Arab-Israeli Research Articles

Commodity Market Downturn: Systemic Risk and Spillovers during Left Tail Events

We investigate systemic risk and spillovers in the commodity network during left-tail events using state-of-the-art methodologies: the Component Exponent Shortfall (CES), Quantile-Vector Autoregression (QVAR) and Causality-in-Risk. Our analysis focuses on five commodity groups: Energy (Crude Oil, Heating Oil, Natural Gas, Coal), Base Metals (Aluminum, Copper, Nickel, Zinc), Ferrous Metals (Iron, Steel), Precious Metals (Gold, Palladium, Platinum, Silver), and Others (Rubber). Across the models utilized, we consistently find that energy commodities and precious metals, along with copper as a standalone commodity, represent the most systemically risky group. Thus, portfolios incorporating these commodities are advised to implement more careful diversification to mitigate risks stemming from systemic factors. This may require additional attention to precious metals, as they are often considered safe-haven assets. Expediting the implementation of regulations that promote the replacement of fossil energy sources with green alternatives could be instrumental in managing systemic risk in the commodity market while also facilitating global sustainability. Finally, the results show that the impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on both systemic risk and spillovers has been limited compared to the effects of COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war.

STARBUCKS INDONESIA'S BREWING CONTROVERSY : EXPLORING THE CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR AND PRODUCT PERCEPTION IN THE SHADOW OF THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT

The main objective of this study is to examine how the role and influence of religiosity, consumer animosity and consumer ethnocentrism on the assessment of Starbucks Indonesia products that affect consumer purchasing behavior after the Israeli-Palestinian conflict broke out again in October 2023. Considering Indonesia is the biggest country with Muslim population in the world, how will it react to such a global brand, the biggest coffee corporation in the world and what drives them. The research using quantitative method with validated questionnaires derived from literature is used for data collection. Data were collected from 250 respondents Starbucks Indonesia consumers who are Muslims. This research using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method with a focus on Partial Least Squares (PLS) for framework analysis. The study attempts to add value and give comprehensive details to the existing literature on consumer behavior, especially the role of religiosity, animosity, and ethnocentrism among consumers in Indonesia. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer behavior in diverse cultural contexts and aims to guide brand managers in developing targeted strategies to navigate potential challenges arising from religiously motivated consumer sentiments in the aftermath of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The practical implications suggest that brand managers should adopt nuanced marketing strategies in conflict-affected regions, recognizing the diverse consumer sentiments and tailoring campaigns accordingly. Effective communication and CSR initiatives are crucial for maintaining brand loyalty and trust, with a focus on community engagement and interfaith projects. Additionally, ongoing research and feedback mechanisms are essential to monitor and adapt to the changing consumer sentiments in these regions.

Re-imaging a country beyond its conflict: evaluation of an Israeli public diplomacy intervention for youth in Germany

AbstractOutcome evaluations of public diplomacy programs remain scarce. Addressing this gap, this study evaluated Israel Project Day, a seminar-based Israeli intervention designed to improve Israel's image among German youth. The intervention provides a unique real-world application of the “Life in Israel” model that spotlights Israel’s cultural diversity and achievements beyond the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Utilizing a quasi-experimental pre-post design and mixed-linear models, the study shows that participation significantly improved overall attitudes toward Israel, interest in Israeli society, and perceptions of Israel as a democratic, multicultural, and safe place. Although the program avoided direct conflict-related messages, it facilitated more favorable views on Israel's policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, demonstrating potential spillover effects to the conflictual-political realm. Additionally, effects on German-Israeli cooperation and responsibility were modest, highlighting a challenge for the Israeli-German unique relationship. Finally, the effects on interest in Israeli society and politics and support for German-Israel cooperation were stronger for participants with low media exposure. By moving away from conflict-centric presentations and focusing on contributions and advancements, nations like Israel can potentially cultivate a more positive national image. Practical implications are discussed for crafting impactful outreach, upscaling, and sustaining flexible efforts attuned to sociopolitical developments and challenges.

