The Politics of Choice: The Entry Law to Israel (2003) and the Phenomenology of Singlehood among Palestinians
This research examines the profound impact of Israel's Nationality and Entry into Israel Law on the phenomenon of singlehood among Palestinians, focusing on both Palestinian citizens of Israel and Palestinian residents of the Occupied Territories in the Westbank. Enacted in 2003 and reinforced in 2007, this legislation bars family reunification for Palestinians from the Occupied Territories who marry Palestinian Israeli citizens or Palestinian residents of Jerusalem, perpetuating widespread familial separation. Through qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews, the research captures narratives from Palestinian men and women on both sides of the Green Line. Preliminary findings illustrate how political conditions since the early 2000s have severely constrained marital choices for Palestinians, particularly affecting relationships across divided territories. Participants articulate concerns over bureaucratic complexities and geopolitical instability, highlighting the enduring ramifications of restrictive legal frameworks on personal autonomy and social relationships. This research contributes a nuanced understanding of how legal barriers intersect with personal agency in conflicted contexts, shedding light on the lived experiences of Palestinians navigating socio-political boundaries in their pursuit of intimate relationships.