Gen Ed 007 Activity 5: Religious Conflict in Israel

By: Aldren O. Margallo – BSME 1A

The ongoing religious conflict in Israel is a complex and multifaceted issue that has been
raging for decades. At its core, the conflict stems from historical and religious differences
between Israelis and Palestinians. In this essay, we will delve into the origins of the conflict, the
role of the international community, the impact of the conflict on the economies and politics of
affected countries, and the effectiveness of the solutions proposed by Israeli, Palestinian, and
international governments.

The roots of the conflict can be traced back to the late 1800s, when the Zionist movement
emerged, advocating for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. With the help of
the British government, Jews began immigrating to Palestine in large numbers, which led to
tensions between them and the Arab population who felt that their land was being taken away.

The conflict reached a boiling point in 1948 when Israel declared independence, leading
to a war with neighboring Arab states. During the war, many Palestinians fled or were forcibly
removed from their homes, leaving behind a refugee crisis that still persists today. Since then, the
conflict has been marked by violence and hostility, with both sides claiming the same territory.

The international community has played a significant but largely ineffective role in
addressing the conflict. The United Nations has been involved since the beginning, passing
numerous resolutions condemning Israel's actions and advocating for a two-state solution.
However, Israel has largely ignored these resolutions, and its closest ally, the United States, has
vetoed many of them.

The conflict has had a profound impact on the economies and politics of affected
countries. Israel, in particular, has had to invest heavily in its military to defend itself, putting a
strain on its economy. Additionally, the conflict has made it challenging for Israel to establish
peaceful relationships with its Arab neighbors, leading to political isolation in the region. The
impact on the Palestinian economy has been even more severe, with the Israeli occupation
severely limiting their access to resources and trade opportunities, making it difficult for their
economy to grow.

Despite the efforts of Israeli, Palestinian, and international governments, proposed

solutions have been largely ineffective. The Oslo Accords, signed in 1993, aimed to establish a
framework for peace negotiations, but have failed to achieve lasting peace, and the situation has
only worsened over time. Recent attempts by the international community, such as the Trump
administration's peace plan, which favored Israel, have been rejected by Palestinians and much
of the international community. The Biden administration has taken a more balanced approach,
but it remains to be seen if it will lead to significant progress.

In conclusion, the religious conflict in Israel is a highly complex and layered issue with a
long and tumultuous history. The conflict has had significant effects on the economies and
politics of affected countries, and the proposed solutions thus far have fallen short of achieving
lasting peace. It is evident that a resolution will require significant compromise from both sides,
as well as a willingness from the international community to hold both parties accountable for
their actions.

References:

 Khalidi, R. (2019). The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler

Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017. Metropolitan Books.
 Mearsheimer, J. J., & Walt, S. M. (2018). The Israel Lobby and US Foreign Policy.
Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
 Morris, B. (2019). 1948: A History of the First Arab-Israeli War. Yale University Press.
 Rashid, A. (2017). Where the Line Is Drawn: A Tale of Crossings, Friendships, and Fifty
Years of Occupation in Israel-Palestine. Scribner.