The Arab–Israeli conflict is a complex and enduring struggle rooted in history, religion, and political ambitions in the Middle East.
While it is most often framed as a dispute between Jews (Israelis) and Arabs (Palestinians), the conflict also involves neighboring Arab countries and global powers.
To fully understand its origins and ongoing nature, it is essential to explore its ancient roots
The waves of conquest and migration, as well as the development of modern nationalism and international politics.
Biblical Roots of the Conflict
Biblical and Religious Background The roots of the conflict extend back to biblical times.
Abraham, a central figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, is seen as the patriarch of both Jews and Arabs.
According to the Bible, Abraham’s son Ishmael, born to Hagar, is regarded as the ancestor of the Arab people, while his son Isaac, born to Sarah, is seen as the forefather of the Jewish people.
In Jewish tradition, God promised the land of Canaan, roughly corresponding to present-day Israel and Palestine, to Isaac’s descendants.
Islamic tradition, on the other hand, includes Ishmael in the divine promise, which is why both Jews and Arabs assert a historical and religious right to the same territory.
Establishment of Ancient Jewish Kingdoms
By around 1200 BCE, Jewish kingdoms such as Israel and Judah were established in the region.
Over centuries, successive empires, including the Babylonians and Romans, conquered the land.
The Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE and the subsequent Jewish diaspora led to Jews being scattered across the world, while the land itself changed hands many times.
Arab and Muslim Rule Begins
Arab and Muslim Rule In the 7th century, Arab Muslims conquered the region, and over time, it became predominantly Arab and Muslim, though Jewish and Christian communities remained.
Jerusalem, in particular, became a significant site for Islam due to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is revered as one of the faith’s holiest places.
Islamic dynasties, followed by the Ottoman Empire, ruled for centuries, and the local Arab population developed strong cultural and historical ties to the land, considering it their ancestral home.
Rise of Zionism
The Rise of Zionism In the late 19th century, Jews in Europe faced increasing persecution and discrimination, prompting many to support Zionism, a political movement advocating for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.
Waves of Jewish migration began, with land purchases and settlements growing steadily.
While some land was acquired legally, the local Arab population feared displacement and loss of control.
These concerns fueled tensions between Jewish immigrants and Arab residents.
British Rule and Conflicting Promises
British Rule and Conflicting Promises After World War I and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, control of Palestine was transferred to the British.
During this period, Britain made contradictory promises: to the Arabs, it pledged independence, while the 1917 Balfour Declaration supported a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine.
Jewish immigration increased, especially during and after World War II as Jews fled the Holocaust.
Violence between Jews and Arabs escalated, and British authorities struggled to manage the deepening crisis.
Creation of Israel and First Arab-Israeli War
Creation of Israel and First Arab–Israeli War In 1947, the United Nations proposed partitioning Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states.
Jewish leaders accepted this plan, but Arab leaders rejected it, viewing the division as unjust.
When Israel declared independence in 1948, neighboring Arab countries invaded.
The resulting war ended with Israel controlling more territory than allocated by the UN plan.
Tragically, about 700,000 Palestinians became refugees, an event known as the Nakba, or “catastrophe,” in Palestinian history.
Wars, Occupation, and Ongoing Struggle
Wars, Occupation, and Ongoing Struggle The conflict did not end with the 1948 war.
In 1967, the Six-Day War saw Israel capture the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, lands Palestinians seek for their own future state.
Israeli settlements in these territories, considered illegal by much of the international community, further inflamed tensions.
Palestinians staged uprisings, known as Intifadas, while Israel enacted strict security measures, citing the need to protect its citizens.
Modern Political Struggles and Unresolved Issues
Modern Political Struggles and Unresolved Issues Today, the core conflict is between Israel and the Palestinians, though regional powers remain involved.
Key issues include control of land, the status of Jerusalem, the rights of Palestinian refugees, Israeli settlements, and questions of security and recognition.
Multiple peace initiatives have failed, often due to deep mistrust, violence, and uncompromising positions.
While Israel has normalized relations with some Arab countries, a comprehensive resolution for the Palestinians remains elusive.
Conclusion
The Arab–Israeli conflict, with its roots in religious tradition and historical claims, has evolved into a modern political struggle shaped by colonialism, nationalism, and war.
Understanding its history helps explain why it remains so emotional and difficult to resolve.
Until fundamental issues of land, justice, and security are addressed, this conflict is likely to persist, impacting generations to come.
