Middle East in Transition The Arab-Israeli Conflict

Middle East in Middle East in TransitionTransition

The Arab-The Arab-Israeli ConflictIsraeli Conflict

Middle East in TransitionMiddle East in Transition Background to the Arab-Israeli Background to the Arab-Israeli

conflictconflict The creation of modern Israel The creation of modern Israel Israel at warIsrael at war Camp DavidCamp David Arab-Israeli negotiations in the Arab-Israeli negotiations in the

1990s1990s The collapse of the peace processThe collapse of the peace process The tenure of Ariel Sharon and the The tenure of Ariel Sharon and the

war on terrorismwar on terrorism

Middle East in TransitionMiddle East in Transition The Arab-Israeli ConflictThe Arab-Israeli Conflict

One of the most dangerous One of the most dangerous confrontations in the Middle Eastconfrontations in the Middle East

Many international actorsMany international actorsMany questionsMany questions

Why are the two sides opposed?Why are the two sides opposed?Why so violent?Why so violent?Why haven’t outside efforts been Why haven’t outside efforts been effective?effective?

Middle East in TransitionMiddle East in TransitionBackground to the conflictBackground to the conflict

Conflict has been around for thousands Conflict has been around for thousands of yearsof years 586 BCE, the Jewish Kingdom in what is now 586 BCE, the Jewish Kingdom in what is now

Israel was conquered by the Babylonians, Israel was conquered by the Babylonians, modern day Iraq – Jews put into slaverymodern day Iraq – Jews put into slavery

538 BCE, the Persians defeat the 538 BCE, the Persians defeat the Babylonians and many Jews returned to Babylonians and many Jews returned to their homeland – start a new state and are their homeland – start a new state and are independent until 63 BCEindependent until 63 BCE

63 BCE, the Jewish kingdom is incorporated 63 BCE, the Jewish kingdom is incorporated into the Roman Empireinto the Roman Empire

70 CE, the Romans destroy the Temple in 70 CE, the Romans destroy the Temple in Jerusalem and the Jewish people are Jerusalem and the Jewish people are scattered throughout the Roman Empirescattered throughout the Roman Empire



From 63 BCE until 1948, no Jewish From 63 BCE until 1948, no Jewish statestate

During the time between 70 AD and 1948 During the time between 70 AD and 1948 AD, Arabs and the Islamic religion AD, Arabs and the Islamic religion predominated in the territory – for over predominated in the territory – for over 1,000 years the area belonged to an Arab 1,000 years the area belonged to an Arab group called the Palestiniansgroup called the Palestinians

The big question then is, “Whose The big question then is, “Whose property is it?”property is it?”


To complicate this question, when large To complicate this question, when large numbers of Jews began returning to numbers of Jews began returning to Palestine in the 1880s to avoid Palestine in the 1880s to avoid persecution in Europe, they purchased persecution in Europe, they purchased land from the Palestinians land from the Palestinians

When Israel was created in 1948, the When Israel was created in 1948, the Israelis terminated Palestinian property Israelis terminated Palestinian property rights and took over the Arab landrights and took over the Arab land

The same thing that the Arabs had done The same thing that the Arabs had done roughly 1900 years before – The question roughly 1900 years before – The question still remains “Whose property is it?”still remains “Whose property is it?”

Jewish land ownership in Jewish land ownership in 19471947

Desert


Some Arabs and Jews have adopted Some Arabs and Jews have adopted views that are tolerant of each views that are tolerant of each other; however, others have not and other; however, others have not and they use their religion to rationalize they use their religion to rationalize their hostility - amazing since both their hostility - amazing since both Judaism and Islam stem from a Judaism and Islam stem from a common ancestor, Abrahamcommon ancestor, Abraham

Bottomline: Conflict between Arabs Bottomline: Conflict between Arabs and Jews is long-standing – both and Jews is long-standing – both sides believe their own unique sides believe their own unique historical views on the conflict are historical views on the conflict are accurateaccurate

Middle East in TransitionMiddle East in TransitionThe Creation of Modern IsraelThe Creation of Modern Israel

For almost 1,900 years the Jewish people had For almost 1,900 years the Jewish people had no stateno state They became members of the societies where they They became members of the societies where they

lived or they maintained their traditional practices lived or they maintained their traditional practices and customs and were often persecuted in their and customs and were often persecuted in their adopted homelandadopted homeland

As time and persecution went on, some Jews As time and persecution went on, some Jews founded a movement to create a Jewish homeland – founded a movement to create a Jewish homeland – this was called Zionism this was called Zionism

Zionism gained little ground until after WW I – Zionism gained little ground until after WW I – Britain used the promise of a homeland to solidify Britain used the promise of a homeland to solidify Jewish support for the warJewish support for the war

Great Britain issued the Balfour Declaration which Great Britain issued the Balfour Declaration which promised to support a national homeland for the promised to support a national homeland for the Jewish people in the territory of ancient Israel Jewish people in the territory of ancient Israel


Following WW I, the League of Following WW I, the League of Nations gave Great Britain control Nations gave Great Britain control of Palestineof Palestine

During the 1920s, thousands of Jews During the 1920s, thousands of Jews moved to Palestine – inflamed anti-moved to Palestine – inflamed anti-Jewish Arab nationalism in PalestineJewish Arab nationalism in Palestine

After WW II and the Holocaust, After WW II and the Holocaust, Zionism became an even more Zionism became an even more powerful force in the world’s Jewish powerful force in the world’s Jewish community -many more thousands of community -many more thousands of Jews migrated to PalestineJews migrated to Palestine


