From panopticon to rhizome, from the wall to its perforation: mechanisms of territorialization, discipline and control in the West Bank

Abstract

Taking into account the genealogy of power developed by Foucault and Deleuze during the 20th century, this article aims to discuss the discipline and territorialization mechanisms of the Israeli State over Palestinian territory. After introducing these concepts, the article focuses on the role played by the Wall in the Israeli occupation. Moreover, the network of settlements and military installations spread over the West Bank provides the Israeli State with great control over the daily life of Palestinians. Finally, the essay considers the persistence of certain thanatopolitical trends on current surveillance devices deployed by the Israeli State.

Keywords: Palestine, Israel, Foucault, Deleuze, biopolitics, territorialization, occupation, surveillance, settlements.