ABSTRACT
For many years the interaction between the towns in the peripheral areas of Israel and the surrounding rural communities was characterized by a pattern of "separated entities," manifested in separate organizational systems, economic inequality, social alienation, and absence of cooperation. This situation reflected the prevalent concept of the rural space as an independent entity, relying on agriculture and independent organizational systems. In recent decades, the disparities between the sectors have been narrowing and collaborations in various fields have begun to develop at the municipal level and among local residents.
The current collaboration between neighboring urban and rural authorities is based on the understanding that common interests require joint ventures. as well as on economic and social interactions between their residents. The changing urban–rural relations were examined in four case studies in the northern and southern periphery of Israel. Key findings indicate that new conceptions are prevalent today among local leadership and residents regarding the nature of the mutual relationships, and particularly the role of the peripheral towns as central places serving the entire region.