Britain was in a difficult situation – Britain was in a difficult situation – how to support a Jewish homeland how to support a Jewish homeland while protecting their oil and while protecting their oil and strategic interestsstrategic interests Slowed Jewish immigration to Palestine Slowed Jewish immigration to Palestine Jews responded with terrorism against Jews responded with terrorism against

the Britishthe British Britain turns Palestine over to the new Britain turns Palestine over to the new

United NationsUnited Nations


U.S. and Soviet Union U.S. and Soviet Union collaborated with the U.N. on collaborated with the U.N. on a solution – Partition a solution – Partition PalestinePalestine Jewish state along the Jewish state along the

Mediterranean and a Mediterranean and a Palestinian state mostly inland Palestinian state mostly inland

Not a perfect solution and not Not a perfect solution and not accepted by everyone, accepted by everyone, especially the Arabsespecially the Arabs



With this backing, the Jews in With this backing, the Jews in the region moved quickly and the region moved quickly and proclaimed Israeli proclaimed Israeli independence on May 14, independence on May 14, 19481948

The U.S. is the first to The U.S. is the first to recognize Israel and the recognize Israel and the Soviet Union soon followedSoviet Union soon followed

Middle East in TransitionMiddle East in TransitionIsrael at WarIsrael at War

Almost immediately Egypt, Iraq, Almost immediately Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria attacked Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria attacked IsraelIsrael

Israel asks for UN help => four Israel asks for UN help => four week cease-fireweek cease-fire Israel uses time to get weapons from Israel uses time to get weapons from

CzechoslovakiaCzechoslovakia Israel counterattacks and pushed Israel counterattacks and pushed

the Arabs back into Arab territorythe Arabs back into Arab territory Egypt sues for peace and the U.S. Egypt sues for peace and the U.S.

arranges a region-wide ceasefire arranges a region-wide ceasefire


Israel now occupied the lands set Israel now occupied the lands set aside for the Palestinians and aside for the Palestinians and decided to keep itdecided to keep it At least 750,000 Palestinians fled At least 750,000 Palestinians fled

Palestine and moved into squalid Palestine and moved into squalid refugee camps in surrounding Arab refugee camps in surrounding Arab countries countries

Arabs accuse Israel of expansionismArabs accuse Israel of expansionism Three more major wars will followThree more major wars will follow



Israeli War of Independence Israeli War of Independence 1948/19491948/1949

ForcesForcesLossesLosses

EgyptEgypt 300,000 300,000 2,0002,000 Israel Israel 140,000 140,000

6,3736,373 (Trans) Jordan 60,000(Trans) Jordan 60,000 1,0001,000 SyriaSyria 300,000300,000 1,0001,000


1956 – France, Britain and Israel 1956 – France, Britain and Israel attack Egypt when Egypt attack Egypt when Egypt threatens to close the Suez Canal threatens to close the Suez Canal and appeared to move closer to and appeared to move closer to the Soviet Cold War Campthe Soviet Cold War Camp

U.S. and Soviet Union insisted U.S. and Soviet Union insisted that France, Britain and Israel that France, Britain and Israel withdraw and all three complied withdraw and all three complied with no change in territorial with no change in territorial boundariesboundaries

Middle East in TransitionMiddle East in TransitionIsrael at War (1956)Israel at War (1956)


Sinai Campaign 1956Sinai Campaign 1956ForcesForces LossesLosses

BritainBritain 2,000 2,000 2020 Egypt Egypt 300,000 300,000 3,0003,000 FranceFrance 1,0001,000 1010 IsraelIsrael 175,000175,000 231231Israeli figures are Israeli figures are actual casualtiesactual casualties in in

battle. Figures for the Arab armies are battle. Figures for the Arab armies are estimates.estimates.


1967 – The Six Day War - Arab states surrounding 1967 – The Six Day War - Arab states surrounding Israel mobilized for war – Israel attacks first and Israel mobilized for war – Israel attacks first and in 6 days wins stunning military victoryin 6 days wins stunning military victory

Israel acquires the Gaza Strip and Sinai Peninsula Israel acquires the Gaza Strip and Sinai Peninsula from Egypt, the Golan Heights from Syria, and from Egypt, the Golan Heights from Syria, and Jerusalem and the West Bank of the River Jordan Jerusalem and the West Bank of the River Jordan from Jordanfrom Jordan

After the war Israel agreed to UN Security Council After the war Israel agreed to UN Security Council Resolution 242 requiring the return of Arab land Resolution 242 requiring the return of Arab land acquired during the war in return for Arab acquired during the war in return for Arab acceptance of Israelacceptance of Israel When the Arabs refuse and declare they will continue to When the Arabs refuse and declare they will continue to

fight Israel, Israel refuses to return the captured fight Israel, Israel refuses to return the captured territories and begins moving in settlersterritories and begins moving in settlers




Six Day War 1967Six Day War 1967ForcesForces LossesLosses

Egypt Egypt 400,000 400,000 10,00010,000 IraqIraq 250,000250,000 2,0002,000 IsraelIsrael 200,000200,000 776776 JordanJordan 60,00060,000 5,0005,000 SyriaSyria 300,000300,000 1,0001,000Israeli figures are Israeli figures are actual casualtiesactual casualties in battle. in battle. Figures for the Arab armies are estimates.Figures for the Arab armies are estimates.