Elite-public gaps in attitudes towards Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: new evidence from a survey of Czech parliamentarians and citizens

ABSTRACT The Czech Republic is known for its strong support of Israel, but it is unclear if Czech politicians and the public share this stance equally. We conducted a survey of Czech citizens and members of parliament on attitudes towards Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The results show that parliamentarians are more supportive of pro-Israel policies, blame Palestinians more for the conflict and view Czech-Israel relations more positively than the general population. Our findings provide the first empirical evidence of a gap between elite and public attitudes towards Israel, contributing to debates on foreign policy preferences.

The Role of Cinematic Elements in Creating Sympathy for the Hero in Palestinian Narrative Films “Paradise Now Film” as a Model: Analytical Study

Objectives: The study aimed to explain the role of cinematic elements in creating sympathy among the audience with the hero in Palestinian feature films by studying the film “Paradise Now” as a model. Methods: Employing an analytical approach, the research utilized content analysis—a form of scientific research—to describe the explicit content of the media material being analyzed. Results: Cinematic elements significantly contributed to crafting a realistic cinematic illusion, incorporating plot, image, sound, and landscape design to complete the realistic picture and create a sense of sympathy for the audience with the martyr hero. The study identified eight issues in "Paradise Now," comprising six social and two political issues related to Palestinian rights and resistance to occupation. The film employed conflict, human concerns, and values frameworks to present these issues. The role of cinematic elements in generating sympathy for the hero was underscored, emphasizing cinematic language as a tool to convey the message.. Conclusion: The studies concluded that cinematic elements play a major role in creating and simulating the cinematic illusion of reality. The study called on research centers and researchers interested in the Arab-Israeli conflict to conduct more media studies that present the details of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in an impartial manner, and realistically document the violations and oppression practiced by Israel in the Palestinian territories against the Palestinians.

The influence of accent on the evaluation of trust-building efforts during conflict.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been an ongoing source of violence in the Middle East, claiming the lives of tens of thousands of people. As of late violence has escalated, with this year being one of the deadliest years in the conflict in decades. Therefore, now more than ever finding ways to bridge divides is essential to reduce the human suffering associated with the conflict. In this study we evaluated the impact of an important element of communication: accent. We demonstrate that the accent through which trust-building initiatives are communicated can inadvertently sway public opinion regarding their benefits. Jewish-Israelis listened to the same trust-building proposal communicated by a Palestinian delegate with varying degrees of Palestinian Arabic-accented Hebrew. When the same proposal came from a Palestinian delegate with a heavier accent, Jewish-Israelis thought this proposal was significantly worse for Israel than when it was offered by a Palestinian delegate who spoke Hebrew with no detectable, non-native accent. This effect was explained by differences in how the Palestinian delegate was judged depending on his accent. When the delegate spoke with heavier, Arabic-accented Hebrew, he was judged more harshly than when he spoke Hebrew with no such accent, which in turn reduced how favorably Jewish-Israelis evaluated the proposed measures. Our findings show that the way in which trust-building measures are communicated can shape how they are received and thus has direct implications for diplomatic efforts.

EXPLORING YOUTUBE'S ROLE IN SHAPING PUBLIC PERCEPTION AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT

This study aims to explore YouTube's role in shaping public perception and understanding of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Drawing on literature that examines media influence, digital communication, and conflict narratives, the research synthesizes insights from various sources to assess how YouTube impacts viewers' opinions and knowledge. The analysis reveals that YouTube democratizes information dissemination, providing a platform for diverse voices, including official media, grassroots organizations, and independent creators. This multiplicity of perspectives contributes to a nuanced understanding of the conflict, highlighting personal stories, political contexts, and power dynamics. However, findings also indicate that YouTube can amplify polarization by creating echo chambers and spreading misinformation. Ultimately, YouTube serves as a double-edged sword, capable of both educating the public and perpetuating biases, making its role in the Israel-Palestine conflict both influential and complex.

The EU Changing Policies towards Israeli- Palestine Conflict: The Interplay of Regional and International Parameters

The EU adopted “balanced” position towards Arab-Israeli conflict since 1980s. However, starting from the 2000s, the EU left its neutral position and addressed Palestinian conflict within the context of security. This paper aims to explore the reasons behind changing policies of the European Union towards Israeli-Palestinian dispute since 2000s by making reference to the shifts in international and regional settings, particularly after Arab uprising and Russia-Ukraine war. Firstly, the EU/EC's approach to Palestine-Israeli conflict over time is explored. Secondly, how the regional and international setting, which is based on multi-polarity and regional conflicts, altered the EU’s policies will be discussed at theoretical level. Lastly, institutional constraints that prevent the EU to carry out normative policy will be explored.

