What is the Israeli perspective on the Holy Land?
The Israeli/Palestinian conflict is one of massive importance to the world. It has at times undoubtedly brought out the worst in its conflicting adversaries, the primarily Jewish state of Israel and the as yet unborn state of “Palestine,” with its Muslim Arab majority. The frustration and hardship produced by this conflict have led world leaders to seek a peaceful solution that is acceptable to both
Israelis and Palestinians.st Jerusalem off from the rest of the West Bank. It has encouraged settlements that surround the city and it has annexed lands around the city, causing confusion regarding the real boundaries of Jerusalem, making it nearly impossible for Jerusalem to ever become the capital of a Palestinian state. Rather than compromising on this issue, the Israeli government has made self preservation its primary goal.
The final, and in many ways the most frustrating issue that complicates the Israeli/Palestinian conflict is the problem of extremism. While there are many Israelis who strive for peace and desire an end to the conflict with the Arab world, there are others who consistently oppose peace efforts. In the modern world, images of terrorists perpetuate stereotypes regarding Arabs and the religion of Islam.
Seldom, however, are the victors of conflict portrayed as extremists. In Israel, there are many who oppose compromise with Palestinians, as well as the rest of the Arab world, on the grounds that any compromise threatens the existence and security of Israel. Whether the issue is settlements, refugees, Jerusalem or a controversial 310-mile “separation wall” currently being built along the West Bank,
Israeli extremists threaten the peace process due to their beliefs and fears. One strikingly tragic example is the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Itzak Rabin in 1995. Rabin was the architect of peace agreements with Palestinian leaders. Conservative Israelis, fearing changes and compromise
with those they viewed as terrorists, opposed Rabin’s policies. Finally, an Israeli radical (not a Palestinian terrorist) murdered the Israeli Prime Minister.
Events such as these demonstrate the profound difficulty in achieving peace in Israel/Palestine. Acting on what they believe is best for
Israel’s future, extremists have done their best to derail the peace process. Recently, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon led a removal of the entire Israeli presence from the Gaza Strip, while permanently solidifying its position in West Bank settlements. Despite the fact that this move may have protected Israeli civilians and soldiers alike, extremists, including those from Sharon’s own party, have opposed this action, feeling that Israel must not give in to Palestinians at all.
The Israeli/Palestinian conflict is clearly one of great complexity and frustration. While numerous peace efforts have been made, the conflict drags on and on. What makes this conflict so frustrating is that compromise has become quite difficult. As long as the state of Israel feels that its
security and even survival are threatened, it will continue to act in ways that anger Palestinians. From its first armed conflict in 1948, to the Six Day War of 1967, to the modern settlements, refugees and Jerusalem problem, Israel has constantly faced what it perceives as a noble uphill struggle. While it seems as though the entire world yearns for Middle East peace, it has remained an elusive goal.
