This research examines the relation between intervention models of conflict resolution and political change and control. Six Arab-Jewish intervention programs were selected to explore the topic. The research addresses two main questions: first, do the programs contribute to conflict resolution and change or to control and extension of the status quo? Second, are Arab-Jewish encounter programs considered conflict resolution models? These two questions are examined by exploring four basic concepts:
1. Intervention model designs which include six components:
(a) structure, (b) framework, (c) goals, (d) basic assumptions, (e) success, and (f) role of the third party (Arab-Jewish facilitators).
2. Perceptions of the Arab-Jewish conflict among Arab and
Jewish intervenors and participants.
3. Perceptions of success and impact of the intervention program among intervenors and participants.
4. Impacts of political context on the implementation and outputs of the six programs.
In addition to the observation of eight Arab-Jewish encounters, the data are gathered through semi-structured interviews with organizations' directors, Arab and Jewish facilitators, participants, Ministry of Education officials and Arab-Jewish community and political leaders in Israel.
The findings indicate that although Arab and Jewish intervenors work in the same program, they continued to perceive differently (even paradoxically) the intervention models' goals, assumptions, impacts, and the conflict itself. Intervenors rarely consider the political context in implementing their models, but the political context penetrates and influences the different models' components. The models of intervention are based on the "contact hypothesis" rather than on conflict resolution philosophy. The examined programs aim to change Arab-Jewish relations in Israel, however, the nature of this change is limited and based on asymmetric designs and power relations.
The encounter programs are important educational frameworks for Arab and Jewish students and teachers who are segregated in most of their lives. However, there is a need to reexamine and redesign the programs, if they are to contribute directly and intentionally to political change in Israel.