Occupation Has No Future

Filmmaker David Zlutnick's feature-length documentary takes a look at the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories using a two-pronged approach, focusing on the conscientious objector movement within Israel, and eliciting commentary from Palestinians living under the system. The conscientious objectors insist that they are willing to go to prison rather than participate in military actions that prolong the occupation—and, indeed, prison is the inevitable destination, since Israeli law is unusually tight when it comes to allowing able-bodied men and women to abstain from active duty military service. The Palestinians, not surprisingly, are grateful for any Israelis who back their cause, and are eager to work with those who are sympathetic. Observing the situation here are a group of U.S. “war resisters” who support the notion of challenging unjust military orders. While Occupation Has No Future interviews sincere and eloquent individuals who cogently detail their political positions, it also suffers from an extremely lopsided view of Israeli history. Indeed, the viewer is left with the impression that Israel was founded as a militaristic state, ignoring the fact that its military history was reactive—as a tiny country surrounded by hostile larger enemies—rather than proactive (also ignored is the long history of Palestinian terrorism). Ultimately undermined by an egregious bias that turns an intriguing subject into anti-Israeli propaganda, this is not a necessary purchase. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)