Understanding the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Section 1: 19th, 20th, and 21st Century Events Leading to and Following the Formation of the Jewish State

Brief overview of the geopolitical situation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries:

World War I and its Aftermath:

Interwar Period and World War II:

Post-WWII Era and the Establishment of Israel:

Subsequent Conflicts and Developments:


Section 2: Facts in Antiquity and Reliable Sources

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not merely a product of the 20th and 21st centuries. Its roots can be traced back to ancient times, where both Jews and Arabs base their historical claims to the region on events, kingdoms, and settlements that existed thousands of years ago. Understanding this deep historical context is essential for a comprehensive view of the present-day situation.

The Hebrew Bible and Jewish Texts:

The Hebrew Bible, particularly the Torah (the first five books), is a foundational text for the Jewish people. It recounts the narrative of Abraham, the patriarch of the Jewish nation, and the covenant he made with God in Canaan, the land that is now called Israel and Palestine. Subsequent books tell of the Exodus from Egypt under Moses' leadership and the eventual establishment of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. While these texts have religious significance, they also serve as historical records of the Jewish connection to the region.

Ancient Near Eastern Texts:

The broader Near East, including Mesopotamia and Egypt, has its own collection of historical records that sometimes reference ancient Israel or its inhabitants.

Greek and Roman Accounts:

Classical historians offer external views of the region and its inhabitants.

Archaeological Findings:

Material evidence can offer a more neutral perspective on the ancient history of the region.


Section 3: Rationale for a Jewish State in Palestine (Jewish Perspective)


Section 4: Rationale Against the Legitimacy of a Jewish State (Palestinian/Arab/Muslim Perspective)


Christian Zionism

Jewish History