The Second-Class Citizenship of Palestinian Israelis
Horrific, genocidal atrocities are being carried out against Palestinians in Gaza right now. But Israeli historian Ilan Pappé explains that Palestinian Israelis also find themselves in an “apartheid state” inside Israel.
Palestinian Israeli citizens gather at Umm al-Fahm to protest the ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, in Haifa, Israel, on November 15, 2024. (Mostafa Alkharouf / Anadolu via Getty Images)
Palestinians in Israel have a complex relationship with the state in which they live. They have been citizens of the country for more than sixty years, but not full-fledged citizens, as Israeli historian Ilan Pappé indicates in his book The Forgotten Palestinians. They navigate a precarious position between Jewish Israelis and Palestinians in the occupied territories. But their experiences are rarely the focus of attention.
In an interview with Jacobin, Pappé speaks about this special role. He discusses Palestinian history and discrimination within Israeli territory, which has changed since the first publication of the book in 2011 — and why Palestinians in Israel in particular could play a central role in peace efforts.
Magdalena Berger
Between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River, there are essentially three groups of Palestinians: Those in the occupied territories of the West Bank and Gaza, those in East Jerusalem, and those who are citizens of Israel. Can you describe how the situation of Palestinians in Israel differs most significantly from the others, and why they are “forgotten,” as the title of your book argues?
Ilan Pappé
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