ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the overview of the theoretical and conceptual frameworks of the book and outlines its contributions to the study of Israel in critical security studies. This book investigates why Israel constructed delegitimization as a security threat and how this construction impacted its response to the delegitimization efforts against it. The main argument advanced here is that Israel has securitized the delegitimization efforts against it, especially those led by the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement because they were perceived as posing a threat to its Jewish identity. As a result, the state adopted extraordinary measures, often marked by illiberalism, which rather than enhance Israel’s international legitimacy, have undermined it further, especially among liberal audiences in the West, whose support is critical for Israel’s continued international legitimacy. The chapter introduces the concept of a securitization dilemma—where actions taken to enhance a state’s security through securitization, result in further insecurity. In the case of Israel, this means that the securitization of delegitimization results in further delegitimization. The analysis relies on historical and archival research as well as discourse analysis and interviews with Israeli policy makers. It contextualizes Israeli securitization through a historical lens and thus expands the methodological application of securitization theory.
