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Demography and national security: The politics of population shifts in contemporary Israel

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  • Monica Duffy Toft

Abstract

Israel perceives itself to be under a constant and general threat to its existence. Like many other aspects of its security, Israel’s small size relative to its neighbors means that even relatively small demographic shifts may have unexpected and threatening political consequences. Israel’s struggles with security, identity, and demography therefore serve to highlight a relationship not unique to Israel but particularly intense there: a relationship between demographic shifts and state, regional, and interstate security. This article demonstrates that Israel’s demographic shifts have come to be regarded as an existential threat by Israel, and the contemporary salience of demography in Israel explains both (1) Israel’s decision to build a ‘security fence’ between it and the Palestinian Occupied Territories in the West Bank, and (2) the timing of that decision. The article examines Israel’s historical demographic trends and discourse and makes the case that this high-level national policy was a response to the perception among Israel’s leaders that demographic threats to both the Jewish and democratic character of Israel were more grave even than the physical threat of terrorism.

Suggested Citation

  • Monica Duffy Toft, 2012. "Demography and national security: The politics of population shifts in contemporary Israel," International Area Studies Review, Center for International Area Studies, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, vol. 15(1), pages 21-42, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:intare:v:15:y:2012:i:1:p:21-42
    DOI: 10.1177/2233865912438161
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Monica Duffy Toft, 2007. "Population Shifts and Civil War: A Test of Power Transition Theory," International Interactions, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 33(3), pages 243-269, July.
    2. Dan Ben‐David, 2009. "Soaring Minds: The Flight Of Israel’S Economists," Contemporary Economic Policy, Western Economic Association International, vol. 27(3), pages 363-379, July.
    3. World Bank, 2001. "Poverty in the West Bank and Gaza," World Bank Publications - Reports 14357, The World Bank Group.
    4. Philippe Fargues, 2000. "Protracted National Conflict and Fertility Change: Palestinians and Israelis in the Twentieth Century," Population and Development Review, The Population Council, Inc., vol. 26(3), pages 441-482, September.
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