Palestinian Citizens of Israel and the Discourse on the Right of Return, 1948-59

Abstract

This article traces the evolving discourse on the "right of refugee return"among the Palestinian citizens of Israel during the first decade of Israeli statehood, with emphasis on the role of the local Arabic press in shaping and reflecting that discourse. More particularly, it focuses on al-Ittihad, the organ of the communist party (MAKI), which paid the greatest attention to the refugee issue. In tracing the party's shift from a humanistic/anti-imperialist stance on the issue to one emphasizing the refugees' inalienable right to return, the article sheds light on MAKI's political strategy vis-à-vis the Palestinian minority. It also illustrates the political vibrancy in the early years of the community, generally viewed simplistically in terms of a pre-1967 quiescence and post-1967 politicization.

Irreconcilable Narratives and Overlapping Consensus

“…The long-standing Palestinian demand for Israel to recognize the right of the refugees and their descendants to return to their homes dates back to 1948 and is in direct conflict with the above demand. It has deep traction among Palestinians everywhere (R. Khalidi 1992;Nassar 2011). Beginning in the 1990s, however, Palestinian political representatives and many intellectuals began distinguishing between the recognition of the right of return as a non-negotiable abstract moral right and its negotiable practical exercise and implementation (Abdelrazek 2010, 148;Abu Zayyad 2008/2009; R. Khalidi 1994, 24).…”

“…It has deep traction among Palestinians everywhere (R. Khalidi 1992; Nassar 2011). Beginning in the 1990s, however, Palestinian political representatives and many intellectuals began distinguishing between the recognition of the right of return as a non-negotiable abstract moral right and its negotiable practical exercise and implementation (Abdelrazek 2010, 148; Abu Zayyad 2008/2009; R.…”