Examining Ideology, Asymmetry, and Ethnonationalism in the 2023 Israel-Gaza Crisis

This research note provides an in-depth analysis of the complex interplay between Zionism, Jewish identity, power dynamics, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It traces the emergence of Zionism in the late 19th century, examining how early Zionist ideology aligned with prevalent nationalist and colonial ideologies while also encompassing diverse strands that challenged exclusionary perspectives. The analysis explores the contested notion of Jewish racial "whiteness", probing how Zionist aspirations intersected with racial paradigms and hierarchies. It also analyses how class divisions and capitalist development have impacted Zionist goals. The paper utilises the current 2023 Israel-Gaza crisis to demonstrate how exclusionary ethnoreligious nationalism still takes precedence over ethical considerations for some in Israel, yet also highlights Israeli efforts across the spectrum to find just resolutions. Overall, the analysis emphasises the need for new frameworks that affirm the equal dignity of all involved while understanding the diversity of voices within Israel regarding this enduringly complex topic.