Philosophy of Zionism

The term ‘philosophy of Zionism’ can refer to two perspectives: the internal Zionist point of view, which encompasses the factual, metaphysical and normative assumptions held by most Zionist leaders and thinkers, and the external point of view, which involves the debate over the morality of the Zionist project. This chapter addresses both perspectives. Regarding the former, it highlights Zionism’s therapeutic aim—its desire to cure the Jewish people of the various maladies associated with exilic existence. As for the latter, it engages with the argument that Zionism violated the rights of the local Arab population by settling in the land without their consent or by infringing upon their territorial rights. The chapter refutes both of these claims.