THE ISRAEL FACTOR IN ARAB CONSCIOUSNESS AND DOMESTIC POLITICS.

The article focuses on the Israel factor in the politics of Arab states in Middle East. According to the author, the challenge presented by Israel and Zionism have shaped the emergence of a specific Palestinian national identity. He added that the effective Israeli foreign policy toward the Palestinians and broad Arab Middle East which includes the growing popular appeal of Islamic radicalism, stronger demands for more meaningful participation and the wider yearning for material well-being and equity are being embedded in public attitudes toward the Jewish state. Moreover, the politicization and free elections has strengthened radical forces opposed to conciliation with Israel and the West.