1. Arab-Israeli Conflict
Chapter 28 Section 2

2. Conflict over Palestine
After WWI and the break up of the Ottoman Empire, Britain had control over Arab Palestine
However, it was not a British colony
Jews had been forced from Palestine by the Romans more than 1900 years before
They dreamed of returning to Palestine and establishing a homeland for all Jews
This was known as the Zionist movement

3. Zionism
Anti-Semitism (hatred of Jews) was wide spread in Europe (even before the Holocaust)
As a result, European Jews began migrating to Palestine to escape the violence
Theodor Herzl encouraged even more Jews to move to Palestine
Asked British, and other European nations, to support their movement
British issues the Balfour Declaration which stated: (See pg 587)
Britain favors the establishment of a home for Jews in Palestine as long as nothing is done to non-Jewish settlements already there

4. Arab Response Palestinians want own independent state
More Arabs and Christians lived in Palestine than Jews
As anti-Semitism increased in Europe, more Jews moved to Palestine and bought land from the Arabs
How did the buying up of land lead to more conflict between the Jews and Arabs? (see pg 588)
Jews bought farmland and the Arabs that worked the land were now homeless and unskilled. They rose up against the Jews

5. Founding of Israel
After WWII, more Jewish refugees flee to Palestine for safety
Determined to establish state where Jews can live in safety
Palestinians opposed the arrival of the Jews
They didn’t want to lose their homeland because of the anti-Semitism in Europe
Britain withdraws its authority from Palestine; control is returned to the United Nations

6. Partition and War
The UN decides to partition (split) Palestine into an Arab state (Palestine) and Jewish state (Israel)
Israel declares its independence
Is recognized my major world powers, including the US
Arab nations refuse to recognize Israel WHY? (see pg 616)
Israel is the creation of western powers who wanted to continue

7. Partition and War Arab nations declare war on Israel
Israel wins and gains control of ½ the land set aside for the Arab state
Egypt gains control of the Gaza Strip
Jordan takes the rest of Palestine

8. Summary Why was the state of Israel created?
Do you think Israel should exist for this reason?

9. Palestinian Refugees
During and after the war, hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees fled Palestine
Many settled in refugee camps set up in nearby Arab nations
Supposed to be temporary; became permanent
Arab and Palestinian leaders didn’t want to abandon the camps WHY? (see pg 617)
Thought it would show they were willing to give up a Palestinian homeland

10. Continued Conflict Three other wars have occurred (1956, 1967, 1973)
Six Day War (1967)
Israel wins, gains:
Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip from Egypt
Golan Heights from Syria
West Bank from Jordan
East Jerusalem from Arabs
Called occupied territories

11. YES-NO-WHY
Israel should return the lands gained during the war.

12. The Cold War Between the US and SU US supported Israel
SU supported Arab states
Both provide money and weapons to their allies
Neither US or SU pushed their allies to work on peace

13. The PLO
Palestinian leaders formed the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1964 WHY? (see pg )
Reclaim Palestine and destroy Israel
PLO doesn’t just fight Israel, but also those nations that support Israel
Have struck against the US (hijackings)
Israel responds with reprisals against the PLO
Reprisal: forceful act in response to injury

14. Struggle to Achieve Peace
Arab nations refuse to negotiate with Israel
Support terrorist efforts
Call for Israel’s destruction
Israel doesn’t want an Arab state
Threatens their security
Egypt, an Arab nation, has signed a peace treaty with Israel

15. Palestinian Uprising
By 1987, Palestinians in occupied territories (land gained by Israel in the 1967 war) were frustrated by Israeli military rule
Attack businesses, soldiers, and civilians (called the intifada)
Israel attacks back
Some Palestinians join terrorist groups like Hamas as a result

16. Difficult Issues Palestinians Israelis Want own homeland
Believe Jews shouldn’t live in occupied territories
Palestinians want Jerusalem to be the capital of Palestine
Want Palestinians who fled during the wars to be allowed to return
Don’t want Jewish settlements in West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem
Israelis
Refuse to negotiate due to terrorist activities
Encourage Jews to live in occupied territories; it’s their historic right
Jerusalem is the capital of Israel
Don’t want Palestinians who fled to return; afraid they will overwhelm Israel

17. Oslo Accords
In 1993, Israel and Palestine agree to recognize one another
PLO promises to stop attacking Israel
Israel agrees to withdraw troops from occupied areas
The Palestinian Authority is created
Acted as the government for Palestinians
Yassir Arafat becomes the leader

18. New Uprisings Peace talks stalled
Palestinians attacked military and civilian targets
Used suicide bombers
Israel responds by invading Palestinian-ruled areas
Attack Palestinians, including civilians
Increased the fighting between the two groups

19. YES-NO-WHY
The Israelis and Palestinians will reach a peace agreement.

20. Assignment
If there is a peace agreement, what should each side receive as a result? Be sure to explain why you believe this is a fair peace plan. Don’t forget to examine the difficult issues facing both sides.