Arab-Israeli Conflict

Survey: What issues are most important in understanding the conflict?

Sources of conflict since 1945Sources of conflict since 1945

Ethnic and religious conflict within the Ethnic and religious conflict within the regionregion

Palestinian / Israeli conflictPalestinian / Israeli conflict

Western influence and interventionWestern influence and intervention

Secularism vs. religious fundamentalismSecularism vs. religious fundamentalism often a reaction against modernity and often a reaction against modernity and Western influenceWestern influence

The Middle East and the WestThe Middle East and the West End of the Ottoman Empire Republic of TurkeyEnd of the Ottoman Empire Republic of Turkey

After WWI: mandate system in Gulf States:After WWI: mandate system in Gulf States:– Britain Britain Palestine, Iraq, Transjordan Palestine, Iraq, Transjordan– France France Syria, Lebanon Syria, Lebanon

““Independent” by end of WWII but Western oil Independent” by end of WWII but Western oil interests remainedinterests remained

Cold War and competition for oil meant Middle Cold War and competition for oil meant Middle East remained an area of Western intervention East remained an area of Western intervention and influence and influence

Sources of anti-U.S. sentimentSources of anti-U.S. sentiment History: betrayal of Woodrow Wilson’s ideal of History: betrayal of Woodrow Wilson’s ideal of

“self-determination”“self-determination”

U.S. actions during the Cold WarU.S. actions during the Cold War

Growing U.S. presence in 1970s: bases in Gulf Growing U.S. presence in 1970s: bases in Gulf StatesStates

U.S. support for Israel; supporting dictatorships in U.S. support for Israel; supporting dictatorships in Arab statesArab states

““Cultural imperialism”Cultural imperialism”

Palestinian – Israeli ConflictPalestinian – Israeli Conflict

Originated after Originated after WWIWWI

Promise of Promise of independence to independence to Middle East after Middle East after WWI was broken; WWI was broken; instead Palestine instead Palestine and other territories and other territories became “mandates”became “mandates”

Two Different NarrativesTwo Different Narratives

ReligiousReligious HistoricalHistorical PoliticalPolitical Economic/CulturalEconomic/Cultural IdentityIdentity MoralMoral

What were the goals and What were the goals and strategies of Zionism?strategies of Zionism?

What promises were made to What promises were made to the Jews (Zionists) and to the the Jews (Zionists) and to the

Arabs?Arabs?

Promises to the Arabs—Promises to the Arabs—McMahon CorrespondenceMcMahon Correspondence

1. Subject to the above modifications, Great Britain is 1. Subject to the above modifications, Great Britain is prepared to recognize and support the independence of the prepared to recognize and support the independence of the Arabs in all the regions within the limits demanded by the Arabs in all the regions within the limits demanded by the Sherif of Mecca.Sherif of Mecca.

2. Great Britain will guarantee the Holy Places against all 2. Great Britain will guarantee the Holy Places against all external aggression and will recognize their inviolability.external aggression and will recognize their inviolability.

3. When the situation admits, Great Britain will give to the 3. When the situation admits, Great Britain will give to the Arabs her advice and will assist them to establish what may Arabs her advice and will assist them to establish what may appear to be the most suitable forms of government in appear to be the most suitable forms of government in those various territories. those various territories.

ME, pp. 115-116

Zionist rationale:Zionist rationale:

““Everywhere we are rejected. We are Everywhere we are rejected. We are pushed out of everywhere. We are pushed out of everywhere. We are considered aliens. . .But Judea shall considered aliens. . .But Judea shall rise again. Let our own lives be an rise again. Let our own lives be an example to our people. Let us forsake example to our people. Let us forsake our lives in foreign lands and stand on our lives in foreign lands and stand on firm ground on the land of our firm ground on the land of our forefathers. Let us reach for shovels forefathers. Let us reach for shovels and plows.”and plows.”

The Balfour Declaration,1917

Expressing support for “the establishment in Palestine of a nationalhome for the Jewishpeople…it being clearlyunderstood that nothingshall be done which mayprejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine…”

See ME, pp. 170-171

Three events that “save” Three events that “save” political Zionismpolitical Zionism

Theodore Herzl’s message – secular and desire to gain Great Power okay.Theodore Herzl’s message – secular and desire to gain Great Power okay.

See ME., pp. 165-167.See ME., pp. 165-167.

immigration – aliyahs, but gradually, “to proceed slowly without revealing their longtime immigration – aliyahs, but gradually, “to proceed slowly without revealing their longtime goal” (ME, p. 149)goal” (ME, p. 149)

World War I and need of British for allies in the Middle East and in Britain.World War I and need of British for allies in the Middle East and in Britain.

