Justification of Atrocities: Israeli and Palestinian Political Ideologies in Motion

Classic conflict resolution literature has viewed violent conflict as a process with a beginning, middle and an end. War atrocities including war crimes, genocide and ethnic cleansing, however, become ingrained into generational identities of individuals and groups. The trauma of atrocities contributes to the solidification of ethos of conflict, including group beliefs related to; the justification of group goals, victimization of one’s own group, threat to security and group survival and delegitimization of the humanity of other (Dan Bar Tal). Legacies and traumas of atrocities also serve to justify new atrocities and influence state’s and society’s ability to transition towards reconciliation. This research will examine the ideological legacies of atrocities on Palestinian and Israeli group identities and their impact on political action. Drawing on surveys, documentation, media and statements from Palestinian and Israeli political leadership, this article will examine the repercussions of trauma and justification of atrocities during and subsequent to the Second Intifada (2000-2005) and the 2014 Gaza War. Examining the Israeli/Palestinian case, the research will shed light on the reconstruction of political identities in post-atrocity periods and the impact on political action of Israeli and Palestinian leadership. The research highlights justification of past atrocities on subsequent atrocities and consequences on political action. The article will also contribute to the discussion of viable tools for addressing legacies of atrocities in conflict transformation.