Meaning: This quote by Moshe Sharett, a prominent Israeli statesman, reflects a perspective that has been central to the historical and ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. The quote highlights the complex and deeply rooted issues surrounding the land of Israel and the narratives of its inhabitants. It speaks to the contested nature of the land and the clash of cultures and identities that have characterized the region for centuries.

In order to fully understand the significance of this quote, it is necessary to delve into the historical context in which it was made. Moshe Sharett, who served as Israel's first foreign minister and second prime minister, was a key figure in the Zionist movement and the establishment of the state of Israel. His words encapsulate the Zionist ideology that underpinned the establishment of Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people. The quote reflects the Zionist belief in the Jewish people's historic and ancestral connection to the land of Israel and their right to claim it as their own.

The notion of "conquering a country from people inhabiting it" evokes the historical and geopolitical complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. From a Zionist perspective, the land of Israel was seen as a promised land, a place where the Jewish people could reestablish their ancient homeland. However, this perspective clashed with the presence of the Palestinian Arab population, who also laid claim to the same land. The quote thus encapsulates the inherent tension and conflict arising from competing historical and cultural narratives.

The reference to "governing by the virtue of its language and savage culture" reflects a viewpoint that has been deeply divisive and contentious. It alludes to the perception of the indigenous Palestinian population as "other," with their culture and language depicted as inferior or uncivilized. This framing has been central to the dehumanization and marginalization of the Palestinian people in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It underscores the power dynamics and the unequal distribution of resources and rights between the two communities.

The quote also sheds light on the enduring impact of colonialism and settler-colonial ideologies in shaping the dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The language of conquest and inheritance reflects a colonial mindset, where the arrival of the Zionist settlers in the land of Palestine was framed as a civilizing mission and a fulfillment of a historical destiny. This perspective disregarded the rights and existence of the indigenous population and contributed to the displacement and dispossession of Palestinians from their land.

In conclusion, Moshe Sharett's quote encapsulates the deeply entrenched historical, cultural, and political complexities that continue to define the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It reflects the competing narratives and claims to the land of Israel, as well as the power dynamics and inequalities that have shaped the relationship between Israelis and Palestinians. Understanding the significance of this quote requires a nuanced appreciation of the historical context and the multifaceted layers of the conflict. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and the imperative of seeking a just and equitable resolution to the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.