Arab-Israeli Research Articles

The Middle East Tragedy: Between Utopia and Dystopia

ABSTRACT This paper discusses the present Israeli-Palestinian war, with an emphasis on the destructive clash between two utopian visions: the vision of “Greater Israel” – including all Palestinian territories – of the far right in Israel, and the vision of destroying the state of Israel, fundamental in Hamas ideology. The dystopic result of this clash is explored from a psychoanalytic point of view, relying in part on Ogden’s notion of historicity as achieved only in the depressive position, and Jessica Benjamin’s notion of a “doer and done-to” mode which excludes recognition of the reciprocal interaction that is essential to that historicity. A brief review of the history of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, lasting more than a hundred years, points to the constant reciprocal influences leading to its deterioration, and ends with the hope for a pragmatic compromise that would alleviate the suffering and traumatization on both sides.

Unintentional childhood mortality during emergencies in Israel: a comparative study

BackgroundArmed conflicts are likely to have implications for the welfare and safety of children, potentially leading to increased rates of unintentional childhood injuries.MethodsWe examine data from Israel concerning the relationship...

School Violence in the Israeli Arab Educational System: Investigating the Implications of Paternalistic Leadership and teachers’ Job Satisfaction

ABSTRACT School violence is a growing issue that adversely affects learning, academic achievement, and student growth. Drawing upon the heuristic model of school violence proposed by the study proposes to examine the direct and indirect relationship (through teacher satisfaction) between paternalistic leadership (PL) and school violence in the Arab educational system in Israel. The data were collected through a questionnaire returned by a two-stage clusters random sampling of 350 teachers randomly chosen from 70 elementary Israeli Arab schools. Data were collected from three sources: self-reporting (teachers and students) and non-self-reporting to minimize measure error. The Structural Equation Modelling and bootstrap results highlighted that paternalistic leadership was not correlated to teachers’ satisfaction but directly correlated to school violence. The findings also showed positive relationships of teachers’ job satisfaction and lessening school violence levels. Implications for theory and practise are discussed.

Homophily in Interfaith Marriages in Israel Between Jewish Israeli Men and Arab Israeli Women

This study examines the perspectives of Israeli-Jewish men who are married to Israeli-Arab women. Given religious, ethnic, and political tensions and challenges, romantic relationships between Israeli Jews and Israeli Arabs are not common. The homophilic tendency is a common model used to choose a partner based on religious, social, linguistic and educational similarities. This study utilized interpretive phenomenological analysis approach to focus on a unique and rather rare phenomenon in Israel to understand the lived experiences and coping mechanisms of Jewish men who married Christian or Muslim women in Israel. Fifteen Israeli men married to Arab Muslim or Christian Israeli women were included interviewed. Based on the analysis of the findings, several themes were identified which describe how participants utilize a pragmatic approach to bridge family, social, religious and political tensions. These themes strengthen recent studies, which found a certain degree of flexibility toward homophily among Jews and Arabs in Israel.

A Critical Assessment of Israel-Hamas War in the Israel-Palestine Conflict

A Critical Assessment of Israel-Hamas War in the Israel-Palestine Conflict

Regional security and the role of regional players

The article examines the importance and necessity of creating a new international organization designed to take on the role of ensuring regional security. As an example, the Astana process to resolve the Syrian crisis, which was created with the participation of Russia, Iran and Turkey, is considered. Thus, the countries demonstrated the ability to take responsibility for ensuring regional security in the conflict zone. Russia, Iran and Türkiye were able to develop specifi c ways to resolve this crisis situation. Using the experience of the Astana format, such major players as Russia, Türkiye and Iran could find ways to solve other international problems. And here they may be joined by another influential world power — China. The strength of the new international security architecture will depend on these states. China has long played an important role in maintaining global stability. And here we can note the special role of mediation diplomacy, which has recently become the most striking calling card of Chinese diplomacy. Thus, in March 2023, with the participation of China, a historic reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran took place. In light of the recent escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli confl ict, China has published a position paper on a political solution to the crisis. The document off ers recommendations to resolve the problem, namely, a complete cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians, provision of humanitarian assistance, strengthening diplomatic mediation and the search for a political settlement. The authors come to the conclusion that, taking into account the accumulated experience in fi nding ways to resolve acute regional conflicts, and by joining forces, Russia, China, Iran and Türkiye are able to create an international structure for resolving crisis situations, which will become a guarantor for ensuring international security and stability.

