Palestinians in Israel considers a key issue ignored by the official ""peace process"" and most mainstream commentators: that of the growing Palestinian minority within Israel itself. What the Israeli right-wing calls ""the demographic problem,"" Ben White identifies as ""the democratic problem,"" which goes to the heart of the conflict. Israel defines itself not as a state of its citizens, but as a Jewish state, despite the substantial and increasing Palestinian population. White demonstrates how the consistent emphasis on privileging one ethno-religious group over another cannot be seen as compatible with democratic values and that, unless addressed, will undermine any attempts to find a lasting peace. Individual case studies are used to complement this deeply informed study into the great, unspoken contradiction of Israeli democracy. It is a pioneering contribution which will spark debate among all those concerned with a resolution to the Israel/Palestine conflict.

""This book debunks convincingly and forcefully the myth of Israel being 'the only democracy' in the Middle East. As this book shows, the treatment of the Palestinians in Israel is the ultimate proof that the Jewish State is anything but democratic."" - Professor Ilan Pappe, University of Exeter and author of The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine and Out of the Frame



""Essential reading to understand why there can never be peace unless Palestinian citizens of Israel are granted full equality, something they are systematically denied by Israel's aggressive, and increasingly unrestrained Zionist ethnocracy."" - Ali Abunimah, Co-founder of Electronic Intifada, author of One Country



""Ben White offers a holistic view of the Palestine/Israel problem – then goes beyond it to point towards its only just and hopeful solution. A significant and timely contribution to the political discourse so necessary today."" - Ahdaf Soueif, author of Booker Prize-shortlisted The Map of Love



""With surgical precision, a wealth of research and sharp analytical intellect, White astutely exposes the oxymoron inherent in the definition of Israel as a 'Jewish and democratic' state and presents a compelling case for holding Israel accountable for committing the crime of apartheid, as defined by the UN."" - Omar Barghouti, human rights activist and author