Oral History and Military Publishing

Israel-Arab-Palestine Conflicts

At the heart of the conflict are disputes over land and national boundaries. The establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, the subsequent wars with neighbouring Arab states, and the territories occupied by Israel during these conflicts (including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem) have led to prolonged disputes over the sovereignty and control of these areas. The territorial aspect is a central feature of the conflict, with negotiations and peace processes often focusing on land swaps, borders, and the status of territories.

However, the conflict is also deeply rooted in ethnic and religious identities, with a long history of Jewish and Palestinian Arab nationalism. The Zionist movement aimed at establishing a Jewish homeland in what is now Israel and Palestine, while Palestinian Arabs have sought recognition and establishment of their own state. The religious significance of the land for Jews, Muslims, and Christians adds another layer of complexity. Sectarian elements are evident in the tensions between Jewish and Arab populations, both within Israel and in the Palestinian territories, as well as in the broader involvement of Muslim-majority Arab states in the conflict. Thus, the Israel-Arab-Palestine wars and ongoing tensions are a complex mix of territorial ambitions, nationalistic aspirations, and ethnic and religious identities.