After saturday, sunday : evaluating the Maronite-Israeli relationship (1920- 1982).

Abstract

As a result of centuries of struggles and subjugation (or the threat of subjugation), some communities developed regional alliances in order to fend off encroaching powers, maintain their dominance, and above all, to ensure their own survival. The Maronite Christians of Lebanon and the Jews of Israel, both of which are the focus of this thesis, are the quintessential modern-day example of such a mentality, and an equally important example of such an alliance. Many authors highlight the ‘natural’ aspect of the Maronite-Israeli alliance. However, as history has demonstrated, neither side was a reliable partner in times of crisis – nor did they really face a common enemy – and this ‘natural’ alliance no longer exists today. I argue that the Israeli-Maronite relationship was not as organic as many have suggested, but was instead a culmination of mutual false perceptions due to an imagined link in nationalisms, a heightened sense of moral obligation to the Christian community in peril, and the willingness of both sides to manipulate the other into serving their respective security objectives. As a result, Israel was drawn into a long, unpopular occupation with an embarrassing retreat, and the Christian community was significantly weakened militarily and politically. By analyzing the evolution of the relationship through the actions and rhetoric of key figures in both the Maronite community and Israeli government, deconstructing Maronite and Zionist nationalisms, and comparing and contrasting their perceptions of each other as allies, I would like to delve into the consequences of natural alliances as they pertain to Lebanon and Israel, though this may have wider ramifications for the general topic of minority alliances.