From Grievances to Growth

Abstract Past animosities and complex geopolitics make the Israel-Palestine conflict complex and require a multifaceted approach. As modernization theory fails to address such conflicts, we combine post-colonial theory, identity politics, critical geopolitics, with modernization theory to provide a more complete picture. A comprehensive strategy for building a strong and united Palestinian society is presented in this paper, which emphasizes democratic changes, military power rebalancing, international law, and economic independence. Education and technological progress drive societal growth, so strong governance systems are essential for political stability. We demonstrate how these methods work and what are their drawbacks by analyzing real-life examples of how social, economic, and political factors affect conflict. In the study, governments, civil society, and international organizations are a key focus for finding a long-term solution. This extensive research on conflict resolution and growth expands the conversation and offers lessons that can be applied to various conflict situations.

The impact of potentially morally injurious experience of betrayal on PTSD and depression following the October 7th terror attack

With about 1200 individuals murdered, the massacre of October 7th was one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in modern history. The mental health consequences of terrorist attacks have been documented. However, little is known of the impact of the potentially morally injurious experience (PMIE) of betrayal––in which individuals feel betrayed by leaders they once trusted––on levels of psychological burden in the aftermath of such an attack. In this national prospective cohort study, we examined to what extent the PMIE of betrayal exacerbates the risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in the wake of the October 7th terrorist attack. A representative sample of 710 Israeli adults (362 female, 51.1%), Jews (557, 79.9%) and Arabs (153, 20.1%), aged 18–85 (M = 41.01, SD = 13.72) completed validated self-report questionnaires assessing PTSD, depression, and PMIE-betrayal at two timepoints: T1, in August 2023 (6–7 weeks before the attack) and T2, in November 2023 (5–6 weeks after the attack). In two hierarchical logistic regressions, we found that experience of PMIE-betrayal predicted diagnoses of both PTSD (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.26–2.92) and depression (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.37–3.01) at T2, beyond probable PTSD/depression at T1 and demographic and trauma-related variables. Moreover, in two repeated-measure analyses predicting PTSD/depression symptoms, we found significant interactions between PTSD/depression trajectories and PMIE-betrayal, meaning that the increase of PTSD/depression symptoms was significantly higher among participants experiencing betrayal in the context of the attack. Our study highlights the impact of PMIE of betrayal on the dramatic increase in psychopathology following the October 7th terror attack on Israel’s population. Clinicians treating individuals coping with PTSD and depression should attend to their patients’ possible exposure to betrayal following the attack. Moreover, national leaders and policymakers should take significant steps to repair the public’s betrayal experience.

Pemikiran Etika Perang Imām al-Shawkānī: Analisis Teori Just War dan Relevansi Konflik Israel-Palestina

This research analyzes Imām al-Shawkānī’s thoughts on war ethics within the Just War theory perspective, using the book “Nayl al-Awṭār.” The Israel-Palestine conflict is seen as an example of the abuse of power in just war ethics to the detriment of Palestinian civilians. Just War theory emphasises justice, proportionality and protection of civilians, yet Israel's military operations often violate these principles. Imām al-Shawkānī's thought in Nayl al-Awṭār had an Islamic perspective that emphasised justice and humanity in war. Integrating Just War principles with al-Shawkānī's ethics of war can provide a strong ethical framework to evaluate military actions in the Israel-Palestine conflict and seek a more just solution. Through a library research method and descriptive analysis, this study aims to contribute to the explanation of the connection between religion, ethics, and armed conflict, while promoting international peace and justice. Its practical implications highlight the significance of strengthening Islamic values in facing foreign cultural dominance, while its contemporary relevance underscores the necessity of upholding international law and human rights conventions in addressing armed conflicts. Thus, this research not only provides new insights into the ethics of war in Islam but also highlights the importance of actions to uphold humanity and justice in global armed conflicts.

The Israelite Community Council of Sidon 1914–1948: Between the Yishuv and Grand Liban

Abstract The history of the Jews of Lebanon is often overlooked—they are considered victims of the Arab–Israeli conflict, or within the context of the wider Levantine Jewish community. Sidon, a port city of biblical origins, is a distinct case study through which to examine the interplay between Zionism and Lebanese nationalism because of Sidon’s historical background, geographic proximity to Palestine, and subordinate position to the Beiruti Jewish community. I show how the Israelite Community Council operated within a contested national-ethnic sphere, where it effectively straddled the Zionism promoted by members of the Yishuv and the emerging Lebanese nationalism of the newly established Grand Liban. Initially seeing itself as part of the Land of Israel/Eretz Israel, the Jewish community of Sidon asserted itself within the multiconfessional Lebanese state. Sitting at the crossroads of competing ethnonational currents, Sidon’s Jewish community leaders espoused a fluid, local-territorial-based identity, one that was at ease both with Jewish and Lebanese nationalism. We expand our understanding of this now dispersed community through an examination of the evolution of national borders, intercommunal relationships, and engagement with the Yishuv.

