The violent asymmetrical encounter with the other in an army-civilian clash: The case of the intifada.

This study investigates cognitive, emotional, and moral aspects of the experience of using military force against civilians in an army-civilian clash. Focusing on the case of the intifada (the Palestinian uprising in the Israeli-administered territories during 1987-1993), it examines how soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) who participated in military actions aimed at suppressing the uprising, experienced and coped with this asymmetrical use of force against a civilian population and with its after-effects. The study is based on interviews of 22 men who had done part of their military service (conscripts as well as reserves) in the territories during the intifada and had described themselves as participating in violent encounters with Palestinians. Analysis of the themes that emerged from the interviews revealed two main approaches toward the use of force against Palestinian civilians. One approach was taken by interviewees who legitimized and even enjoyed the use of force; the second was held by ...