Seeking a Sustainable Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict from Judith Butler's Perspective

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of Public Law at Shiraz University

2 PhD Candidate of Public Law at Shiraz University

3 LL.M Student of Public Law at Shiraz University

10.22124/wp.2025.29844.3478

Abstract

This article examines the perspectives of Judith Butler, a poststructuralist philosopher, in analyzing the Israel-Palestine conflict. Butler radically critiques the concepts of the nation-state and Zionism, dismissing conventional solutions such as the "two-state" or "one-state" models, as these approaches perpetuate historical injustices and the marginalization of Palestinians. Instead, she proposes an alternative framework centered on the concepts of "diaspora" (dispersion) and "cohabitation," grounded in mutual recognition, equality, and shared responsibility. For Butler, diaspora is not merely a geographical condition but an ethical mode of existence rooted in the shared experience of exile between Jewish and Palestinian communities. Similarly, cohabitation transcends mere physical coexistence, envisioning a shared political space that guarantees equal rights for all groups. Inspired by Edward Said, Butler emphasizes the necessity of cultural and ethical "translation" between conflicting narratives. However, key criticisms of her work include the impracticality of her proposals in addressing ongoing violence and her insufficient attention to the direct agency of the parties involved. Nevertheless, her ethical framework opens new pathways for prioritizing justice and human solidarity.

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