Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Why can’t we all just get along?

Judaism: Jerusalem was the capital of their kingdom and where the Great Temple was built.

Christianity: Jesus Christ lived in the area and was crucified in Jerusalem.

Islam: Muhammad received the messages in the Koran from God in the heavens above Jerusalem.

Jerusalem

Western Wall of the 2nd Great Temple

Dome of the Rock

Church of the Holy

Sepulcher

Israel Wants

Security -- no more attacks by neighbors or suicide bombers, and a recognition of their right to exist.

Access to water. No right of return for Palestinians who

used to live in what is now Israel. All of Jerusalem as their capital.

Palestinians Want

A country back . . . Basically Gaza and the West Bank.

Control over their own country, including borders. Access to the water in their territory. The right of return for Palestinian refugees to

their former homes in what is now Israel. Jerusalem (at least the east part, including the

Old City) as their capital.

What about the neighbors nowadays? Egypt -- signed Camp David peace accords with Israel

1978; recognized Israel, got back Sinai and $2 bil./year aid from USA (Israel gets $3 bil.)

Jordan -- signed Peace Treaty with Israel 1994; recognized Israel, got USA debt forgiven ($700 mil.) and military equipment

Syria -- no treaty, no Israel recognition, no return of Golan Heights; economic boycott

Lebanon -- formally remains at war with Israel; refuses to recognize Israel; boycott

Saudi Arabia -- refuses to recognize Israel; proposed peace plan 2003; boycott

Iran -- refuses to recognize Israel; threatens to destroy; boycott

Iraq -- ?

Current Leadership

Israel Parliamentary Democracy Leader: Prime Minister

Benjamin Netanyahu

Palestine Authority Parliamentary Democracy President: Mahmoud Abbas (Fatah) Prime Minister: Salam Fayyad

(Fatah) or Ismail Haniyeh (Hamas) Parliament: Hammas

Rule over Palestinian controlled areas in the West Bank & Gaza Strip.

Ruler over all of Israel & parts of the West Bank & Gaza Strip.

Israeli Settlement in the West Bank

Israeli Control in West Bank & Gaza

Israeli Security Fence

Armistice Line 1948Current Security FenceProposed Security Fence

Water Sources

Recent Israeli Offensive Israel responded to Hamas firing rockets

from Gaza by returning fire and then invading the Gaza Strip.

Summary of Events Persecution around the world and Zionist

Movement cause establish of Jewish state in Palestine.

Palestinian Arabs object because of loss of land and holy places.

Several wars and thousands of deaths have occurred since establishment of Israel.

Little progress has occurred in creating a lasting peace because of extremist and similar wants.