Imperial Israel and the Palestinians: The Politics of Expansion [Paperback]

Nur Masalha (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2000

In Imperial Israel and the Palestinians , Nur Masalha provides a history of Israel’s expansionist policies, focusing on the period from the June War of 1967 to the present day. He demonstrates that imperialist tendencies in Israel run the political gamut, from Left to Right.Masalha argues that the heart of the conflict between Zionist immigrants/settlers and the native Palestinians has always been about land, territory, demography and water. He documents how Israeli policy has made it a priority to expel the Palestinians, either by war or peaceful measures. But these imperialist tendencies are not restricted to extremist zealots. The author uncovers the expansionist policies found in Labour Zionism and Kookist ideology. Chapters cover the Whole Land of Israel Movement, Zionist Revisionism and the Likud Party, Gush Emunim and the religious fundamentalists, parties and movements of the far right and the evolution of Israeli Jewish public attitudes since 1967.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Nur Masalha is the author of A Land Without a People and Expulsion of the Palestinians: The Concept of ‘Transfer’ in Zionist Political Thought, 1882-1948 .

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Pluto Press (September 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0745316158
• ISBN-13: 978-0745316154
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #697,476 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent work about the Israeli policy of dispossesion, February 20, 2001

By 

Haytham Faraj (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Imperial Israel and the Palestinians: The Politics of Expansion (Paperback)

Masalha focuses on the Israeli policy of dispossession and institutionalized goal of greater Israel or Eretz Israel. He presents irrefutable evidence and sources in support of his assertions which gives the book an undeniable balance. This is not an indictment of the state of Israel. It is simply a record of the policy pursued by Israel through individuals, private groups, and governmental bodies with the overarching objective of disposesing the Palestinians of their properties and then moveing them out of Israel and the occupied territories. Nothing is presented or suggested without proof. Masalha balances his book by also discussing Israeli individuals or organizations that oppose, what most of them rightfully consider as racist, the policies that seek to force the Palestinians off their lands. No student of the Middle East in general, or the Palestinian/Arab-Israeli conflict in particular can afford to neglect reading this book. The failure of the peace process can not be fully understood without learning of the expansionist history of the state of Israel that is presented here. Labor and the Likud, though seemingly on opposite ends of the spectrum in their approach to the peace process, share a common history that sought to realize the Zionist goal of Eretz Israel at the cost of the Palestinians. Masalha also provides a comprehensive listing and a thorough discussion of individuals and groups that have sought to achieve that objective. That information alone gives this book an encyclopedic depth that is invaluable to comprehending the actors involved in the policy of dispossession and diaspora of the Palestinians.

22 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read, March 30, 2002

By 

Mohamad Bydon (NYC, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Imperial Israel and the Palestinians: The Politics of Expansion (Paperback)

One of the best books written on the conflict. Nur Masalha uses Israeli government archives to examine the idea of "Greater Israel" (uniting Israel proper with the West Bank and Gaza) in Israeli politics. Right wing settlers have long advocated Jewish expansion into the occupied territories as a way of driving the Palestinians out. One has to remember that the current conflict in Israel and Palestine is not only about security, but also about Zionism and expansionism. This book will make you see the conflict in a whole new light.

7 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Informative, March 12, 2006

By 

Juls "julie_bookworm" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Imperial Israel and the Palestinians: The Politics of Expansion (Paperback)

If you are looking for a book that clearly explains Israel's desire to expand their state since 1948, even at the expense of taking over Arab lands, buy this book. The author backs up his opinions with hundreds and hundreds of quotes, using archival evidence. It seems to be a very well researched book and it is written in a clear and concise manner that will help one to understand "Imperial Israel's" aims and desire to conquest to their neighbors. I learned a lot from this book and enjoyed reading it as well.