The Gaza Crisis and the Indian Exceptionalism

India’s attitude on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict marks a significant departure vis-à-vis India’s own position toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as well as the general view of the Global South. Its prime focus has been on the terrorist nature of the October 7 violence and the resolution of the conflict through the two-state solution. Both these positions exhibit the sympathy of the Indian government toward Israel, and despite reservations and criticisms, the domestic reaction to the official position has been more muted than in the past.

Gaza Crisis and the Arabic Press: A Discourse Analysis

The Hamas attack of October 7, 2023, and the Israeli military response have been widely covered in the Arabic press, reinforcing the popular narrative of a strong and aggressive Israeli state and the victimized Palestinians. The coverage underlines the wide support for Palestinians in the Arabic press. Broadly, one can divide the Arabic press into state-aligned and independent media, with the former’s coverage reflecting the opinions of the respective governments, while the latter showcases the views of non-state actors. A key trend that emerges is the strong anti-Israel sentiments prevailing in the Arab countries and the increased support for Palestinian statehood. Notably, there are serious discussions about the possibility of a two-state solution and the role Arab governments can play in convincing the two warring sides. There are some nuanced and veiled criticisms of Hamas’s actions that triggered the current spate of violence. A closer reading of select international Arabic-language media (print and online) reveals the nuanced shifts in their coverage toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Arab Woman In Israel In A Tight Spot: Academia And Career Versus Marriage And Family

This study concentrates on the impact that marriage has on the personal development of Israeli Arab women in the field of higher education and employment. These women are a minority within a minority as they belong to Israel’s Arab ethnic community but are also a gender-segregated minority within their patriarchal society. Whereas other studies touch on the overall struggle of Arab women to reach personal fulfillment despite intense family life, the focus of this study is specifically the marriage itself as a watershed in the young Arab Israeli woman’s life. To fully understand the challenges constructed by marriage, 25 Israeli Arab women were interviewed in-depth on a university campus. The findings indicate the negative effect that traditional marriage has on these women’s personal futures. The study concludes on the optimistic note that the interviews also revealed a deep awareness among young Arab women of their personal rights and liberties.

The Constructed Enemy - The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict as an Example

Abstract: With the continuous development of international relations theory, it has been increasingly recognized that neither traditional rationalism nor reflexivism is sufficient to fully explain many phenomena in the present world. With the criticism of realism and the development of postmodernism, constructivism has been embraced by many researchers as a new research paradigm. The realist approach to research explains international society by explaining the meaning as well as the origin of things in the objective world. Carl Schmitt's ideas are ostensibly more focused on material forces and should be more closely aligned with realism. But in reality, he used ideas to define the emergence of political affairs. Thus, at its core, Carl Schmitt is inherently similar to constructivism. However, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has been intensifying in recent years. Therefore, using the above theory to explain the reasons for the emergence and escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has important theoretical and practical significance. This not only means combining the theories of traditional thinkers with new research paradigms, but also helps people to understand the nature of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and find better ways to promote peace and development in the Middle East.

‘Well, our goal is to achieve sustainable quiet and security for our people’: Negotiating calls for ceasefires in the Gaza war of 2014 in mainstream English news media by Israeli spokespersons

In this study, we examined how calls for ceasefires were negotiated by Israeli spokespersons in mainstream English news media during one instance of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: the Gaza War of 2014. Recent scholarship in peace studies has begun to examine how ‘peace’ and ‘violence’ are variously constructed to advance vested positions. We extend this focus through a discursive psychological examination of another ostensibly desirable outcome in conflicts, namely ‘ceasefire’. Findings show that the desirability of ceasefires and their negotiation is closely bound to the management of stake and interest by both media persons and Israeli spokespersons. The latter neither explicitly rejected nor accepted calls for ceasefires. Instead, they downgraded ceasefires in favour of other versions of cessation of conflict, framed as ‘sustainable peace’. This allowed for the non-acceptance of ceasefires while, paradoxically, justifying ongoing and further military actions in Gaza. Together, these findings point to the relevance of psychological practices of justifying, managing stake, and avoiding seeming committed to violence in talking about conflict and peace. Findings are discussed in relation to research in peace and political psychology, and implications for the ongoing attacks on Gaza.

