The Roots of Separatism in Palestine: British Economic Policy, 1920-1929 (Contemporary Issues in the Middle East)

This is an analysis of economic policies both favouring the emergence of the state of Israel, and fostering the growth of Palestinian-Arab opposition to it. It studies the economic development of Palestine in the early years of British mandatory rule and the British attitude to Jewish enterprise. A thorough analysis of the economic development of Palestine during the first years of British mandatory rule and, in particular, of the British government's preferential policy regarding Jewish settlement and enterprise sets the tone for this groundbreaking study. Using a wealth of previously unpublished documentation, the author proves that British mandatory policy provided the perfect environment for the growth of a largest and more homogeneous Zionist enclave, which in turn led to the inevitable split in Palestine's economy. Provides the political and economic background to the many complex differences between Israel and the Palestinians today. It describes the economic development of Palestine during the early years of the British mandate in Palestine, and discusses British policy on Jewish settlement and enterprise.