Correction to ‘Territorial ownership perceptions and reconciliation in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict: A person‐centred approach’

Correction to ‘Territorial ownership perceptions and reconciliation in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict: A person‐centred approach’

Social Media Attention to Geopolitical Conflicts - An Analysis of Weibo Users' Comments on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

In the globalized information age, social media has become a primary channel for news and information dissemination, particularly during geopolitical conflicts. This study investigates public sentiment and discourse on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. Utilizing content analysis, the researcher conducted sentiment statistics and word frequency analysis on Weibo comments to understand Chinese public attitudes toward this conflict. The research reveals a significant increase in negative emotions from 33.33% in October 2023 to 100% in April 2024, indicating growing public discontent and concern as the conflict intensified. Concurrently, positive emotions sharply declined from 47.62% to 0%, reflecting diminished hopes for a peaceful resolution. Neutral sentiments also fluctuated, initially at 19.05%, dropping to 0% by April 2024. Additionally, the study identifies a shift in keyword usage from "world peace" and "hope" to specific entities like "Israel" and "Hamas," and terms like "disaster." This highlights a change in public and media focus from peace initiatives to the humanitarian impact of the conflict. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for promoting a more inclusive gaming environment, challenging existing gender stereotypes, and fostering social stability. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of Chinese public opinion on international geopolitical issues and underscores the importance of social media in shaping public discourse.

Protection of Civilian Victims of Armed Conflict Based on International Law (Case Study of the Israeli and Palestinian Conflict)

International armed conflict is defined as a conflict between two or more states or between one state and another party that does not yet have state status. In the world of international law, the Geneva Conventions have been considered the right decision because the results of the convention have been agreed and signed by countries that have been recognized by the United Nations. The essence of the convention is an agreement that protects the safety of military members wounded during the war. In the application of the results of the Geneva Conventions and international human rights law is still not fully applicable. An alliance of countries that gives full support to the Israeli-Palestinian war causes legal defects. The conflict between the two countries has been going on since the early 20th century until now. The Israeli-Palestinian armed conflict is slowly attacking civilians as well. This research is a normative research, which is used to see problems related to armed conflict through legal studies. When viewed from the point of view of the basic state and the principles of the International Law of War, the Israeli-Palestinian war does not follow the existing rules. Several international rules already exist to deal with similar cases, which provide rules and protection. The United Nations here serves to maintain world peace from conflicts between countries.

Framing Analysis of Israel-Palestine Conflict News on Online Media Detik.com and Republika.co.id

The conflict between Israel and Palestine has become a humanitarian tragedy and is in the spotlight of the world's mass media. This research seeks to determine the framing of the coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on Zhongdang Pan and Gerald M. Kosicki's analysis model. Two leading online media, detik.com and republika.co.id, were selected as research objects because they have a long history, different audiences, and contrasting approaches to reporting, which reflect their views and handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is a qualitative study; data was collected through observation, documentation, and literature study. The analysis results found that detik.com and republika.co.id syntactically present the facts clearly; the script fulfills the 5W + 1H elements with credible source quotes. The thematic structure of detik.com emphasizes the number of victims due to Israeli attacks on Palestine. The rhetorical structure of detik.com contains idioms and displays photos relevant to the news content. The thematic structure of republika.co.id emphasizes the form of Israeli attacks on the Jabalia Refugee Camp. The rhetorical structure contains idioms and photos relevant to the news content. Detik.com frames the news by using the figurative word "bak neraka dunia” (like hell on earth) so that it seems dramatized in its point of view, while republika.co.id is more straightforward in writing sentences and reporting.

The Republic of Türkiye's Diplomatic Stance from the Perspective of Public Diplomacy and its Response to Disinformation: Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Today, disinformation has an impact on all aspects of political communication. Public diplomacy is the most important of them. In this context, the Republic of Türkiye has established the Directorate of Communications, Center for Countering Disinformation. It is aimed to develop an effective strategy to combat disinformation both nationally and internationally. This study is centered on the Republic of Türkiye's combat against disinformation in the international arena, within the context of public diplomacy. In this respect, the study aims to reveal the Republic of Türkiye's response and diplomatic stance against disinformation from the perspective of public diplomacy in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In line with this objective, a total of 110 pages of disinformation bulletins published in English by the Center for Countering Disinformation on the Israeli-Palestinian war, including its 99th and 102nd issues, were analyzed with content analysis method using the MAXQDA 2022 package program. As a result of the research, it was determined that the Center for Countering Disinformation, through its bulletins, has made a concentrated effort to combat fake news and allegations about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in both traditional and digital media. Moreover, disinformation bulletins addressed manipulated, fabricated, fake, and parody content the most.

