Barriers to Economic Cooperation: Challenges Faced by Palestinian Investors in Israel Contributing to the Palestinian National Economy

This study investigates the obstacles confronted by Palestinian investors and entrepreneurs based in Israel when attempting to contribute to the Palestinian national economy through investments and business activities.Employing a qualitative approach, indepth interviews and surveys were conducted with Palestinian business leaders, investors, policymakers, and economic experts from both Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.The findings reveal a multifaceted set of challenges, including cumbersome bureaucratic procedures, inadequate legal protections, restricted access to financing, and Israeli-imposed constraints on trade and investment flows.Notably, the lack of clear governance mechanisms and policy frameworks to facilitate economic cooperation between Palestinian communities in Israel and the occupied territories emerges as a critical barrier.The study underscores the pressing need for collaborative efforts between Palestinian authorities, Israeli policymakers, and the international community to address these impediments through regulatory reforms, sustainable financing initiatives, and facilitated investment channels.Overcoming these obstacles could unlock the untapped potential of Palestinian investors in Israel to drive economic development, job creation, and socio-economic upliftment within the occupied Palestinian territories.