Emergence of the Modern State of Israel

Emergence of the Modern State of Israel

Israel Today Parliamentary Democracy Democratic/Socialist Prime Minister- Benjamin Netanyahu Closely linked to the US and western Europe (US is their #1 trading partner)( and the US gives them $3 billion/year in aid) Strong military , diverse economy KEY POINT TO REMEMBER: MOST MID-EAST NATIONS SEE ISRAEL AS AN ENEMY---THE US SEES ISRAEL AS A CLOSE FRIEND

Zionism According to Judaic religious beliefs the area of Canaan/Palestine/Israel was given them by God. In the time of the Romans (70 C. E. (AD) the Jewish people were driven from Palestine. In the 1880’s Zionism (The movement that encouraged the recreation of a Jewish nation. ) begins. Jewish settlers move to the area of Palestine Theodor Herzl: founder of Zionism

World War I and WWII Allies vs. Central Powers in WWI The war in the Mid-east involves Britain vs. Ottoman Turks (they had conquered the Mideast back in the 1400’s). To help them defeat the Turks the Balfour Declaration is issued by Great Britain (this convinces more Zionist’s to immigrate) The aftermath of the Holocaust in WWII led to more immigration

UN Partition of Palestine The United Nations establishes the TWO nations of Israel and Palestine in 1947. This is opposed by the Arab nations.

Arab/Israeli Wars 1948 War for Independence 1956 Israel vs Egypt 1967 Six Day War 1973 Yom Kippur War

6 Day War Israel launches a preemptive strike after learning of planned Arab attack. Israel seizes territory from Egypt, Syria, Jordan Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights, West Bank Israel regains control of Jerusalem

Israelis vs. Palestinians Q: During Arab conflicts what happened to Palestinian Arabs? A: They were displaced into neighboring countries PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) formed Yasser Arafat-becomes the “de facto” leader of the Palestinians (died in 2006) PLO originally demand the destruction of Israel (but this moderated over time) Intifadah- Palestinian uprising against Israel (1980’s, 20002005)

PLO, Yasser Arafat, and the Struggle For Recognition

Attempts at Peace Camp David Treaty 1979 Significance… First Arab-Israeli Treaty Causes much dispute among Arab nations and Egypt. Oslo Accords 1993 Secret negotiations- but eventually signed by Rabin, Arafat Sadat and Begin

The Oslo peace agreement was never completely carried out. Why?

Anger of Palestinians (click to play)

Current Situation Over the years Israel has moved settlers into what was Palestine (West Bank area) Mahmoud Abbas is the Palestinian prime minister (Palestinian Authority) (but not accepted by many Palestinians) Most jobs for Palestinians are in Israeli territory. When terrorists atttack, Israel closes her borders to traffic. ( Economic pressure- hurts Palestinians) Hamas (political/terrorist group controls the Gaza Strip (Israel blocks trade with Gaza) Palestine wants to declare independence

Security Fence Built by Israel to stop terrorist attacks (view Friedman’s Effects of the Wall)

Issues Causing Conflict The continued Palestinian terrorist attacks (Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, Hamas). Attacks based out of Lebanon and Gaza The continued Israeli retaliation The occupation and settlement of the West Bank, Jerusalem & Golan Heights More than 4000 dead from both sides in the last 6 years. Who Will Own Jerusalem

The Future Hope For The Future?