Abstract

Palestinians in Israel considers a key issue ignored by the official 'peace process' and most mainstream commentators: that of the growing Palestinian minority within Israel itself.

What the Israeli right-wing calls 'the demographic problem' Ben White identifies as 'the democratic problem' which goes to the heart of the conflict. Israel defines itself not as a state of its citizens, but as a Jewish state, despite the substantial and increasing Palestinian population. White demonstrates how the consistent emphasis on privileging one ethno-religious group over another cannot be seen as compatible with democratic values and that, unless addressed, will undermine any attempts to find a lasting peace.

Individual case studies are used to complement this deeply informed study into the great, unspoken contradiction of Israeli democracy. It is a pioneering contribution which will spark debate amongst all those concerned with a resolution to the Israel/Palestine conflict.
'Essential reading to understand why there can never be peace unless Palestinian citizens of Israel are granted full equality'
li Abunimah, Co-founder of Electronic Intifada, author of 'One Country' (2007)
'It is rare to find a book covering such a complex, crucial topic that states its case so succinctly, yet so comprehensively and eloquently'
Sally Bland, Jordan Times
'This book debunks convincingly and forcefully the myth of Israel being 'the only democracy' in the Middle East'
Prof. Ilan Pappe, author of The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine
'With surgical precision, a wealth of research and sharp analytical intellect, White astutely exposes the oxymoron inherent in the definition of Israel as a 'Jewish and democratic' state and presents a compelling case for holding Israel accountable for committing the crime of apartheid, as defined by the UN'
Omar Barghouti, human rights activist and author
'A holistic view of the Palestine/Israel problem - then goes beyond it to point towards its only just and hopeful solution. A significant and timely contribution to the political discourse so necessary today'
Ahdaf Soueif, author of Booker Prize-shortlisted The Map of Love