A Historical Summary of the
Israeli/Palestinian Conflict
Map of Israel
What nations border Israel?
What bodies of water border Israel?
Locate and shade: Gaza Strip, West
Bank, and Golan Heights.
Circle Jerusalem. Notice how the
city is split between The West Bank
and Israel proper.
“Ancient” History of the Region
1500 BC - Hebrews settled area
586 BC – Judah conquered – Jews exiled
167 BC – Jerusalem established as Jewish
capital – under Roman rule
638-1000 area ruled by Islamic groups –
allowed Jews and Christians to keep religion
1070 – 1300 – CRUSADES
1798 – conquered by Napoleon
Keep the historical LINK TO VIDEO
perspective and mindset of CLIP
both Palestinians and
Israelis as we discuss the
WATCH AND
issue – fighting for the Holy RECORD
Land is the way of life. THOUGHTS IN
WORKBOOK
Zionism
Zionism – defined: “an international political
movement that originally supported the
reestablishment of a homeland for the Jewish
People in Palestine and continues primarily as
support for the modern state of Israel.”
• Term has a variety of unwritten meanings (connotations)
– A 1975 UN Resolution determined that Zionism is a form of racial
discrimination. Why?
• Why is the US often referred to as a “Zionist Ally”
The U.S. maintains friendly relations with Israel, and has
continually tried to assist with peace negotiations.
The “Creation” of Israel
• The Balfour Declaration
– In 1917, Britain conquered modern-day Palestine
and Israel. The Declaration was the support of the
creation of a Jewish nation
• The Holocaust during WWII
– Nazi leaders and military’s plan to eliminate all
Jews (genocide). “The Master Plan”
– Resulted in international support for the
“Creation” of a Jewish homeland
Partition: Israel and Palestine
• United Nations Plan of 1947
– The area was split, roughly in half, creating two
nations – Israel (Jewish) and Palestine (Muslim)
– Israel accepted – Palestinians rejected the Plan.
– Immediate problems:
• Jews lived in Palestine & Palestinians in Israel
• Bloodshed to rid areas of enemies led to war…
• Neighboring nations get involved
Israel is recognized by Palestine is NOT recognized by
the United Nations the United Nations
War of 1948
• As soon as Partition was declared,
May 14, 1948, war began between
Muslims and Jews
• Syria, Jordan, Egypt declared war
• War ended in 1949 – Israel victorious
• 726,000 Arab refugees flooded out of
Israel into neighboring countries
• No signing of Peace treaty – countries
remained “At War” for years to come
The Six Day War
“we accept no kind of co-
existence with Israel. The
Arab nations have decided
to cleanse Palestine of your
presence.”
Six Day War (1967)
• 1967 – Egyptian President Nasser – “The existence of
Israel has continued too long…The battle has come in
which we shall destroy Israel.”
• Iraq President Rahman Aref – “Our goal is clear – to
wipe Israel off the map.”
• 10,000 graves were dug in Tel-Aviv in parks
anticipating the causalities…
WHY? Why are these Arab states determined
that Israel not be allowed to exist?
Six Day War (1967)
• Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq Vs. Israel
• Israel used a “pre-emptive strike” to wipe out
enemy airforce = Israeli air superiority
• Israel was victorious – expanded size
• Israel gained and kept control of the Gaza Strip and
the West Bank and parts of the Golan Heights
• Israel cited the need for a buffer and strategic
locations of their expansion
The Intifada
LINK TO VIDEO
PLAY AND RECORD YOUR
THOUGHTS IN THE
WORKBOOK
Intifada is defined as “a shaking off”.
Refers to Palestinian uprisings to get rid of the Israelis.
•First Intifada = 1987 to 1993
•Second Intifada = 2000 to present
Second Intifada has had an increased use of weapons, assassinations, suicide
bombings, an attacks on settlements.
The West Bank and Gaza Strip
Since 1967 these areas have been
under Israeli rule.
Considered a territory (not a state)
under Israeli military rule.
2.5 million Palestinians residents
275,000 Jewish settlers
Approx. 23,000 Palestinians cross
into Israel every day to work, so
security is a problem. The answer:
Military Checkpoints
So, what is Palestine’s (Gaza and West Bank) status? Military Occupation,
Territorial Expansion, or Temporary land held for defense?
Jewish Settlements
• Land claimed as “Biblical Homeland” in West
Bank and Gaza Strip.
• 100,000 settlers moved into the West Bank
and 275,000 into Gaza Strip
• These Settlements are EXTREMELY CONTROVERSIAL.
Israeli settlers stoning Palestinians
What is disturbing about this video?
Hamas
Islamic Resistance Movement
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WATCH AND RECORD YOUR
THOUGHTS IN THE WORKBOOK
• Uses a combination of political, social, and military operations
• Has greatly expanded political powers through popular elections
• Hamas militants have repeatedly used suicide bombings in West
Bank and Gaza
• USA considers Hamas a terrorist organization