ME, pp. 117-118

“Too much promised land”

Prof. Sarsar

King-Crane Commission, 1919King-Crane Commission, 1919

“a national home for the Jewish people is not equivalent to making Palestine into a Jewish state”

“nor can the erection of such a Jewish state be accomplished without the gravest trespass upon the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine”

“the fact came out repeatedly in the Commission’s conference with Jewish representatives that the Zionists looked forward toa practically complete dispossession of the present non-Jewishinhabitants of Palestine”

“the initial claim, often submitted by Zionist representatives, that they have a ‘right’ to Palestine, based on an occupation of two thousand years ago, can hardly be seriously considered”

Balfour’s Response:

“in Palestine we do not propose even to go through the form of consulting the wishes of the present inhabitants of the country, though the American Commission has been going through the form of asking what they are. The four great powers are committed to Zionism, and Zionism, be it right or wrong, good or bad, is rooted in age-long tradition, in present needs, in future hopes, of far profounder import than the desires and prejudices of the 700,000 Arabs who now inhabit that ancient land.”

What role did Great Britain play What role did Great Britain play in Palestine after WWI?in Palestine after WWI?

Why was partition decided on Why was partition decided on as a solution to the conflict?as a solution to the conflict?

Factors Contributing to the ConflictFactors Contributing to the Conflict

ImmigrationImmigration

Economic dislocations – the Economic dislocations – the kibbutzimkibbutzim

Land transfersLand transfers

The British role.The British role.

Jewish Immigration (Aliyahs)Jewish Immigration (Aliyahs)

“People for a land in a land without people”“People for a land in a land without people”Ben Gurion, 1917Ben Gurion, 1917

1882-1903 20-30,0001882-1903 20-30,000 1905-19141905-1914 35-40,000 35-40,000

(Most in late teens, socialist leanings, kibbutzim)(Most in late teens, socialist leanings, kibbutzim)

1917-1923 35,0001917-1923 35,000 1924-19311924-1931 82,000 82,000 1932-1938 217,0001932-1938 217,000

(By 1938, 413,000 Jews in Palestine)(By 1938, 413,000 Jews in Palestine)

1,100,000 non-Jews1,100,000 non-Jews

(Between 1922-1939 the population doubled)(Between 1922-1939 the population doubled)

Jewish migration to PalestineJewish migration to Palestine Began in the 1920sBegan in the 1920s

1920: 95% Palestinian; 5% Jewish [29,000]1920: 95% Palestinian; 5% Jewish [29,000]

1947: 68% Palestinian; 32% Jewish [630,000]1947: 68% Palestinian; 32% Jewish [630,000]

Jewish population after the creation of Israel:Jewish population after the creation of Israel:

– 1948: 0.8 million 1948: 0.8 million – 1964: 2.4 million1964: 2.4 million– Now: approximately 6.4 millionNow: approximately 6.4 million– Latest population influx after the disintegration of Latest population influx after the disintegration of

USSRUSSR

1939 British suspends ALL immigration to Palestine1939 British suspends ALL immigration to Palestine

Key Events in Interwar PeriodKey Events in Interwar Period1939-1949 “Tragic Decade”1939-1949 “Tragic Decade”

1929 and 1936 Arab Revolts. See ME, pp. 1929 and 1936 Arab Revolts. See ME, pp. 177-182 (Role of al-Qassam)177-182 (Role of al-Qassam)

1937 Peel Commission – recommend 1937 Peel Commission – recommend eventual partition. See ME, pp. 184-186.eventual partition. See ME, pp. 184-186.

1939 White Paper – halt Jewish immigration.1939 White Paper – halt Jewish immigration. Zionist Terrorist Groups – Irgun, Haganah, Zionist Terrorist Groups – Irgun, Haganah,

Stern Gang. See ME, pp. 174-176.Stern Gang. See ME, pp. 174-176. WWII and the Holocaust.WWII and the Holocaust.

United Nations Partition Plan, 1947 United Nations Partition Plan, 1947

Tan: Jewish stateGrey: Arab stateWhite: International zone

See ME, pp. 188-192

Holy City of JerusalemHoly City of Jerusalem

Dome of the Rock

Church of the HolySepulcher

The Western Wall

Armed conflicts over IsraelArmed conflicts over Israel 1948-49: War after creation of Israel1948-49: War after creation of Israel

1967: The “Six-Day War” initiated by Israel1967: The “Six-Day War” initiated by Israel– Preemptive war to create protective buffer Preemptive war to create protective buffer

around Israelaround Israel– Tripled Israeli territory in six daysTripled Israeli territory in six days– Placed 1.5 million Palestinians under Israeli rulePlaced 1.5 million Palestinians under Israeli rule

1973: “Yom Kippur War” 1973: “Yom Kippur War” – Egypt and Syria attack unsuccessfully in Sinai Egypt and Syria attack unsuccessfully in Sinai

and Golan Heightsand Golan Heights

Before 1967 After 1967

““Occupied” / “Disputed” TerritoriesOccupied” / “Disputed” Territories

After 1967, the focus of the Palestinian-After 1967, the focus of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict shifted from recognition of Israeli conflict shifted from recognition of Israel to status of the “occupied” or Israel to status of the “occupied” or “disputed” territories“disputed” territories

Sinai Peninsula was returned to Egypt Sinai Peninsula was returned to Egypt 19821982

Jewish settlers left the Gaza Strip summer Jewish settlers left the Gaza Strip summer 2005 2005

The Palestinian Liberation The Palestinian Liberation Organization [PLO]Organization [PLO]

Created in 1964 as a Created in 1964 as a government in exilegovernment in exile

Leader: Yasir Arafat [d. Leader: Yasir Arafat [d. 2004]2004]

1974: PLO recognized by 1974: PLO recognized by the U.N. as representative of the U.N. as representative of the Palestinian peoplethe Palestinian people

1987 and 2000 used 1987 and 2000 used strategy of strategy of intifadaintifada [uprising] [uprising] to oppose Israeli ruleto oppose Israeli rule

Became Palestinian Became Palestinian Authority 1993; current Authority 1993; current leader Mahmoud Abbasleader Mahmoud Abbas

Where are the Palestinians?

