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The Psychology of "Lone Wolf" Palestinian Arab Violence

(Institute for Contemporary Affairs-Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) Dr. Irwin J. (Yitzchak) Mansdorf - One of the characteristics of the "knife intifada" is the almost inevitable death of the attackers, raising the question of the cost-benefit in these actions by those deciding to attack. This lack of rationality in carrying out such attacks is reflected in the schizophrenic manner Palestinian media treats these incidents. On the one hand, there is a reflexive denial of the perpetrators' involvement in any attacks, with Israel accused of "executing" innocent Palestinians. On the other hand, praising and glorifying the attackers for their "alleged" actions against Israeli Jews are common. "Incitement" is a process requiring two stages; first, factors which create the fuel or basic motivation for the behavior, and second, an ignition process which sets off the behavior itself. Both factors are necessary for violent action to take place. Without the fuel, ignition would be ineffective, and without an ignition mechanism, the fuel would be meaningless. The constant Palestinian institutional and social support of those who engage in violent behavior against Israelis somewhat blunts the idea that attacks classified as "lone wolf" can be fully described as such. While one may not have a direct and explicit order and directive for a specific attack, the atmosphere supporting these attacks and the systematic reinforcement, materially and socially, of those who engage in these attacks provides a constant reminder of societal approval at any given time, even in the absence of an organizational framework. The writer is a clinical psychologist and a fellow at the Jerusalem Center, where he directs the Israel-Arab studies program for university students.
2016-01-15 00:00:00
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