The Israeli Economic Peace Approach: Theory Versus Practice رسالة ماجستير

Abstract

This study examines the Israeli approach to economic peace and its compatibility with economic peace theory. It analyzes the Israeli policies implemented during the implementation of the Paris Economic Protocol and explores the impact of these policies on Palestinian economic development. Through combining evidence from literature and studies related to the subject, statistical data about the Palestinian economy, and personal interviews with numerous academics, researchers, and participants in the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, this study reveals that the Israeli economic peace approach contradicts the theory of economic peace. This theory is based on achieving economic development as a means and primary goal for continuing the peace-building process. The research also concludes that liberal economic measures cannot be effective without considering a political solution with the Palestinians. It suggests that there are various factors within Israel that hinder the implementation of economic peace, including the asymmetric relations between the two sides, the nature of the Israeli economy, and the absence of participation from the Israeli private sector in the peace process. The study redefines the Israeli economic peace approach as daily economic facilitations provided to Palestinians rather than comprehensive policies that contribute to Palestinian economic development. This approach serves as a conditional tool used by Israel to serve its security interests. The main goal is to pacify the Palestinians and attempt to impose an economic solution instead of a political one.