The Arab–Israel Conflict in the 21st Century: From Territorial Disputes to Regional Power Politics

Abstract

This research examines the 21st-century transformation of the Arab–Israeli conflict, tracing its evolution from localized territorial disputes between Zionism and Palestinian nationalism to a multifaceted theater of regional power politics. Utilizing frameworks of structural realism, constructivism, and colonialist theory, the paper analyzes how traditional "land for peace" paradigms have eroded in favor of a new regional security construct driven by shared anti-Iranian threat perceptions. Key milestones explored include the failure of the Oslo Accords, the long-term strategic repercussions of the 2005 Gaza disengagement, and the rise of Iran’s "Axis of Resistance". Special emphasis is placed on the Abraham Accords as a catalyst for regional integration and the subsequent direct military escalations of 2023–2025, culminating in the "12-Day War" between Israel and Iran. The analysis further investigates the shifting roles of global powers—specifically the United States, Russia, and China—and Israel’s strategic pivot toward Somaliland. The paper concludes that while military superiority has temporarily shifted the balance of power, the "one-state reality" and unresolved Palestinian grievances continue to pose a significant threat to long-term regional stability.