Israel now occupied Arab land – the Sinai Israel now occupied Arab land – the Sinai had been part of Egypt for 5,000 yearshad been part of Egypt for 5,000 years

Israel had caused thousands of Israel had caused thousands of Palestinians to flood into neighboring Arab Palestinians to flood into neighboring Arab states and Israel now controlled lands states and Israel now controlled lands where thousands of Arabs still livedwhere thousands of Arabs still lived

The PLO and Yasser Arafat became the The PLO and Yasser Arafat became the leadership for the liberation of Palestine – leadership for the liberation of Palestine – terrorism by the PLO will intensify against terrorism by the PLO will intensify against Israel and countries who support itIsrael and countries who support it


Fourth and most recent major Arab-Israeli Fourth and most recent major Arab-Israeli war was fought in 1973war was fought in 1973

Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack during the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippurduring the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur Initially very successful – Israel lost a large Initially very successful – Israel lost a large

number of aircraft to new Soviet air defense number of aircraft to new Soviet air defense systems deployed by Egypt – also lost a large systems deployed by Egypt – also lost a large number of tanks to new Soviet anti-tank number of tanks to new Soviet anti-tank missilesmissiles

A massive U.S. re-supply gave Israel the A massive U.S. re-supply gave Israel the equipment to counterattack and repulse the equipment to counterattack and repulse the attackattack



Yom Kippur WarYom Kippur War 19731973ForcesForces

LossesLosses Egypt Egypt 400,000 400,000 5,0005,000 IraqIraq 400,000400,000 5,0005,000 IsraelIsrael 200,000200,000 2,6882,688 JordanJordan 60,00060,000 1,0001,000 SyriaSyria 350,000350,000 8,0008,000Israeli figures are Israeli figures are actual casualtiesactual casualties in battle. in battle. Figures for the Arab armies are estimates.Figures for the Arab armies are estimates.


Unfortunately the counterattack went Unfortunately the counterattack went better than anticipated or desired by the better than anticipated or desired by the U.S. and the Soviet Union U.S. and the Soviet Union

Israeli forces crossed into southern Egypt Israeli forces crossed into southern Egypt and moved north to encircle the Egyptian and moved north to encircle the Egyptian Third Army – it meant the potential Third Army – it meant the potential destruction of the Egyptian Army and left destruction of the Egyptian Army and left Cairo open for attack by IsraelCairo open for attack by Israel

This led Soviet Union to prepare to deploy This led Soviet Union to prepare to deploy an airborne division to Egypt to support an airborne division to Egypt to support the Egyptian armythe Egyptian army



President Nixon informed the Soviets that President Nixon informed the Soviets that Soviet intervention in the conflict would be Soviet intervention in the conflict would be met by a U.S. response – U.S. nuclear met by a U.S. response – U.S. nuclear forces were placed on high alertforces were placed on high alert

The U.S. convinced the Israelis to halt The U.S. convinced the Israelis to halt their attack and eventually to withdraw to their attack and eventually to withdraw to the east bank of the Suezthe east bank of the Suez

In retaliation for the U.S. support to In retaliation for the U.S. support to Israel, Arab oil-producing states Israel, Arab oil-producing states temporarily stopped shipping oil to the temporarily stopped shipping oil to the U.S. U.S.

Led to high gas prices and gas rationingLed to high gas prices and gas rationing


On the Syrian Front the Israelis On the Syrian Front the Israelis counterattacked and pushed the Syrians counterattacked and pushed the Syrians out of the Golan Heightsout of the Golan Heights The Heights are a strategically and tactically The Heights are a strategically and tactically

important area for the defense of Israelimportant area for the defense of Israel Israel refuses to return them to SyriaIsrael refuses to return them to Syria

Middle East in TransitionMiddle East in TransitionCamp DavidCamp David

In 1977, President Jimmy Carter In 1977, President Jimmy Carter proposed a meeting to address the proposed a meeting to address the conflicts between Arabs and Jewsconflicts between Arabs and Jews

The new initiative sought to The new initiative sought to involve the involve the Soviet UnionSoviet Union because because of their influence with the of their influence with the PLOPLO and radical Arab Statesand radical Arab States

Neither Neither IsraelIsrael nor nor EgyptEgypt were were pleased with the proposal to pleased with the proposal to include the Sovietsinclude the Soviets EgyptEgypt’s President Anwar Sadat ’s President Anwar Sadat

proposed to negotiate directly with proposed to negotiate directly with IsraelIsrael and and IsraelIsrael agreed agreed


Sadat hoped that his visit would lead to a Sadat hoped that his visit would lead to a peace treatypeace treaty where Israel would trade where Israel would trade captured Egyptian territory for captured Egyptian territory for diplomatic diplomatic recognition, security, and peacerecognition, security, and peace

Sadat also hoped for some form of Sadat also hoped for some form of self-self-determinationdetermination for the Palestinians for the Palestinians


Sadat’s visit was a Sadat’s visit was a diplomatic diplomatic success; success; however, Israel refused to trade land however, Israel refused to trade land for peacefor peace

Israel did offer the West Bank and Israel did offer the West Bank and Gaza Strip limited Gaza Strip limited self-ruleself-rule but not but not self-determinationself-determination

Israel continued to encourage Israelis Israel continued to encourage Israelis to settle in the to settle in the West BankWest Bank


Sadat and the U.S. saw Israel’s refusal Sadat and the U.S. saw Israel’s refusal as an insult and an effort to as an insult and an effort to undermine undermine UN Resolution 242UN Resolution 242

Meanwhile many Arabs were angry at Meanwhile many Arabs were angry at Sadat and several Arab states broke Sadat and several Arab states broke diplomatic relations diplomatic relations and and boycotted boycotted trade with Egypt, some Arabs called trade with Egypt, some Arabs called for Sadat’s for Sadat’s assassinationassassination


