyone in the region.
United Nations OCHA (2024, November 5). "Reported impact snapshot | Gaza Strip." https://www.ochaopt.org/content/reported-impact-snapshot-gaza-strip-5-november-2024
Brookings Institution (2021, May 26 ). "As Israel increasingly relies on US evangelicals for support, younger ones are walking away: What polls show." https://www.brookings.edu/articles/as-israel-increasingly-relies-on-us-evangelicals-for-support-younger-ones-are-walking-away-what-polls-show/
Al Jazeera (2025, January 14 ). "Israeli historian Ilan Pappe: 'This is the last phase of Zionism'." https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/14/israeli-historian-ilan-pappe-this-is-the-last-phase-of-zionism
New Left Review (2024, June 21 ). "Ilan Pappé, The Collapse of Zionism — Sidecar." https://newleftreview.org/sidecar/posts/the-collapse-of-zionism
Pappé, Ilan (2006 ). "The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine." Oneworld Publications.
.svg)
