ABSTRACT
This chapter demonstrates that the barrier holds different meanings for different segments of Israeli society. Israel has consistently expressed its preference for managing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at the national level and thus has repeatedly rebuffed proposals for an international mission or presence of any kind within or around its borders. Israel is reluctant to allow states and organizations to influence its decisions in ways that hamper Israeli security although Israel has been open to cooperation with the great powers, particularly the United States. In relation to official announcements on Israel's separation barrier, there is ongoing debate in Israeli public opinion. The relationship between separation and demography has long touched the core of Israeli national identity in the region. In addition to building the separation barrier, Israel chose to alleviate its security and demographic challenges through a policy of unilateral disengagement.
