"In this eye-opening work Yitzhak Reiter constructs a new sociological paradigm by suggesting that Israel is a Jewish majority in a sea of Arabs. What sounds simplistic is actually significant. . . . Readers will be left with a new perspective on Israeli society and a better understanding of the Middle East and of Israel’s position in the region."—Jewish Book World
"A comprehensive, detailed, and solid analysis of the exceptional conflict between the Jewish majority and the Arab
minority in Israel."—Saliba Sarsar, Monmouth University"A must for understanding this critical problem."—Don Peretz, State University of New York, Binghamton
Description
The struggle between Israelis and Palestinians has proven to be one of the most complex and intractable conflicts of our time, persisting for more than a century despite the efforts of leaders worldwide. In National Minority, Regional Majority, Yitzhak Reiter reexamines the relationship between the Jewish majority and the Palestinian Arab minority in Israel, focusing on the unique dynamic at work there between a religiously and ethnically defined majority and a significant national minority. With assurance and erudition, Reiter explores the complicated factors that influence the ethnonational conflict. Drawing extensively on the theory of “interlocking conflicts,” the author chronicles the pattern of alternating tranquility and rebellion in Jewish-Arab relations.
Reiter’s meticulous research and nuanced analysis yield a sophisticated interpretation of Israeli policy toward the
Palestinians and offer a powerful approach toward conflict management.
About the Author
Yitzhak Reiter is associate professor of political science at Ashkelon Academic College of Bar-Ilan University and lecturer in conflict research, management, and resolution at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He is the author of six books, including Jerusalem and Its Role in Islamic Solidarity.
September 2009