Israel – The Presidential Brief Essay Example
Israel – The Presidential Brief Essay Example

Israel – The Presidential Brief Essay Example

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  • Pages: 10 (2616 words)
  • Published: December 7, 2018
  • Type: Report
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Since its inception in 1948, Israel has faced an extraordinary global situation. The country has continuously fought for its survival amidst hostile neighboring nations seeking to weaken or eliminate it. This ongoing tension is further complicated by the conflict between Palestine Liberation Members and Israeli officials and citizens. The people of Israel are left uncertain about their future due to both peaceful protests and violent bus bombings. Balancing peace negotiations with counterterrorism efforts presents a difficult decision for Israelis from all walks of life, including college professors, taxi drivers, and merchants. With lives on the line, finding the right solution becomes an impossible task.

On May 14, 1948, the United Nations made a historic decision to establish modern-day Israel as a state—a homeland that Jews worldwide can finally call their own after much deliberation. However, this was just

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the beginning of a challenging and tumultuous journey towards peace. Numerous organizations exist solely to dismantle Israel and harm its people; among them, Hamas (the Islamic Resistance Movement) emerges as their primary adversary in this battle against Israel's existence. and their contents are preserved in theand unified text below:

To achieve their terrorist goals, Hamas employs different tactics such as intensive educational and propaganda programs in regions like West Bank and Gaza Strip. Suicide bombings, riots, rock throwing, car bombings, stonings, and other terrorist activities are sometimes used by radical fundamentalist groups to attract media attention. One such group is Hamas, which was established in 1988. Hamas has pledged to use any necessary methods to stop what they see as an unfair peace process for Palestinians and Arabs. The Palestine Liberation Organization does not support Hamas but has don

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little to suppress it.

The philosophy of Jihad serves as a basis for Muslims who aim to remove all Jews from this region. On the other hand, there are many Israeli organizations devoted to preserving Israel and preventing its conquest.

At first glance, the conflict over this small piece of land in the Middle East seems straightforward: two groups – Jews and Palestinian Arabs – competing for historically significant land. However, what intensifies the conflict is that both sides consider the disputed land sacred. The establishment of Israel held great significance for Jews as it represented their return to their biblical homeland after centuries of exile and persecution, including the devastating Holocaust. Conversely, Palestinians also saw Palestine as their spiritual home for IslamThe Camp David Agreement, signed in 1979 by Israeli President Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar-el-Sadat, initiated a peace movement in the Middle East. As part of this agreement, Israel agreed to return the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt in exchange for recognition as a sovereign state and a commitment to peaceful relations. Facilitated by US President Jimmy Carter, this treaty represented a significant step towards peace.

However, despite these developments, Palestinians living under Israeli occupation felt excluded and frustrated with the Camp David Agreement. In response, they launched the Intafada movement in 1987. This movement involved boycotts, demonstrations, and rock-throwing targeting Jewish citizens in occupied areas. The clashes between Israeli police and soldiers with Palestinian protesters drew worldwide criticism due to their violent nature.

Nevertheless, efforts for peace persisted. In 1993, another pivotal agreement was signed by Yitzhak Rabin (Israeli Minister) and Yasir Arafat (Palestine Liberation Organization Chairman). The Palestine Liberation Organization committed to recognizing Israel's right

to exist while Israel granted Palestinians self-rule in Jericho (in the West Bank) and the Gaza Strip.

Throughout these events described above, have been preserved within this text portion. Additionally,in 1994 Jordan and Israel formally ended their hostilities and began trading along with engaging in economic exchanges.Nonetheless, despite ongoing peace efforts led by Yitzhak Rabin and Yassir Arafat, not all Israeli citizens were willing to give up land acquired through war for the sake of peace. Unfortunately, on November 4, 1995, an Israeli extremist assassinated Yitzhak Rabin at a peace rally, highlighting the intense tension in the region. Shortly after Rabin's death, Simon Peres became the new Israeli Prime Minister and resumed peace negotiations with Yassir Arafat, Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). However, Hamas continued to carry out acts of terror including four suicide bombings within two weeks starting on February 25th of this year. These bombings resulted in over sixty deaths and added to the already high number of casualties caused by Hamas over time – more than 150 deaths and numerous injuries to Israeli citizens. It is widely speculated that Hamas persists with terrorist activities in order to hinder the peace process and gain control over Israel and the occupied territories. In response to these challenges, Israel has escalated its efforts against terrorism through bombing campaigns and demolishing homes owned by suspected terrorists. Additionally, Israel urges the PLO to exert pressure on Hamas to cease their terrorist actions.Progress towards achieving peace in the Middle East is being made despite various obstacles. Historical factors provide insight into the current situation in this troubled region. Theodor Herzl, known as the Father of Political

Zionism, advocated for a Jewish State in Eretz Yisrael and gained global attention with his influential book "The Jewish State." In 1897, he organized the First Zionist Congress, which brought together Jewish leaders from around the world and revitalized the global Jewish community through the establishment of the World Zionist Organization.

