The Israeli Settlements

Among all the various manifestations of Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, none have had a more profound impact on the region and its inhabitants than Israel’s settlement project. In contrast to the common emphasis on ideology and messianic faith, this chapter argues that the best way to understand the persistent growth and robustness of Israel’s settlement project is to consider its development in light of a broader range of factors, such as urban and regional planning, rising inequality, and the retreat of the welfare state within Israel proper. Concentrating on the ongoing process of “normalization,” the chapter does not ignore the ideological and strategic drivers behind Israel’s colonization of the West Bank, but rather places them in a wider perspective. Acknowledging this multifaceted and ever-changing pattern – and the variety of agents and instruments involved in it – is crucial for a deep understanding of the region’s past, present, and future.