The consequences of Israel's counter terrorism policy
Abstract
The main focus of this thesis is to examine Israel's counter terrorism methods and
their consequences and to debate the effectiveness of Israel's counter terrorism policy. By
stimulating a debate on these issues it is possible to identify a more effective counter
terrorism policy.
In order to examine Israel's counter terrorism methods, their consequences and
effectiveness, it is necessary to first explore the overall concepts of terrorism and counter
terrorism. Then, because counter terrorism policy is hard to evaluate if one does not look
at the context which surrounds it, this thesis will therefore explore some aspects of Israeli
security history which has and continues to influence its counter terrorism policy.
Furthermore, this thesis will provide an introduction to the general development of
Palestinian resistance movements which will include a scrutiny of Hamas.
This thesis has selected some of Israel's counter terrorism methods, and will be
examining the width and depth of these methods as well as their consequences on the
Palestinian society in general and on Hamas in particular. In seeking to answer the more
general question about the effectiveness of Israel's counter terrorism policy the thesis will
evaluate this aspect by relying on qualitative and quantitative indicators.
This thesis will show that Israeli counter terrorism methods do reduce the
capacity of Hamas and as such has prevented certain attacks or incapacitated Hamas' military wing for a limited time; they have, however, had a limited effect in the long run.
It will be shown that these methods have consequences far beyond reducing the terrorist
organisation capacity, which deepen the root causes for terrorism and increase the
motivation to continue the resistance.
Type
Thesis, PhD Doctor of Philosophy
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