In a last try for peace President In a last try for peace President Carter invited Sadat and Israeli Carter invited Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Prime Minister Menachem BeginMenachem Begin to Camp David to discuss a peace to Camp David to discuss a peace settlementsettlement


In what became known as the In what became known as the Camp Camp David Accords, David Accords, Begin and Sadat reached Begin and Sadat reached agreement on several issues and agreement on several issues and committed their countries to sign a committed their countries to sign a peace treatypeace treaty which was accomplished in which was accomplished in March 1979March 1979 Israel agreed to temporarily freeze new Israel agreed to temporarily freeze new

settlements in the Occupied territories, settlements in the Occupied territories, recognize the legitimate rights of the recognize the legitimate rights of the Palestinians and to return the Sinai Palestinians and to return the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt – Sinai returned in 1982Peninsula to Egypt – Sinai returned in 1982

Egypt recognized Israel’s right Egypt recognized Israel’s right to exist to exist


Unfortunately Egypt was now Unfortunately Egypt was now isolatedisolated in the Arab world in the Arab world

Even though Begin agreed to Even though Begin agreed to recognize the rights of Palestinians recognize the rights of Palestinians and allow them to participate in and allow them to participate in negotiations, he announced that negotiations, he announced that Israel would never Israel would never withdrawwithdraw from from the land it acquired in 1967 the land it acquired in 1967

6 October 1981


Throughout the 1980s and into Throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s Israel increased its the 1990s Israel increased its settlement programssettlement programs on the West on the West BankBank

As a result, in 1987, Palestinians As a result, in 1987, Palestinians began the first began the first intifadaintifada, an , an uprising against the Israeli uprising against the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Stripthe Gaza Strip

Middle East in TransitionMiddle East in TransitionArab-Israeli Negotiations in the Arab-Israeli Negotiations in the

1990s1990s Following the 1991 Persian Gulf War, the Following the 1991 Persian Gulf War, the

U.S. reinitiated efforts to resolve the Arab-U.S. reinitiated efforts to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflictIsraeli conflict

Arab negotiators wanted the return of land Arab negotiators wanted the return of land taken in 1967 (Golan Heights), the end of taken in 1967 (Golan Heights), the end of Israeli settlements, and Palestinian rule in Israeli settlements, and Palestinian rule in the Occupied Territories (Gaza and West the Occupied Territories (Gaza and West Bank)Bank)

Israel suggested only limited self-rule and Israel suggested only limited self-rule and put off discussion of returning the Golan put off discussion of returning the Golan Heights to Syria – some willingness to talk Heights to Syria – some willingness to talk with the PLOwith the PLO


1990s1990s Three events occurred that pushed the Three events occurred that pushed the

Israelis and the Arabs toward peace talksIsraelis and the Arabs toward peace talks Labor Party in Israel won June 1992 elections and Labor Party in Israel won June 1992 elections and

Yitzhak Rabin became the Prime Minister – he Yitzhak Rabin became the Prime Minister – he pledged to explore every possible avenue toward pledged to explore every possible avenue toward peacepeace

Because of the Persian Gulf War, Saudi Arabia, Because of the Persian Gulf War, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait slashed donations to the PLO – Iraq, and Kuwait slashed donations to the PLO – PLO money was drying upPLO money was drying up

Many Palestinians were joining Hamas, the Islamic Many Palestinians were joining Hamas, the Islamic Resistance Movement that called for the total Resistance Movement that called for the total destruction of Israel and its replacement by an destruction of Israel and its replacement by an Islamic state – the PLO was losing influence and it Islamic state – the PLO was losing influence and it was time for Israel to negotiate with the PLO or was time for Israel to negotiate with the PLO or risk greater confrontations with Hamasrisk greater confrontations with Hamas


1990s1990s Oslo Accords 1993Oslo Accords 1993

After a series of secret negotiations in Oslo, After a series of secret negotiations in Oslo, Norway; the Israelis and the PLO exchanged Norway; the Israelis and the PLO exchanged letters recognizing each other’s legitimacy letters recognizing each other’s legitimacy and on September 13 at the invitation of and on September 13 at the invitation of President Clinton, Israeli Prime Minister President Clinton, Israeli Prime Minister Rabin and PLO Chairman Arafat signed the Rabin and PLO Chairman Arafat signed the Declaration of Principals or Oslo AccordsDeclaration of Principals or Oslo Accords Called for limited Palestinian control of the Gaza Called for limited Palestinian control of the Gaza

Strip and West Bank town of JerichoStrip and West Bank town of Jericho Called for additional confidence-building steps in Called for additional confidence-building steps in

the future so that issues like Israeli settlements the future so that issues like Israeli settlements and the future of Jerusalem can be negotiatedand the future of Jerusalem can be negotiated

The accords also eased tensions between Israel and The accords also eased tensions between Israel and its two other immediate Arab neighbors, Jordan and its two other immediate Arab neighbors, Jordan and SyriaSyria



Many Palestinians, Arabs and Many Palestinians, Arabs and conservative Israelis were upset with the conservative Israelis were upset with the agreementsagreements Hamas threatened to do everything it could Hamas threatened to do everything it could

to undermine the agreementto undermine the agreement Conservative Israelis and West Bank settlers Conservative Israelis and West Bank settlers

were against the accords – they believed that were against the accords – they believed that Rabin had sold out to the PLORabin had sold out to the PLO

Some warned they would do anything necessary to Some warned they would do anything necessary to protect their property protect their property

