How the creation of Israel led to violence and chaos in the Middle East.

 Israel is one of two democracies in the ME  About the size of New Jersey ◦ 90% of population is urban  around coast  Massive immigration from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas ◦ Zionism  belief Jews should have a homeland  15% are non Jews

 Mixed Economy  Lack of natural resources ◦ Offset by hard work and innovation  New irrigation techniques have transformed the landscape  Israel is a world leader in development of medical lasers and aerospace equipment  1/3 of population works in education and tourism  Dependant on importing basic goods ◦ Coal and oil

 Arab-Israeli conflict has defied all efforts for peace. ◦ Arabs won’t recognize Israel, Israel rejects idea of Palestinian state.  The constant threat of attack and national insecurity has lead to decades of unrest!

 1979 – Anwar Sadat signs peace treaty with Israel ◦ Egypt is first Arab nation to recognize Israel  Other Arab nations were upset with Egypt ◦ The peace then is short lived.

 1987 – Palestinians are frustrated ◦ Tired of living under Israeli military rule ◦ Set a series of strikes against Israeli businesses and began killing soldiers and civilians ◦ Became known as Intifada  Israel responds by closing schools in West Bank and destroying houses of suspected terrorists ◦ Israel was condemned for actions ◦ Felt it was important for national security  Palestinians join underground armed groups ◦ Hamas, Islamic Jihad

 1990’s – push for peace  What about 2 million Palestinians on West Bank and Gaza Strip? ◦ Extreme poverty and hardships  Israel refuses to negotiate with PLO  What about immigration to occupied territory?

 1993  Israel and PLO recognize each other.  PLO will stop attacks  Israel will withdraw from occupied territory.  Palestinians would have limited self rule in Gaza and Jericho.  Yassir Arrafat became head of Palestinian Authority.

 Question of Golan Heights still an issue ◦ Palestinians protest  leads to violence  Terrorists bomb buses, restaurants, shops ◦ Palestinians see these as justified, Israelis are horrified!  Israeli troops attack terrorist centers in West Bank ◦ Palestinian civilians are killed ◦ Arafat claims Israel violated Palestinian human rights ◦ Israel claims right to defend itself against terrorism

Jerusalem – Capital of Israel – Large Palestinian population – Holy city for Christianity, Judaism, and Islam – Palestinians want it to be capital of Palestinian state “Right of Return” – Palestinains who left their homes during Arab-Israeli wars have the right to return to their homes. Jewish state would be overwhelmed Future of West Bank, and Gaza Strip – Jewish immigration has increased Both sides see no compromise!

 How do you make two groups of people who feel they have been wronged by the other side, and who have a religious justification for their acts of violence agree to end hostilities and coexist in the same territory?