Quarterly Journal of West Asian Studies
(Faṣlnāmah-i Gharb-i Asiyā)

Quarterly Journal of West Asian Studies (Faṣlnāmah-i Gharb-i Asiyā)

Inclusive foreign policy; a gendered perspective on Israel’s foreign policy

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Centre of Iran Informatics, University of Applied Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Among different social groups, women may be one of the most important groups that have so far played a relatively limited role in the foreign policy processes of states. Israel is no exception. Given this issue and Israel’s war-oriented policies, the main research question is: To what extent can the presence and participation of women in Israel’s foreign policy decision-making process prevent or constrain Israel’s military policies in the West Asian region? The hypothesis suggests that the increasing presence of women in the Knesset, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and National Security Council has not prevented Israel from pursuing realistic, militaristic, and expansionist policies in the region. Rather, statements by female members of the Knesset and policy proposals advanced by Israeli women politicians indicate that they support the use of military force and expansionist policies to a degree comparable to, and perhaps even greater than, their male counterparts. The findings demonstrate that although the number of women holding political positions in Israel has increased over recent decades, and women have attained significant positions in the Knesset, cabinet, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and certain security institutions, their presence in decision-making bodies has not necessarily resulted in peaceful policies or reduced reliance on military power. Some Israeli women politicians have supported extensive military actions against Palestinians and other state and non-state actors in West Asia, including Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Furthermore, a distinction must be made between women’s presence, participation, and influence within foreign policy institutions. Women may be represented in decision-making bodies and participate in decision-making processes while lacking the capacity to alter the foreign policy agenda. Employing a qualitative methodology and a descriptive-analytical approach, this study systematically examines women’s roles in the Knesset, government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and National Security Council of Israel through documentary and library research.
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Volume 3, Issue 4 - Serial Number 11
Winter 2026
Pages 105-123

  • Receive Date 27 September 2025
  • Revise Date 28 November 2025
  • Accept Date 16 December 2025
  • First Publish Date 22 December 2025
  • Publish Date 22 December 2025