ISRAEL’S NON-MILITARY STRATEGY IN THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT: ARCHAEOLOGY AS ISRAEL’S NATIONAL INSTRUMENT IN JERUSALEM/BAITUL MAQDIS (1948-2018)

Abstract

This article analyses how archaeology has been an instrument for Israel to claim sovereignty over Jerusalem. Since 1967 archaeology has been a national instrument for Israel to achieve legitimacy over the Land of Palestine. In Israel, archaeology is treated as a national and patriotic project. Nationalistic archaeologists have been playing an important role to assist Israel to achieve its national interest. Archaeological excavations have been gradually establishing the Jewish identity in this holy land vis-à-vis Palestinian/Arabic/Islamic identity. “Judaizing policy”, taking place vigorously in Jerusalem especially in the Holy Basin with the help of settler organizations. Palestinians rise against Israeli ambition through counter archaeological activities to safeguard their historical heritages. Israelis perceive Palestinians’ activities as detrimental to Israel’s survival as a Jewish state in the holy land. This phenomena shapes the “Clash of Civilizations” in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. One of the area affected by such clash is the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif (TMH) and the Holy Basin. Israel wages non-military battle since 1967 to claim sovereignty over whole Palestine. Using archaeology as an instrument in the territorial policy is a smart strategy. Israel’s smart strategy of utilizing archaeology is suitable in the historical sites where the use of force can jeopardize Israel’s national interest.