Attitudes Toward Normalization in a Conflict Context: Between Material and Identity-Based Conflict Perception: Evidence From the Arab–Israeli Conflict

Abstract

How does conflict perception affect attitudes toward normalization in protracted conflict? Based on a survey of 1,467 responses conducted in Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Tunisia between November 2015 and March 2016, the main argument is that the refusal of normalization is based on how people perceive the essence of the conflict and militant attitudes that stimulate the rejection of normalization. Accordingly, while Arabs are against normalization and perceive the conflict as mostly religious (and national), Israelis see it as a material and national conflict and support normalization, considering it to be in Israel’s best interest. The results indicate that conflict perception informs attitudes toward normalization; militant attitudes mediate between the two concepts and explain the relationship between conflict perception and normalization; while religious perception correlates positively with the refusal of normalization and militant attitudes (based on refusing to give up on their rights and the nature of the conflict), material perceptions correlate with acceptance of normalization and reduction of militancy, strengthening economic justifications for the pro-normalization agenda. Finally, the asymmetrical, protracted reality of ongoing clashes, occupation, and use of violence can be additional explanations for the refusal of normalization.