Israel and the Rise of Palestinian Identity West Bank, Gaza Strip and the PLO

From enlightened occupation to the Intifada  Territories captured by Israel in 1967 were considered bargaining chips for future peace talks.  Jordanian law and administration were the formal civil authorities in the West Bank, and a policy of Open Bridges was adopted.  During the first 20 years economic growth was 400%, due to the connection with Israel (especially the labor market).  Until 1987, insurgencies were limited.  The second generation led a series of violent demonstrations and popular riots – known later as the Intifada (uprising).

The PLO – from the Arab states’ tool to an independent force  Established in 1964 by the Arab League, the Palestine Liberation Organization served as a tool against Israel, without any demand for sovereignty over the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.  After 1967, the young leader of one of the Guerrilla groups, Yasser Arafat from Fatah, advocated for freedom of action for the PLO, and the armed struggle against Israel.  Jordan served as the base for Fatah’s activities until the Organization was expelled by Jordan 9/1970 (Black September) and moved to Lebanon.

The PLO in Lebanon – A mini state  Lebanon: a country divided among different groups, with many Palestinian refugee camps.  By 1974 the PLO was recognized by Arab countries as the only representative of the Palestinian people.  The PLO and the Palestinian struggle gain worldwide recognition when Yasser Arafat speaks before the UN General Assembly (1974).  The PLO takes over the southern part of the divided country. Creates a “State within a State”, with impressive armed forces.  Lebanon serves as a base to launch attacks and missiles against Israel.

Israel-Lebanon first war 1982  Owing to continual terrorist raids by PLO guerrillas Israel starts operation “Peace for the Galilee”.  Israel wins the battle against Palestinian and Syrian forces. PLO forces and headquarters leave Lebanon for Tunisia. Israeli Lebanese allies, the Phalanges, take power.  After the assassination of Bachir Gemayel (the leader of the Maronites and the elected president) Phalanges forces carry out a massacre in Sabra and Shatila, two Palestinian refugee camps. Israel is held responsible.  Internal dispute in Israel due to the war. Security Minister, Ariel Sharon, is forced to resign.  Israel becomes involved in Lebanese sectarian war and withdraws to a security zone in  After clashes with a Shiite militia – Hezbollah- Israel withdraws from the security zone (2000).

Israel and Lebanon second war  Hezbollah had created a State within a State, armed by Shiite Iran. In the same time Hezbollah functioned as a party in Lebanese politics and take part in the government.  The tension between Israel and Hezbollah develop to a war in 2006 around the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers.  After a month of fighting, the UN called for an Israeli withdrawal and disarming of the Hezbollah.  As of summer 2007, The Hezbollah is not showing its arms publicly, but the organization was not disarmed. The Hezbollah do not give any information about the captive soldiers.

From the Intifada to Agreement and Back  The Palestinian uprising in the West Bank and Gaza strip, and terrorist attacks carried out by militant groups, continue for several years ( , 1993).  King Hussein of Jordan severs Jordanian connection with the West Bank (1988).  The PLO recognizes the Partition Resolution (1988).  Talks with local leaders fail, and secret negotiations in Norway lead to mutual recognition between Israel and the PLO – The Oslo Agreement (1993).  The PLO undertakes to stop all violence. Israel withdraws from almost all the Gaza strip and from Palestinian cities and villages in the West Bank (Oslo B 1995). The Palestinian Authority is created (1994).  Failure of negotiations about the “End of Conflict” (Camp David 2), lead to the resumption of violence – The Second Intifada (2000).