12 April 2008
Abstract
The security conditions and psychological atmosphere of the Middle East have been still affected by Israeli occupiers. Western countries are the main supporters of Zionism. The establishment of Israeli state was not possible without the support of Westerners. The occupation of Palestinian territories is unacceptable from historical, humanitarian and legal point of view. The creation of Israel led to the displacement of Palestinians. Now, after the passage of six decades, Israeli- Palestinian dispute is still the most important problem in the international scene. After several decades of occupation and frequent violation of Palestinian rights, Zionist theoreticians and Israeli politicians have realized that repression and continuity of occupation could no longer guarantee the security of Israel. Given that, Israeli regime is devising its political and security strategies in another form. Withdrawal from the occupied territories in the west bank, redefinition of borders, making efforts for being integrated into its environment, maintaining its military, economic and technological edge will be among the most important Israeli security strategies in the future.
These strategies are also supported by the Israeli public opinion. Given the social realities and tilting of demographic balance towards Arabs, Israel has given priority to its survival as a Jewish and democratic state. Therefore, studying internal developments of Israel seems necessary. The present compilation tries to have a deep look at these developments. Its first article addresses the challenges facing Israel in intellectual, social and political spheres. In the second article, Zionist identity crisis and transition to post-Zionist identity are discussed. In the third article the intervention of the military in the formulation of Israel's national security strategy is discussed. In the fourth article, the author discusses different views in Israeli society on the creation of an independent Palestinian state. The fifth article addresses the consequences of 33-day war between Hizbullah and Israeli army for the structure of Israeli government. In the fifth article, relations between Israel and other countries are discussed and the final article examines the Israeli public opinion on national security
Israel's Internal Challenges and Crises
Mahmood Dehghani
The main pillar of Israel’s regional and national security approach based on fictious religious teachings aimed at expanding territories to obtain a strategic depth and of course the greater Israel in order to fulfill the promises of the Old Testament.
Israeli government has been enforced to understand some realities after the passage of almost six decades of the establishment of Israel. The main axis of this new attitude approved by the Israeli public opinion is obtaining security; but, this time, Israel wants to reach this goal through withdrawal of the occupied territories and definition of new borders rather than expansion of territories, continuation of occupation and repression of Palestinians.
Zionist Identity Crisis and Transition
to Post – Zionist Identity
Dr. Rahman Ghahramanpoor
Israel, Israeli society and to a lesser extent Jewish community are still facing an identity crisis in the first decade of the 21st century and in the threshold of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Israel. In addition to internal developments, changes occurred in Jewish Diaspora, the Middle East and the international system have aggravated this crisis. An ideal mankind Zionist ideology sought to produce and reproduce during the second half of the 19th century and in the 20th century, seems to become an unattainable dream. Today, many sociologists and political analysts speak of the emergence of post-Zionist era in Israel. This concept implies the necessity of the redefinition of Zionism’s identity foundations.
Israel’s Foreign Relations
Middle East and Persian Gulf Research Group
Studying Israel’s foreign relations deserves special attention from different angles. Since its establishment, Israel has tried to improve its relations with other countries, particularly with its neighboring countries and influential world powers.
This report which has been prepared by the Middle East and Persian Gulf research group, take a look at relations between Israel and Turkey, Azerbaijan, India, China and NATO. Studying Israel’s relations with any of these countries, has of a grater importance due to the fact that they are located in the immediate Iran’s security environment.
Israeli Government Structure in Light
of the 33-Day War
Salman Razavi
Israel has survived about six decades in a critical and turbulent situation by resorting to militarism and attracting Jewish immigrants from all over the world. Lacking geographical originality and national and historical identity, Israel has managed to survive through gaining victory in its several wars against Arabs and continuing the policy of repressing Palestinians.
However, the sixth war targeted precisely two critical elements underpinning the existing of Israel. On the one hand, this war shattered the military prestige of the Israeli army, on the other hand, reversing immigration replaced the situation where Jews emigrated to Israel. It seems that if the sixth war is repeated next time or several times, Israeli society will be surely collapsed.
