Planning a Mixed Region in Israel The Political Geography of Arab-Jewish Relations in the Galilee

This study examines the influence of Israel?s land and planning policies in the Galilee region on the political geography of Arab?Jewish relations. The first part develops a theoretical framework delineating three areas of 'ethnic contrasts' as key determinants of political instability: competition over land control, socio-economic gaps and power disparities. The second part provides a detailed historical account of Israel?s policies in the Galilee which have attempted to exert territorial economic and political control over the Arabs in the region. The third part empirically analyzes the consequences of Israel?s policies between 1975 and 1988. It shows that these policies intensified competition over land control, slightly widened socio-economic gaps and maintained pre-existing power disparities between Arabs and Jews. Subsequently, most indicators of political instability also intensified. The continuation of Israel?s policies in the region is therefore likely to undermine the country?s long term political stability. The book concludes with a discussion of policy options for the region.