Others warned that they would never accept Others warned that they would never accept Palestinian rulePalestinian rule



Over the next year, the Palestinians Over the next year, the Palestinians developed the Palestinian National developed the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) to govern the territory Authority (PNA) to govern the territory handed over by Israelhanded over by Israel Developed Police ForceDeveloped Police Force Selected a President – Yasser ArafatSelected a President – Yasser Arafat Elected a ParliamentElected a Parliament

Violence continued by both the Israelis Violence continued by both the Israelis and Palestinians opposed to the peace and Palestinians opposed to the peace processprocess


1990s1990s After Oslo After Oslo

1994, 1994, Israel Israel and and JordanJordan forge historic forge historic peace agreement – Jordan’s King Hussein peace agreement – Jordan’s King Hussein becomes an important negotiator between becomes an important negotiator between Israel and the PalestiniansIsrael and the Palestinians

1995, Israelis and Palestinians are in the 1995, Israelis and Palestinians are in the second stage of transferring the West second stage of transferring the West Bank to Palestinian controlBank to Palestinian control

Secular and moderate Israelis favored the Secular and moderate Israelis favored the land-for-peace processland-for-peace process while religious and while religious and ultranationalist Israelis strongly ultranationalist Israelis strongly opposedopposed itit

Dissatisfaction ultimately symbolized by the Dissatisfaction ultimately symbolized by the assassination of Prime Minister Rabin by a assassination of Prime Minister Rabin by a Jewish fundamentalistJewish fundamentalist



1996, in a very close election Likud 1996, in a very close election Likud candidate Benyamin Netanyahu was candidate Benyamin Netanyahu was elected Prime Minister over then Prime elected Prime Minister over then Prime Minister Shimon Peres – Netanyahu ruled Minister Shimon Peres – Netanyahu ruled with an uneasy with an uneasy coalitioncoalition of right-wing of right-wing nationalists and assorted religious nationalists and assorted religious parties, all opposed to parties, all opposed to “land for peace”“land for peace”

Moderate Moderate Palestinians favored working Palestinians favored working toward a peace agreement with Israel; toward a peace agreement with Israel; however, however, HamasHamas continued to oppose the continued to oppose the peace process and they argued that peace process and they argued that negotiations negotiations had done little to improve had done little to improve Palestinians’ Palestinians’ “quality of life”“quality of life”



In the late 1990s, the Palestinian National In the late 1990s, the Palestinian National Authority became more authoritarian and this Authority became more authoritarian and this led to a split between those actively pushing for led to a split between those actively pushing for democracydemocracy and those who saw it as a and those who saw it as a luxuryluxury

These divisions only deepened as the peace These divisions only deepened as the peace process showed little hope of leading to process showed little hope of leading to improvements in Palestinian well-beingimprovements in Palestinian well-being


1990s1990s The Wye River Memorandum The Wye River Memorandum

In October 1998, the Oslo peace process was In October 1998, the Oslo peace process was stalledstalled

President Clinton brought Israeli Prime President Clinton brought Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Palestinian Minister Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Arafat the Wye River Authority President Arafat the Wye River Plantation in Maryland for a new round of Plantation in Maryland for a new round of negotiationsnegotiations

The talks faced collapse – King Hussein of The talks faced collapse – King Hussein of Jordan, stricken with cancer left his Jordan, stricken with cancer left his American hospital and intervened directlyAmerican hospital and intervened directly

With the intervention of King Hussein and With the intervention of King Hussein and U.S. pressure and promises of increased aid, U.S. pressure and promises of increased aid, there was a new Israeli-Palestinian there was a new Israeli-Palestinian agreementagreement



The agreement, known as the The agreement, known as the Wye River Wye River MemorandumMemorandum, outlined a new timetable for , outlined a new timetable for implementing the Oslo Accords and the implementing the Oslo Accords and the beginning of negotiations on the most difficult beginning of negotiations on the most difficult issues separating the two sidesissues separating the two sides

Immediately after signing the Memorandum, the Immediately after signing the Memorandum, the Palestinian Legislative Council renounced Palestinian Legislative Council renounced hostilities hostilities with Israel and with Israel and revokedrevoked the articles o the articles o the Palestinian Charter that called for the the Palestinian Charter that called for the elimination of the Jewish Stateelimination of the Jewish State

Unfortunately, Prime Minister Unfortunately, Prime Minister Netanyahu Netanyahu under under pressure from the extreme right and religious pressure from the extreme right and religious parties parties opposedopposed the deal and repeatedly delayed the deal and repeatedly delayed implementationimplementation



Prime Minister Netanyahu eventually Prime Minister Netanyahu eventually suspended suspended the agreement in December 1998the agreement in December 1998

The Israeli parliament, the Knesset, in turn The Israeli parliament, the Knesset, in turn voted for early elections – May 1999voted for early elections – May 1999

Ehud BarakEhud Barak overwhelmingly defeated overwhelmingly defeated Netanyahu – largely due to Netanyahu’s Netanyahu – largely due to Netanyahu’s unpopularity and Barak’s promises to revive unpopularity and Barak’s promises to revive the the peace processpeace process

Middle East in TransitionMiddle East in TransitionThe collapse of the Peace ProcessThe collapse of the Peace Process

In July 2000, President Clinton was In July 2000, President Clinton was eager to achieve a settlement before the eager to achieve a settlement before the end of his term – he hosted two weeks of end of his term – he hosted two weeks of intense, face-to-face negotiations intense, face-to-face negotiations between Prime Minister between Prime Minister BarakBarak and PLO and PLO Leader Yasser Leader Yasser ArafatArafat

