The role of socio-economic factors in changing relations between Muslim and Christian Arabs in Israel between 1967 and 2010

Abstract

The article sheds light on relations between Muslim and Christian Arabs in Israel in day-to-day life from 1967 until 2010. This period is characterized by significant ideological and socio-economic changes, with Islamization being particularly evident. The article is based on a field study of 91 in-depth interviews, as well as field surveys and documents from private collections. Findings indicate a deterioration in Muslim–Christian relations among Arabs in Israel during the research period. The two populations drew apart and tensions arose between them, sometimes escalating into violence. Socio-economic changes played an important role in the escalation, among them, privatization and commercialization, both of which increased economic competition. The demographic growth and urbanization in the Arab municipalities increased alienation between these two Arab subgroups and in so doing exacerbated the deterioration in relations.