Most studies of spatial disparities deal with conventional measurable socioeconomic variables. Political aspects have been neglected in explaining regional inequalities. The purpose of the present Israeli case study is to demonstrate empirically that a prerequisite for effective studies of regional inequality is a clear understanding of the political structure. Israel, with its highly centralized unitary political system, tried to execute a national policy of balanced regional development but failed to realize that spatial integration is a process of diffusing political powers as well as allocating socioeconomic resources. It is argued that if tensions caused by spatial disparities are to be reduced, a new political organization must develop out of a synthesis between the old nonspatial, functional organization of politics and the new desire of a poststatehood generation for more participation on a territorial basis.
In Israel, government and polities reflect a highly centralized system of operation, This situation, in combination with existing ethnic conflicts between European and Oriental Jews, has contributed to an increased consciousness of the asymmetry of core-periphery relations, thus precipitating a growth in political regionalism, The emergence of regionalism is viewed as a form of protest and rebellion within Israeli society. In this study, regional development policies in Israel arc examined, and a new approach to such activity is proposed-a synthesis between the centralized top-down system and the complementary system of participation from below. It is argued that bottom-up and territorially integrated policies can case the regional crisis in Israel.
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