Behind the News: Palestinian Citizens of Israel w/ Amjad Iraqi
Nov 6, 2023
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Amjad Iraqi, an expert on Palestinian citizens of Israel, discusses the inequalities they face within Israeli society. The podcast covers potential relocation of Palestinian refugees, intentional destruction of infrastructure in Gaza, expulsion of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, and the current world disorder with the decline of Western dominance.
Palestinian citizens of Israel face systemic discrimination and inequality, including land dispossession and racial segregation.
Israel's identity as a Jewish state conflicts with the rights of its non-Jewish citizens, creating tension and marginalization.
Deep dives
Israeli Treatment of Arab Citizens
Arab citizens of Israel, who make up about one-fifth of the population, face systemic discrimination and inequality. Despite having Israeli citizenship, Palestinians still experience land dispossession, racial segregation, and restrictions on family unification. They are considered second-class citizens, marginalized and overlooked by the majority Jewish population. The Israeli government has implemented laws and policies that perpetuate this inequality, making it difficult for Arab citizens to live equal lives.
The Contradiction of Israel as a Jewish State
Israel's identity as a Jewish state inherently excludes non-Jewish people, including Palestinian citizens. The ideology of Zionism, which guides Israel's vision, prioritizes maximum land for Jews and minimum land for Palestinians. This ideology is reflected in Israeli policies and institutions that emphasize the Jewish character of the state and marginalize non-Jewish populations. The contradiction lies in the fact that Israel has a substantial Arab population, causing tension between the state's Jewish identity and the rights of its non-Jewish citizens.
Land Ownership Restrictions and Segregation
Palestinian citizens of Israel face property ownership restrictions and are subjected to racial segregation in housing. Land confiscations have occurred, not only in the occupied territories but also within Israel, affecting the towns and urban landscapes where Palestinian citizens reside. Discriminatory laws, such as the admissions committee's law, aim to exclude Palestinian citizens from certain rural areas. As a result, most Arab citizens live in segregated communities, with little interaction between Jewish and Arab populations.
Socioeconomic Disparities and Political Marginalization
Palestinian citizens of Israel face socioeconomic disparities, with higher poverty rates compared to the Jewish population. They also encounter challenges in accessing equal healthcare and education services. While Palestinians have the right to vote, their political participation and representation are limited. Arab politicians in the Knesset face discrimination and attempts to disqualify them based on their views or their identification as Palestinians. Overall, the Jewish majority in Israel views Palestinian citizens as a threat to the country's Jewish character rather than as equal citizens deserving of full rights and participation.
Amjad Iraqi talks about what it’s like to be a Palestinian citizen of Israel—and what the Israeli state has in mind for Gaza. Georgi Derluguian, author of a recent guest essay in the Times, analyzes how the expulsion of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh exemplifies a new world disorder.
Behind the News, hosted by Doug Henwood, covers the worlds of economics and politics and their complex interactions, from the local to the global. Find the archive online.
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