Prime Minister Prime Minister BarakBarak believed the best believed the best strategy was to abandon the process of strategy was to abandon the process of gradual stepsgradual steps and place all concessions and place all concessions and rewards on the table, including and rewards on the table, including giving Palestinians control of 90 giving Palestinians control of 90 percent of the percent of the West BankWest Bank and authority and authority over parts of over parts of JerusalemJerusalem


For the Palestinians, the For the Palestinians, the interiminterim steps steps were important – they helped develop were important – they helped develop trusttrust in Israel’s commitment to in Israel’s commitment to honorhonor any final agreement, and Palestinian any final agreement, and Palestinian Chairman Arafat viewed the steps as Chairman Arafat viewed the steps as necessary for creating a more equal necessary for creating a more equal balance of powerbalance of power in advance of final in advance of final negotiationsnegotiations

Arafat dismissed the Israeli proposals Arafat dismissed the Israeli proposals as as unjustunjust; however, he failed to ; however, he failed to respond with a viable respond with a viable counteroffercounteroffer – – this led the Israelis to question his this led the Israelis to question his sinceritysincerity


The talks finally collapsed over three The talks finally collapsed over three difficult issues:difficult issues: The permanent status of JerusalemThe permanent status of Jerusalem The right of return of the Palestinian The right of return of the Palestinian

refugees to their homerefugees to their home Borders of the proposed Palestinian TerritoryBorders of the proposed Palestinian Territory

In September 2000, Israeli opposition In September 2000, Israeli opposition leader leader Ariel SharonAriel Sharon made a controversial made a controversial visit to a holy shrine for both Jews and visit to a holy shrine for both Jews and Muslims – this visit was provocative Muslims – this visit was provocative because because Muslim ClericsMuslim Clerics had generally had generally held autonomy in administering the siteheld autonomy in administering the site


Violent clashes ensued and launched a second Violent clashes ensued and launched a second intifadaintifada or uprising against the Israeli or uprising against the Israeli occupation resulting in the deaths of hundreds occupation resulting in the deaths of hundreds of people, mostly Palestinianof people, mostly Palestinian

Under pressure from many sides, Prime Under pressure from many sides, Prime Minister Barak called for new Israeli elections Minister Barak called for new Israeli elections in early 2001in early 2001

Peace negotiations started again in Taba, Egypt Peace negotiations started again in Taba, Egypt – the talks failed amidst increasing violence– the talks failed amidst increasing violence

Ariel Sharon stated that he would not honor Ariel Sharon stated that he would not honor any agreement made in Taba if elected Prime any agreement made in Taba if elected Prime Minister – in February 2001, Sharon won a Minister – in February 2001, Sharon won a decisive victorydecisive victory

Middle East in TransitionMiddle East in TransitionThe Tenure of Ariel Sharon and the War on The Tenure of Ariel Sharon and the War on

TerrorismTerrorism Upon taking office, Sharon formed a Upon taking office, Sharon formed a

national unity government with the national unity government with the opposition Labor Party – based in part on opposition Labor Party – based in part on the promise of pursuing an agreement the promise of pursuing an agreement with the Palestinianswith the Palestinians

Unfortunately the coalition was deeply Unfortunately the coalition was deeply divided over the negotiating processdivided over the negotiating process

In addition, the Palestinians deeply In addition, the Palestinians deeply mistrusted Sharon – as defense minister mistrusted Sharon – as defense minister in 1982, he oversaw the Israeli invasion in 1982, he oversaw the Israeli invasion of Lebanon and the subsequent massacre of Lebanon and the subsequent massacre of Palestinian refugees by Israeli-backed of Palestinian refugees by Israeli-backed Lebanese Christian militiasLebanese Christian militias


TerrorismTerrorism Sharon became frustrated with Arafat’s Sharon became frustrated with Arafat’s

inability, or unwillingness, to stop repeated inability, or unwillingness, to stop repeated suicide bombings in Israel by Palestinian suicide bombings in Israel by Palestinian extremists extremists

Sharon broke off contact with Arafat, Sharon broke off contact with Arafat, deployed Israeli forces in areas once deployed Israeli forces in areas once controlled by the Palestinian National controlled by the Palestinian National Authority, and adopted a policy of Authority, and adopted a policy of assassinating militant Palestinian leadersassassinating militant Palestinian leaders

Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the U.S.; the Israeli government attacks in the U.S.; the Israeli government justified its military crackdown as part of the justified its military crackdown as part of the global war on terrorismglobal war on terrorism


TerrorismTerrorism This view of cracking down on the This view of cracking down on the

Palestinian extremists received Palestinian extremists received support from the U.S. which branded support from the U.S. which branded Palestinian groups such as Hamas as Palestinian groups such as Hamas as terrorist organizationsterrorist organizations

Palestinians criticized this Palestinians criticized this characterization – they argued that characterization – they argued that Hamas was fighting for national Hamas was fighting for national liberation against an occupying armyliberation against an occupying army

As positions hardened on both sides As positions hardened on both sides the cycle of violence continuedthe cycle of violence continued


TerrorismTerrorism Violence reached a peak in 2002 with a Violence reached a peak in 2002 with a

series of suicide bombingsseries of suicide bombings The bombings prompted the largest Israeli The bombings prompted the largest Israeli

response in 20 yearsresponse in 20 years 20,000 Israeli troops occupied areas 20,000 Israeli troops occupied areas

throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip – throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip – included Ramallah the capital of the included Ramallah the capital of the Palestinian National AuthorityPalestinian National Authority

