Israel and the Rise of Palestinian Identity

1. Israel and the Rise of Palestinian Identity West Bank, Gaza Strip and the PLO

2. From enlightened occupation to the Intifada • Territories captured by Israel in 1967 were considered bargaining chips for future peace talks. • Jordanian law and administration were the formal civil authorities in the West Bank, and a policy of Open Bridges was adopted. • During the first 20 years economic growth was 400%, due to the connection with Israel (especially the labor market). • Until 1987, insurgencies were limited. • The second generation led a series of violent demonstrations and popular riots – known later as the Intifada (uprising).

3. The PLO – from the Arab states’ tool to an independent force • Established in 1964 by the Arab League, the Palestine Liberation Organization served as a tool against Israel, without any demand for sovereignty over the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. • After 1967, the young leader of one of the Guerrilla groups, Yasser Arafat from Fatah, advocated for freedom of action for the PLO, and the armed struggle against Israel. • Jordan served as the base for Fatah’s activities until the Organization was expelled by Jordan 9/1970 (Black September) and moved to Lebanon.

4. The PLO in Lebanon – A mini state • Lebanon: a country divided among different groups, with many Palestinian refugee camps. • By 1974 the PLO was recognized by Arab countries as the only representative of the Palestinian people. • The PLO and the Palestinian struggle gain worldwide recognition when Yasser Arafat speaks before the UN General Assembly (1974). • The PLO takes over the southern part of the divided country. Creates a “State within a State”, with impressive armed forces. • Lebanon serves as a base to launch attacks and missiles against Israel.

5. Israel-Lebanon first war 1982 • Owing to continual terrorist raids by PLO guerrillas Israel starts operation “Peace for the Galilee”. • Israel wins the battle against Palestinian and Syrian forces. PLO forces and headquarters leave Lebanon for Tunisia. Israeli Lebanese allies, the Phalanges, take power. • After the assassination of Bachir Gemayel (the leader of the Maronites and the elected president) Phalanges forces carry out a massacre in Sabra and Shatila, two Palestinian refugee camps. Israel is held responsible. • Internal dispute in Israel due to the war. Security Minister, Ariel Sharon, is forced to resign. • Israel becomes involved in Lebanese sectarian war and withdraws to a security zone in 1985. • After clashes with a Shiite militia – Hezbollah- Israel withdraws from the security zone (2000).

6. Israel and Lebanon second war - 2006 • Hezbollah had created a State within a State, armed by Shiite Iran. In the same time Hezbollah functioned as a party in Lebanese politics and take part in the government. • The tension between Israel and Hezbollah develop to a war in 2006 around the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers. • After a month of fighting, the UN called for an Israeli withdrawal and disarming of the Hezbollah. • As of summer 2007, The Hezbollah is not showing its arms publicly, but the organization was not disarmed . The Hezbollah do not give any information about the captive soldiers.

7. From the Intifada to Agreement and Back • The Palestinian uprising in the West Bank and Gaza strip, and terrorist attacks carried out by militant groups, continue for several years (1987- 1991, 1993). • King Hussein of Jordan severs Jordanian connection with the West Bank (1988). • The PLO recognizes the Partition Resolution (1988). • Talks with local leaders fail, and secret negotiations in Norway lead to mutual recognition between Israel and the PLO – The Oslo Agreement (1993). • The PLO undertakes to stop all violence. Israel withdraws from almost all the Gaza strip and from Palestinian cities and villages in the West Bank (Oslo B 1995). The Palestinian Authority is created (1994). • Failure of negotiations about the “End of Conflict” (Camp David 2), lead to the resumption of violence – The Second Intifada (2000).