Why in the news?

Writings and statements from Israel give us an understanding of what “a Jewish national home” means and the ongoing conflict it involves.

Historical origins and evolution of the concept of a Jewish national home

• Historical and Religious Context: The concept of a Promised Land for the Jewish people dates back to biblical times, with references in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) to the land of Canaan as a homeland promised to the descendants of Abraham. The idea of returning to this ancestral homeland remained significant in Jewish religious and cultural traditions throughout centuries of diaspora.
• Zionism: The modern movement for Jewish nationalism, known as Zionism, gained momentum in the late 19th century. Zionist thinkers and leaders, such as Theodor Herzl, envisioned the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.
• Theodor Herzl and the First Zionist Congress: The publication of Herzl’s book “Der Judenstaat” (“The Jewish State”) in 1896 is often considered the starting point of modern political Zionism.
• British Mandate for Palestine: During World War I, the British government issued the Balfour Declaration in 1917, expressing support for the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine.
• Settlement and Immigration: Jewish immigration to Palestine increased significantly during the early 20th century, as Jewish communities sought to establish settlements and build infrastructure in the region.
• United Nations Partition Plan: In 1947, the United Nations proposed a partition plan for Palestine, which would have divided the territory into separate Jewish and Arab states, along with an internationalized Jerusalem. While Jewish leaders accepted the plan, Arab leaders rejected it, leading to the Arab-Israeli War of 1948 and the establishment of the State of Israel.

Continue Struggle after Arab-Israeli War 1948 

• International Response and Recognition after 1967 war: UN Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) addressed the aftermath of the 1967 war. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was recognized by the Arab League and the UN General Assembly as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. The Arab League Declaration/Initiative of 2002 and the Palestinian Non-Paper outlined visions for a solution, including reference to the 1967 Armistice Line as a border.
• Annexation of West Bank Settlements: In 2018, Israel’s ruling Likud Party unanimously endorsed a resolution calling for the annexation of West Bank settlements, indicating a hardline stance on territorial claims.

Why Israel’s position is so strong in conflict?

• Military Might: The military success of Israel in the 1967 war shifted the dynamics of the Arab-Israeli conflict, convincing Arab states that they could not achieve victory through military means. However, it did not lead to a recommendation for a political settlement based on compromise.
• Madrid Conference of 1991: The Madrid Conference was a significant event in the peace process, though the phrase “territories for peace” was not explicitly mentioned in the invitation letters. It marked a diplomatic effort to address the conflict.
• American Support : The United States has provided unprecedented support to Israel, both diplomatically and militarily.And Israel’s conduct and efforts to shape the post-war situation have been growing.

Conclusion: The idea of a Jewish national home emerged from historical and religious roots, gained momentum through Zionism, and was furthered by international recognition. Resolution requires diplomacy, acknowledgment of historical grievances, and genuine efforts towards mutual understanding and compromise to stabalise the situation.

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Q “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss (UPSC IAS/2018)

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