Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book deals with the concrete constituents of the separation barrier in terms of its construction, design, routing, and challenges to it from the Israeli Supreme Court of Justice. It introduces Israeli policies and rationales for building the barrier, Israeli public opinion and debates about future borders and the "demographic struggle" for Jewish statehood in Israel. The book examines Palestinian perspectives on the barrier with emphasis on the deleterious effects the barrier has had on Palestinian lives and communities and the resulting campaign to "stop the wall", which has developed through global media and web-based networks, nongovernmental organizations and local protests. It also examines the unique challenges posed by constructing a barrier in the holy city of Jerusalem.