Trapped Yasser Arafat in his headquarters for a Trapped Yasser Arafat in his headquarters for a monthmonth

Attacked militant strongholds including the Attacked militant strongholds including the Jenin refugee campJenin refugee camp


TerrorismTerrorism The Palestinians responded with more The Palestinians responded with more

suicide attackssuicide attacks In September 2002, Israel responded In September 2002, Israel responded

again laying siege to Arafat’s headquarters again laying siege to Arafat’s headquarters and bulldozing buildings in Nablus and and bulldozing buildings in Nablus and RamallahRamallah

In response to the escalating violence, the In response to the escalating violence, the European Union, the United Nations, European Union, the United Nations, Russia, and the U.S. drafted a new peace Russia, and the U.S. drafted a new peace plan dubbed the “road map” to peaceplan dubbed the “road map” to peace


TerrorismTerrorism The “road map” to peace called for both sides to The “road map” to peace called for both sides to

carry out concessions at the same time – over carry out concessions at the same time – over three years these concessions would progress to three years these concessions would progress to the resolution of all disputes and the creation of the resolution of all disputes and the creation of an independent Palestinian statean independent Palestinian state First phase required Palestinians to make “visible First phase required Palestinians to make “visible

efforts” to stop violenceefforts” to stop violence Israel was required to dismantle all settlements built Israel was required to dismantle all settlements built

since March 2001 and freeze all settlement activitysince March 2001 and freeze all settlement activity Unfortunately the plan was postponed after Unfortunately the plan was postponed after

Israel and the U.S. insisted the Palestinians first Israel and the U.S. insisted the Palestinians first undertake major reforms in the Palestinian undertake major reforms in the Palestinian National Authority – included replacing ArafatNational Authority – included replacing Arafat


TerrorismTerrorism The pressure on the Palestinian National The pressure on the Palestinian National

Authority to reform came from both the Authority to reform came from both the international community and from Palestinians international community and from Palestinians frustrated with the corrupt an authoritarian frustrated with the corrupt an authoritarian nature of Arafat’s administration nature of Arafat’s administration

By March 2003, the Palestinian parliament By March 2003, the Palestinian parliament created the post of prime minister – created the post of prime minister – responsible for the day-to-day running of responsible for the day-to-day running of Palestinian affairs Palestinian affairs

The new prime minister was Mahmoud Abbas The new prime minister was Mahmoud Abbas and he with his new cabinet marked a tentative and he with his new cabinet marked a tentative but symbolic shift away from Yasser Arafatbut symbolic shift away from Yasser Arafat

This also satisfied the key U.S. demand for This also satisfied the key U.S. demand for moving ahead with the “road map” – formally moving ahead with the “road map” – formally introduced on April 30, 2003introduced on April 30, 2003


TerrorismTerrorism In May 2003 Sharon persuaded his In May 2003 Sharon persuaded his

cabinet to accept the “road map” cabinet to accept the “road map” In June 2003 Abbas persuaded the In June 2003 Abbas persuaded the

Islamist groups Hamas and the Islamic Islamist groups Hamas and the Islamic Jihad to declare a unilateral, three-Jihad to declare a unilateral, three-month cease-fire – he also got an month cease-fire – he also got an agreement from Fatah, the largest agreement from Fatah, the largest Palestinian political movement Palestinian political movement

Unfortunately, in late August a Unfortunately, in late August a Palestinian suicide bombing in Palestinian suicide bombing in Jerusalem and Israel’s assassination of Jerusalem and Israel’s assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Abu Hamas political leader Ismail Abu Shanab effectively ended the cease-fireShanab effectively ended the cease-fire


TerrorismTerrorism As a result, Mahmoud Abbas resigns As a result, Mahmoud Abbas resigns

saying it was due to Israel’s slowness in saying it was due to Israel’s slowness in implementing its commitments under the implementing its commitments under the “road map” and he blamed the U.S. for “road map” and he blamed the U.S. for failing to exert pressure on the Israelisfailing to exert pressure on the Israelis

Abbas also made it clear that his Abbas also made it clear that his resignation was due in large part to a resignation was due in large part to a power struggle with Yasser Arafat – power struggle with Yasser Arafat – specifically Arafat’s refusal to turn over specifically Arafat’s refusal to turn over command of the PNA’s security forcescommand of the PNA’s security forces


TerrorismTerrorism Mahmoud Abbas was replaced by Mahmoud Abbas was replaced by

Ahmed Qurei who announced his Ahmed Qurei who announced his opposition to the armed Intifada and opposition to the armed Intifada and his commitment to the “road map”- his commitment to the “road map”- making it clear that Arafat had to be making it clear that Arafat had to be involved if the peace process is to involved if the peace process is to succeedsucceed

Unfortunately, Qurei faced the sameUnfortunately, Qurei faced the samedilemma as Abbas – how do you getdilemma as Abbas – how do you getsupport from Israel and the U.S. bysupport from Israel and the U.S. bycracking down on the Palestiniancracking down on the Palestinianmilitants without losing the supportmilitants without losing the supportof the Palestinian peopleof the Palestinian people


TerrorismTerrorism In 2004, the Intifada is still underway In 2004, the Intifada is still underway

and both sides were unwilling or unable and both sides were unwilling or unable to fulfill their first steps in the “road to fulfill their first steps in the “road map”map”

