Customer Reviews

Imperial Israel and the Palestinians: The Politics of Expansion

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.