REDEFINING ISRAELI NATIONAL IDENTITY: UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF MILITARISM AND SETTLER-COLONIALISM

Abstract

Israeli national identity is a widely debated topic, with existing studies emphasizing the significance of Zionism, Judaism, the Holocaust, liberal democracy, and Westernism as the primary components. However, the role of militarism and settler-colonialism in shaping Israeli national identity has been overlooked. This study aims to explore the influence of militarism and settler-colonialism on Israeli national identity. The research question is how these phenomena have contributed to the formation of Israeli national identity. The study initially discusses the position of Zionism, Judaism, the Holocaust, liberal democracy, and Westernism within the Israeli identity. Subsequently, it investigates the process of formation and manifestations of militarism and settler-colonialism within the Israeli identity. Secondary sources form the primary basis for this research.