During World War I, the Yishuv faced harsh treatment from Turks and joined forces with Great Britain to fight against them. This collaboration resulted in the creation of the Jewish Legion, which supported British General Allenby in expelling Turks from Palestine. It was during this time that Chaim Weizmann obtained the Balfour Declaration from Britain, officially supporting a Jewish national home in Palestine.

In 1920, an Arab attack on Tel Hai settlement occurred as Arab leaders resorted to violence to gain control over the Middle East while British intervention remained limited. Subsequently, in 1939, Britain issued a policy document called "White Paper," aiming to completely halt Jewish immigration to Palestine within five years and establish an Arab state there. However, this faced strong opposition from the Yishuv as it would hinder their goal of establishing a Jewish state in Palestine.World War II resulted in 300,000 Jews being left without a home or country. Western democracies and Britain refused them entry into their nations and Palestine, leading to conflict between the Yishuv and British forces in Palestine. In response to pressure from Haganah, an unofficial Israeli army, and violent actions by the Irgun terrorist group, Britain handed over the issue of Palestine to the United Nations (UN). The UN Special Committee on Palestine (UNSCOP) suggested dividing Palestine into Arab and Jewish states. On November 29, 1947, this

suggestion was accepted by the UN. However, hostile Arab nations within Palestine reacted violently when the UN voted in favor of establishing a Jewish state. Many were uncertain if a Jewish state could withstand pressure from these well-armed Arab nations with large numbers of soldiers.

Chaim Weizmann successfully persuaded President Truman to support Jewish independence. Consequently, Jews in Palestine took measures to strengthen their military position before British troops predominantly supplied weapons to Arab leaders prior to leaving Palestine. On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion proclaimed Israel's independence while five Arab armies simultaneously launched an attack on the newly formed nation. Every capable Israeli citizen participated in this immediate struggle for independence, fully aware that losing this initial battle would leave no chance for retaliation.In spite of being outnumbered five to one, the Israelis demonstrated exceptional tenacity and bravery. Fortunately, they emerged triumphant against the Arab armies, gaining 21 percent more land than originally assigned by the UN's Partition plan. The establishment of Israel encouraged Jews worldwide to immigrate or make aliyah, with financial support and assistance provided by Jews from various regions. Israel was involved in five major wars: The Israeli War of Independence, The Suez Campaign, The Six Day War, The Yom Kippur War, and Operation Peace for Galilee. Despite prevailing in each conflict, Israel suffered significant losses as many Israelis sacrificed their lives for their homeland. Terrorism has posed a constant threat to Israel's limited territory from extremist Arabs. Arab refugees who fled Israel in 1948 faced challenges finding acceptance in other Arab nations which led to the formation of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). The Gulf War in 1993 brought about a

shift as Iraq invaded Kuwait, causing concern among Arab nations about potential aggression from Iraq using its newfound strength against them. This resulted in anger from oil-rich Arab states towards Yassir Arafat and the PLO, leading them to halt funding for PLO operations. The United States holds diverse interests in Israel and Palestine encompassing economic, political, and moral considerations.Israel is the only genuine democracy in the Middle East, granting its citizens free speech, press freedom, and religious liberty. Similarly to the US system of government, Israeli citizens can vote once they turn 18 during national elections. Just like the United States, Israel welcomes immigrants from different regions around the world. By observing how Israel manages incoming individuals, valuable insights can be gained by the US. As a result, Israel serves as a model for our country where we can learn from their mistakes and build upon their achievements.

Throughout history, there have been disputes between the United States and various Middle Eastern nations. These include Iraq's role in instigating the Gulf War, Iran's Ayatollah overthrowing its government while holding American citizens hostage, Libya's sponsorship of terrorism activities, and intervention in Lebanon's civil war. The US places significant importance on maintaining a strong relationship with Israel for multiple reasons. Firstly, it allows for close monitoring of these countries' actions due to its established foundation within Israel. Additionally advantageous from a military perspective is Israel's strategic geographic location; it serves as a launching point for potential attacks on Middle Eastern nations as well as Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia.Given the current situation, it is crucial for the United States to analyze the root causes of fighting