Military Naming Practices of Palestinian Factions in Reactive Response to Israeli Incursions and Aggressions

Abstract This article explores the military operation-naming practices of Palestinian factions in response to Israeli aggression, analyzing their strategies and their impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict dynamics. The research uses the War Normalizing Discourse (WND) theory as a framework and draws from Islamic tradition, official Hamas documentation, publicly disseminated materials, and insights from Arab intellectuals. The results show that the names chosen for military operations by Palestinian factions hold deep symbolic, cultural, and emotional significance, aiming to recruit fighters, gain public support, and maintain resilience. Understanding these naming practices provides valuable insights into the complex Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the intricate interplay between the nomenclature of battles conducted by Palestinian factions and Israel’s military operations.

Mapping Egyptian Translations of Israeli Literatures: Evolution, Attitudes, and Themes

This study delves into the intricate realm of Egyptian translations of Hebrew and Israeli literatures, illuminating the various attitudes of the Egyptian government, intellectual elite, and educated populace toward cultural normalization with Israel. Analyzing a corpus of over a hundred translations spanning different genres, this research outlines turning points in the evolution of translation practices from the establishment of Israel to the present day. The study unveils a complex interplay between politics, culture, and public sentiment, illustrating how translations serve various roles, ranging from instrumental polemic tools in the Israeli–Arab conflict to avenues for cultural openness and familiarity. While the prevailing norm involves refraining from publicly endorsing normalization with Israel, government policy reflects a nuanced approach that balances anti-normalization sentiments at the official level with private sector flexibility. By exploring the selection criteria governing translation, the research provides valuable insights into the preferences of the Egyptian reading public and its perceptions of Israel, peace, and intercultural exchange.

How user language affects conflict fatality estimates in ChatGPT

OpenAI’s ChatGPT language model has gained popularity as a powerful tool for problem-solving and information retrieval. However, concerns arise about the reproduction of biases present in the language-specific training data. In this study, we address this issue in the context of the Israeli–Palestinian and Turkish–Kurdish conflicts. Using GPT-3.5, we employed an automated query procedure to inquire about casualties in specific airstrikes, in both Hebrew and Arabic for the former conflict and Turkish and Kurdish for the latter. Our analysis reveals that GPT-3.5 provides 34 ± 11% lower fatality estimates when queried in the language of the attacker than in the language of the targeted group. Evasive answers denying the existence of such attacks further increase the discrepancy. A simplified analysis on the current GPT-4 model shows the same trends. To explain the origin of the bias, we conducted a systematic media content analysis of Arabic news sources. The media analysis suggests that the large-language model fails to link specific attacks to the corresponding fatality numbers reported in the Arabic news. Due to its reliance on co-occurring words, the large-language model may provide death tolls from different attacks with greater news impact or cumulative death counts that are prevalent in the training data. Given that large-language models may shape information dissemination in the future, the language bias identified in our study has the potential to amplify existing biases along linguistic dyads and contribute to information bubbles.

The Effect of the Mamanet Cachibol League on Psychosomatic Symptoms, Healthy Eating, and Social Support Among Arab Women: A Mixed-Methods Study.

The Mamanet Cachibol League (MCL), a community-based model developed in Israel, promotes physical activity and amateur team sports among women. Women in the Arab society have traditionally played few sports, especially team sports. The study aimed to assess the differences in health indicators and well-being, including psychosomatic symptoms, self-reported health, healthy eating habits, and social support, by comparing Arab women MCL participants and nonparticipants and examines benefits and motivations of community-based team sports for participants. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach included a cross-sectional study with intervention and control groups of Israeli Arab women aged 25-59years. Two-way analyses of covariance and multiple regression models evaluated demographics, well-being, healthy eating, and social support. Quality in-depth interviews with 30 MCL participants further explained the quantitative findings. MCL participants reported higher self-assessed health (P < .001) and decreased psychosomatic symptoms (P < .001) than nonparticipants. Healthier eating and well-being were also linked to MCL participation. The women sense of belonging improved social interactions, personal and professional happiness, and group dedication. MCL attendees felt empowered because the group advocated equality and valued women. Women said their involvement helped their families. Findings on the MCL community-based model suggest that team sports may serve as an effective tool for promoting health and well-being of Arab women and foster positive community relationships. The sense of belonging and personal empowerment derived from being part of a sports team may also contribute to positive mental health outcomes.