Mediator Narration of Memory: US Presidents’ Autobiographies and the Narration of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, 1993–2012

The main argument of the paper is that we should examine mediator-narrative as an agency in narrative construction of memory during conflict. It demonstrates how despite the differences between the US presidents’ personal world views, their strategic narrations of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are strikingly similar. These selective narratives strengthen the image of the US as a peacemaker and benevolent global leader. This narration is achieved by sidelining the detrimental role of the Israeli settlements and security threats, especially the increasing influence of Hamas in the Gaza-Strip. Therefore, this resilient mediator-narrative prevents critical thinking on the conflict and encourages a duplication of such policies.

An Exploration of The Existence and Humanitarian Role of The Icrc in Resolving the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict in The Gaza Region

An Exploration of The Existence and Humanitarian Role of The Icrc in Resolving the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict in The Gaza Region

Cultural Differences in Daily Coupling of Subjective Views of Aging and Negative Affect.

The established link between subjective views of aging (VoA) and well-being shows variations across different cultures. Although VoA show daily fluctuations, little is known about cultural differences in such fluctuations and the daily coupling of VoA and well-being. We compared Israeli Arabs to Israeli Jews in the daily coupling of VoA and negative affect (NA). Community-dwelling older adults (N = 76, Mage = 66.71) completed measures of subjective age, subjective accelerated aging, ageist attitudes, and NA over 14 consecutive days. Respondents reported higher daily NA when they felt older, reported to be aging faster, or had more ageist attitudes. The daily coupling between subjective age/subjective accelerated aging and NA was stronger among Israeli Arabs compared to Israeli Jews. There was no such interaction with ageist attitudes. It is important to adopt a cultural perspective when investigating daily fluctuations in VoA and their correlates. In applied contexts, this might help to identify cultural groups that are particularly sensitive to the effects of VoA.

IQOS news media coverage in Israel: a comparison across three subpopulations.

Philip Morris International's (PMI) IQOS, a leading heated tobacco product globally, entered the Israeli market in 2016. IQOS and/or electronic cigarette use is higher in Israel's Arab population (2.8% vs 1.2% of Jews). However, previous research indicated possible targeting of the Ultra-orthodox Jewish population with more IQOS paid ads. This paper examined how IQOS is framed in news media articles directed at three subpopulations in Israel: Arab, Ultra-orthodox Jews and general public. Media articles (January-October 2020) were obtained from Ifat media and were coded using abductive coding. Characteristics of articles (photo and article content) targeting each subpopulation were compared using χ2, Fisher's exact test, one-way analysis of variance and median test, as appropriate. Of the 63 unique articles identified, 16 targeted Arab, 24 Ultra-orthodox Jews and 23 general public. Arab and Ultra-orthodox Jewish media significantly differed from the general public's media in their positive framing of PMI (100% Arab and 75% Ultra-orthodox Jews vs 52% general public, p=0.004), and IQOS (100% Arab and 88% Ultra-orthodox Jews vs 61% general public, p=0.006). Arab media differed from others by highlighting IQOS' retail locations (81% vs 17% Ultra-orthodox Jews and 13% general public), social benefits (88% vs 8% Ultra-orthodox Jews and 17% general public) and reflecting content from PMI's press release (100% vs 46% Ultra-orthodox Jews and 35% general public; ps <0.001). IQOS was framed more positively in media targeting minority populations (Arab and Ultra-orthodox Jews), compared with general public. Arabic media in particular emphasised IQOS' retail accessibility and social benefits. These findings highlight the need for media surveillance and regulation, especially of minority-oriented media.

Edward W. Said: Not so lost reflections On Lost Causes such as the one-state solution

ABSTRACT The article examines the enduring relevance of Edward Said's perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, juxtaposing contemporary challenges with Said's visionary advocacy for a one-state solution. The analysis delves into the complexities of the evolving Middle East dynamics, emphasising the need to reconsider alternative frameworks. Central to our analysis is Said's intellectual ethos, which champions the role of secular intellectuals and profoundly influences his democratic values, his defence of a binational state, and his staunch support for academic freedom. Said's legacy serves as a guiding beacon, stressing the moral imperative to challenge entrenched power structures and advocate for truth. The article explores Said's arguments for a binational state rooted in democratic principles and universal values, arguing that despite scepticism and political marginalisation, his vision offers a compelling pathway toward reconciliation and peace, transcending conventional paradigms and amplifying marginalised voices. This approach highlights how Said's commitment to democracy and intellectual freedom shapes his support for causes other believe to be hopeless and continues to inspire contemporary discourse.