Israeli Prime Minister Sharon then Israeli Prime Minister Sharon then announced a disengagement plan – a announced a disengagement plan – a plan to separate the Israelis and plan to separate the Israelis and Palestinians without a negotiated Palestinians without a negotiated settlementsettlement Dismantlement of Israeli settlements in the Dismantlement of Israeli settlements in the

Gaza Strip and withdrawal of Israeli troops Gaza Strip and withdrawal of Israeli troops from the area; however, he also called for from the area; however, he also called for expanded settlements on in the West Bankexpanded settlements on in the West Bank

Completion of a 400-mile-long separation Completion of a 400-mile-long separation barrier or wallbarrier or wall


TerrorismTerrorism Reaction by both sides to Sharon’s plan were Reaction by both sides to Sharon’s plan were

variedvaried Withdrawal from GazaWithdrawal from Gaza

Members of the Likud Party and the settlers Members of the Likud Party and the settlers opposed it, but it received widespread support from opposed it, but it received widespread support from the rest of the Israeli population the rest of the Israeli population

Palestinian Prime Minister Qurei cautiously Palestinian Prime Minister Qurei cautiously endorsed the plan, but many Palestinians, endorsed the plan, but many Palestinians, including Yasser Arafat questioned Israel’s broader including Yasser Arafat questioned Israel’s broader overall planoverall plan

Building the WallBuilding the Wall Israelis support the wall as a deterrent to Israelis support the wall as a deterrent to

Palestinian terrorist attacksPalestinian terrorist attacks Condemned by Palestinians and international Condemned by Palestinians and international

community because it effectively annexes community because it effectively annexes Palestinian territory that was to be returned after Palestinian territory that was to be returned after the 1967 War – the Palestinians say the barrier is the 1967 War – the Palestinians say the barrier is turning their communities into prisonsturning their communities into prisons


TerrorismTerrorism The U.S. largely backed the The U.S. largely backed the

disengagement plan – During a meeting disengagement plan – During a meeting with Prime Minister Sharon in April of with Prime Minister Sharon in April of 2004, President Bush declared that a final 2004, President Bush declared that a final settlement should not require Israeli settlement should not require Israeli withdrawal to the 1967 borders and that withdrawal to the 1967 borders and that the Palestinian refugees should not have the Palestinian refugees should not have the right to return to their homesthe right to return to their homes

This infuriated the Palestinian leaders who This infuriated the Palestinian leaders who said the U.S. and Israel had no right to said the U.S. and Israel had no right to determine the terms of the final determine the terms of the final settlement – the U.S. defended its policy settlement – the U.S. defended its policy saying it was only describing what was saying it was only describing what was realisticrealistic


TerrorismTerrorismProspects for Peace: 2005-2006Prospects for Peace: 2005-2006 Two turning points in Israeli-Two turning points in Israeli-

Palestinian relations came in Palestinian relations came in November 2004 and January 2005November 2004 and January 2005 Yasser Arafat dies in November 2004Yasser Arafat dies in November 2004 Former Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas Former Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas

is elected president in January 2005is elected president in January 2005


TerrorismTerrorismProspects for Peace: 2005-2006Prospects for Peace: 2005-2006 Abbas then deployed Palestinian police Abbas then deployed Palestinian police

throughout Gaza in an attempt to stop throughout Gaza in an attempt to stop attacks on Israeli settlers – Israel attacks on Israeli settlers – Israel responded by stopping offensive military responded by stopping offensive military operationsoperations

These steps led to a summit between These steps led to a summit between Abbas and Sharon in Egypt in February Abbas and Sharon in Egypt in February 2005 – the two leaders declared a 2005 – the two leaders declared a ceasefire and pledged to work toward the ceasefire and pledged to work toward the creation of an independent Palestinian creation of an independent Palestinian statestate


TerrorismTerrorismProspects for Peace: 2005-2006Prospects for Peace: 2005-2006 Throughout 2005 and 2006, a tentative Throughout 2005 and 2006, a tentative

calm prevailed between Israel and the calm prevailed between Israel and the Palestinians – tensions remained and Palestinians – tensions remained and two key factors were added to the two key factors were added to the complex conflictcomplex conflict First. Hamas won the Palestinian First. Hamas won the Palestinian

Parliamentary election – this created a crisis Parliamentary election – this created a crisis for the international communityfor the international community When Hamas’ Ismail Haniya was sworn in as When Hamas’ Ismail Haniya was sworn in as

Prime Minister, western donors cut off direct aidPrime Minister, western donors cut off direct aid Israel refused to deal with the Hamas governmentIsrael refused to deal with the Hamas government


TerrorismTerrorismProspects for Peace: 2005-2006Prospects for Peace: 2005-2006 Second. The Israeli withdrawal from Gaza Second. The Israeli withdrawal from Gaza

was completed in September 2005 – roughly was completed in September 2005 – roughly 9,000 settlers were moved and the Israeli 9,000 settlers were moved and the Israeli army destroyed the settlements army destroyed the settlements

November 2005, Sharon breaks with the November 2005, Sharon breaks with the Likud party and forms a centrist party, Likud party and forms a centrist party, KadimaKadima

Unfortunately Sharon suffers a stroke in Unfortunately Sharon suffers a stroke in January 2006 – his deputy, Ehud Olmert takes January 2006 – his deputy, Ehud Olmert takes over and leads Kadima to an election victory over and leads Kadima to an election victory in March 2006 and vows to continue Sharon’s in March 2006 and vows to continue Sharon’s plan of withdrawals from Palestinian plan of withdrawals from Palestinian territory and establishing a final borderterritory and establishing a final border

Documents

Middle East in Transition The Arab-Israeli Conflict