Creativity and Motor Skill Learning Among Kindergarten Children: Investigating Predictive Correlations and Performance Differences

Creativity, often linked to enhanced problem-solving and adaptive thinking, may play a considerable role in how children acquire and retain motor skills. This study investigates the effect of creativity on motor learning in kindergarten children. Using a sample of 120 Arab Israeli kindergarten children (60 girls and 60 boys, aged 5-6 years), we measured creativity through Torrance's Thinking Creatively in Action and Movement (TCAM) and assessed motor learning through invented letter task (ILT), in terms of speed and accuracy, administered at multiple time points: beginning and end of training, 24 hours post-training, and 4-5 weeks post-training. Our results indicate a significant correlation between the creativity measures and skill acquisition, consolidation, and long-term retention. Additionally, the results show that the creativity tests predict, skill acquisition and learning. Moreover, children with higher creativity scores exhibited significantly better performance in both speed and accuracy throughout the motor learning phases. Specifically, these children showed superior acquisition of skills, enhanced consolidation 24 hours post-training, and better retention. While the TCAM test focuses on creative thinking within physical activities, the observed association between creativity and motor learning suggests that creative activities may foster adaptive learning strategies and enhanced motor development. The study's findings underline the importance of incorporating creative activities into motor learning interventions. Such integration could, potentially, optimize developmental outcomes by fostering cognitive and motor skill development. This study deepens our understanding of the relationship between creativity and motor development, providing valuable insights for designing educational methods that support child development.

Arab-Latin American Literary Perspectives on the Palestinian Exile

Latin America has been deeply involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with some countries taking a firm stance for one side or the other. While some countries have been vocal in their support, common threads run through the region’s perspective on the conflict: believing in the importance of a two-state solution and focusing on human rights. But beyond the political and economic support provided to the Palestinian cause, Latin American countries have also served as cultural exclaves and safe spaces for Palestinian communities across Latin America. In this essay, we aim to delve into the functions of these cultural exclaves for Palestinian exiles and safe spaces for Palestinian diasporic communities, as well as their impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as reflected in the following texts: Miguel Littin’s documentary film Crónicas palestinas: caminos de la ira (2002) and his drama film La última luna (2005), Alberto Nazal’s Beit Jala Forever (2006), and the collections of Arab and Jewish short stories in Spanish complied in the books Caminos para la paz (2007), edited by Ignacio López-Calvo and Cristián H. Ricci, and Delta de las areas (2013), edited by Rose Mary Salum. [Article copies available for a fee from The Transformative Studies Institute. E-mail address: journal@transformativestudies.org Website: http://www.transformativestudies.org ©2024 by The Transformative Studies Institute. All rights reserved.]

Exploring the Limits of Transgression and Violence within the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

ABSTRACT Transgression and violence, when intertwined, challenge societal norms and provoke moral dilemmas within democratic frameworks. This is particularly evident in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a significant case study for this research. Transgression, breaking or exceeding societal norms, can manifest through civil disobedience or defiant behavior to challenge oppressive systems. Violence, conversely, refers to the deliberate use of physical force or authority to cause harm or destruction. The escalation from transgression to violence occurs when individuals or groups resort to aggression to restore order or assert power. This shift is particularly evident in protests or riots triggered by social injustices or political oppression. Such events can intensify due to radical democratic possibilities and the influence of technology. Digital platforms, with their crucial role in shaping public opinion, mobilizing individuals, and strengthening collective fears about social change, significantly contribute to the escalation of conflict. They also facilitate the production of panic and misinformation, complicating the landscape of public discourse and protest. In the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, deep-rooted historical and political complexities mark the intersection of transgression and violence. Territorial disputes and competing national narratives drive both Israeli and Palestinian actions. Resistance to the Israeli occupation often involves transgressive acts such as protests or violent resistance, while Israeli security measures, perceived as transgressions by Palestinians, exacerbate tensions and contribute to ongoing violence.