The largest group of refugeesin the world today.

Israel: 1 millionJordan: 1.5 millionGaza: 825,000West Bank: 583,000Saudi Arabia: 123,000Iraq: 90,000Syria: 383,200Lebanon: 376,500Egypt: 40,000N. Africa: 13,000Kuwait: 35,000

80% left in 1948.44% of Jordan’s population are displaced and refugee Palestinians

Israel rejects the “right of return” forrefugees.

http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/fellows/israel/intro.html

Pursuing PeacePursuing Peace U.N. Resolution 242 (1967)U.N. Resolution 242 (1967)

– Called for withdrawal of Israeli forces from territories occupied Called for withdrawal of Israeli forces from territories occupied in 1967in 1967

– Called for Israel, Egypt, Syria, and Jordan to recognize one Called for Israel, Egypt, Syria, and Jordan to recognize one anotheranother

Separate peace agreements between Israel and Egypt Separate peace agreements between Israel and Egypt (1978) and Israel and Jordan (1994)(1978) and Israel and Jordan (1994)

Oslo Agreement (1993) “Land for Peace”Oslo Agreement (1993) “Land for Peace”– Palestinians abandon armed struggle and accept Israel’s right Palestinians abandon armed struggle and accept Israel’s right

to rule over 78% of mandate Palestineto rule over 78% of mandate Palestine

– In return they receive the remaining 22% (West Bank, Gaza, In return they receive the remaining 22% (West Bank, Gaza, Arab East Jerusalem)Arab East Jerusalem)

George W. Bush: 2002 “two-state solution,” RoadmapGeorge W. Bush: 2002 “two-state solution,” Roadmap

http://www.mideastweb.org/maps.htm

Egypt-Nasser, Sadat, Mubarak –Arab Socialism and Pan-Arabism

Iraq - Hussein-Baathist Socialism

Syria – Asad – Baathist Socialism

Libya – Qadafi – Green Socialism

Turkey - Secular Republic

Iran – Shah, Khomeini, Ahmadinejad –Islamism

Saudi Arabia – “Family w/ Flags”, Wahabi Islam

Final Status IssuesFinal Status Issues

Jerusalem – who should control it?Jerusalem – who should control it?

Israeli security – right of Israel to exist.Israeli security – right of Israel to exist.

Palestinian refugees – right of returnPalestinian refugees – right of return

Borders – how to determine?Borders – how to determine?– ““LAND FOR PEACE”LAND FOR PEACE”

Continuing ConflictContinuing Conflict Hamas, Hezbollah, and Hamas, Hezbollah, and

other extremist groups other extremist groups reject right of Israel to reject right of Israel to exist and reject all exist and reject all negotiations with Israelnegotiations with Israel

Violent acts on both sides Violent acts on both sides invite violent reprisals, invite violent reprisals, continuing the cycle of continuing the cycle of violenceviolence

Wall and Jewish Wall and Jewish settlement in West Banksettlement in West Bank

Gaza: Palestinian state Gaza: Palestinian state or “prison?”or “prison?”

LebanonLebanon Until civil war [1975-90] Until civil war [1975-90]

Lebanon was the Lebanon was the “Switzerland of the “Switzerland of the Middle East”Middle East”

1976-2005 Syrian 1976-2005 Syrian forcesforcesLebanonLebanon

1978-2000 Israeli forces1978-2000 Israeli forces S. Lebanon S. Lebanon– Hezbollah forms against Hezbollah forms against

IsraelIsrael

Summer 2006 war Summer 2006 war between Hezbollah and between Hezbollah and IsraelIsrael

Until 1975, Beirut was consideredthe “Paris of the Middle East”

The cornerstone of peace in Iraq?The cornerstone of peace in Iraq?

““The United States will not be able to achieve The United States will not be able to achieve its goals in the Middle East unless [it] deals its goals in the Middle East unless [it] deals directly with the Arab-Israeli conflict.” directly with the Arab-Israeli conflict.”

RECOMMENDATION 13: RECOMMENDATION 13: There must be a There must be a renewed and sustained commitment renewed and sustained commitment by the United States to a by the United States to a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace on comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace on all fronts: Lebanon and Syria, and all fronts: Lebanon and Syria, and President Bush’s June 2002 President Bush’s June 2002 commitment to a two-state solution commitment to a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.for Israel and Palestine.

The Iraq Study Group ReportThe Iraq Study Group Report

Annapolis 11/27/07Annapolis 11/27/07