and distrust between Israel and Palestine. If different actions had been taken by the British and Arabs in the past regarding Jewish settlement, conflicts could have been avoided. The British's unequal rule initially sparked this conflict, as equal treatment towards Arabs and Jews along with proper enforcement of laws among Arabs could have facilitated peaceful coexistence. Unfortunately, this opportunity was missed, leading to a fueling conflict between Zionists and Arabs due to their differing goals. To prevent history from repeating itself, the United States should mediate and foster friendly relations between these two groups while learning valuable lessons from the past in order to avoid taking sides that could impede peace processes and lead to further conflict. As the world's sole remaining superpower, it is crucial for the United States to provide aid to both Israel and Palestinians, especially focusing on education and promoting peaceful coexistence. While proposing a compromise may appear easy for Americans, individuals who have personally suffered loss in this conflict must demonstrate tolerance towards others.The United States has clear goals in the Middle East that should be achieved peacefully to avoid escalating tensions and jeopardizing U.S. interests. A key focus of U.S. foreign policy is prioritizing the well-being of Israelis and Palestinians while establishing trust as the foundation for any peace process. Trust and well-being are essential for achieving peace between Israelis and Palestinians, considering the significance of resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict which has resulted in numerous casualties.

To successfully achieve our primary objectives, it is crucial to eliminate all terrorist groups that aim to undermine Israel's existence and hinder Arab support for peace. By eradicating these groups, a safer environment can

be created where Israel and Palestine can coexist, fostering peace among diverse communities.

The United States can contribute by urging the United Nations to mediate conflicts between these groups, as exemplified by Secretary of State Warren Christopher's ongoing efforts. Ultimately, our goal is to enhance the economy of the Middle East region, which will provide increased trade opportunities for the United States. Strengthening trade relations with Israel, renowned for its highly skilled workers, will particularly benefit the U.S.However, achieving foreign policy goals concerning Israel and Palestine is a complex process. Understanding the backgrounds of Israelis and Palestinians is crucial in promoting their well-being. To establish a peaceful environment, collaboration between Arabs and Israelis is necessary. One approach to accomplish this is incorporating educational material into textbooks on both sides, explaining ongoing events rather than perpetuating division. It is also important to remove physical barriers that restrict movement for safety reasons.

Resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict remains a top priority for the US. The US has already convinced Israel and other Arab nations to engage in peace negotiations, but efforts must continue. For instance, reducing Jordan's debt can serve as an incentive for pursuing peace. By encouraging Middle Eastern Arab nations, we can expedite the peace process.

Eradicating terrorist organizations requires global cooperation, including collaboration between the CIA and Mossad to eliminate terrorist leaders. The US believes it is essential to condemn any country that does not effectively prevent terrorist acts by imposing strict economic sanctions.

Moreover, our ultimate challenge lies in strengthening Middle Eastern economies. Providing financial aid to countries and Palestinians in the region can contribute to their economic growth, encourage them to be more involved in peace efforts,

and expand trade opportunities.Establishing trade between developing nations in the Middle East and the United States would yield long-term financial benefits for both parties, addressing the need for external resources (Sachs 1995; Dooley 1995; Wallace-Bruce Silver 1993; Zuckerbrot 1994; Gross 1995; Rossel Seymour 1985; DuBois 1994; Bamberger 1994). Bill Clinton delivered remarks to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference in May 1995, which were documented in Volume 31 of Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents (pp.778) (9). In an IDEAS article titled "Palestinians' Future Rests on Their Vision," Adrian Peracchio explores how obstacles within the peace process hinder Israelis and Palestinians from achieving peace and prosperity (10). Deborah Horan reports on the uncertainty surrounding a ceasefire between Hamas and Palestine following the assassination of a bombmaker in an article released by Inter Press Service English News Wire (11). William Kazer presents a chronology of various peace initiatives between Arab and Israeli leaders in his Reuters article (12). The closure of the West Bank and Gaza Strip has caused frustration among Palestinians, as reported on NPR's program All Things Considered (13).Bill Clinton's remarks at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference in May 1995 were published in Volume 31 of Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents (pp.778).
In an IDEAS article titled "Palestinians' Future Rests on Their Vision," Adrian Peracchio examines how obstacles within the peace process impede Israelis and Palestinians from achieving peace and prosperity.
Deborah Horan discusses the uncertainty surrounding a ceasefire between Hamas and Palestine following the assassination of a bombmaker, as reported by Inter Press Service English News Wire.
William Kazer presents a chronology of various peace initiatives between Arab and Israeli leaders in

his Reuters article.
The closure of the West Bank and Gaza Strip has led to frustration among Palestinians, as highlighted on NPR's program All Things Considered.In his Newsday article titled "U.S. Acts to Oust Hamas Leader," Paul Moses sheds light on United States' efforts to remove the leader of Hamas. Cynthia Mann, in an article published by Jewish Telegraphic Agency, discusses a survey that reveals U.S. Jews support the peace process but have concerns about the PLO. Scott Kraft's report in The Los Angeles Times details joint Israeli-Palestinian raids targeting militants and discovering a suspected bombing cell, as well as accusations against a trucker for smuggling terrorists. Simon Kwong shared an article from Reuters reporting on Israel's crackdown on Hamas through the arrest of 24 West Bank Arabs.

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