A recent survey has revealed that 64% of Israelis are opposed to the establishment of a Palestinian state as part of the normalisation process between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The survey, conducted by the Jerusalem Center for Foreign Affairs (JCFA) in collaboration with the Panels Politics research institute, highlights significant political and demographic divides on this issue.
Key Findings:
– Political Divide: Opposition is strongest amongst right-wing voters (84%), followed by centrist voters (54%), and left-wing voters (24%).
– Demographic Variations: Younger respondents (aged 18-29) show a 70% opposition rate. Amongst individuals with lower education levels, opposition stands at 72%. Traditional, religious, and ultra-Orthodox respondents exhibit even higher opposition rates at 74%, 88%, and 91%, respectively.
The survey results indicate that the majority of Israelis are against the establishment of a Palestinian state within the context of a normalisation deal with Saudi Arabia. This opposition is particularly pronounced amongst right-wing and religious/traditional voters.
Timeline of Key Events in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
– 1897-1947: Pre-State Israel
– 1897: The First Zionist Congress is held, advocating for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine .
– 1917: The Balfour Declaration is issued, promising a “Jewish national home” in Palestine .
– 1922: The League of Nations establishes the British Mandate for Palestine .
– 1936-1939: The Arab Revolt takes place, with Arabs protesting against British rule and increasing Jewish immigration .
– 1948-1949: Arab-Israeli War
– 1948: Israel declares independence, sparking the Arab-Israeli war. Over 700,000 Palestinians flee or are expelled during this period .
– 1949: Armistice agreements are signed, and Israel occupies 78% of historical Palestine .
– 1967: Six-Day War
– 1967: In the Six-Day War, Israel occupies the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights, and East Jerusalem .
– 1987-1993: First Intifada
– 1987: The First Palestinian Intifada (uprising) begins in the occupied territories .
– 1993: The Oslo Accords are signed, granting Palestinians limited self-governance in parts of the occupied territories .
2000-2005: Second Intifada
– 2000: The Second Intifada erupts following the failure of the Camp David peace talks .
– 2002: Israel reoccupies Palestinian cities in the West Bank .
2005-2014: Conflict and Wars
– 2005: Israel withdraws its settlements from Gaza .
– 2008-2014: Three major Israel-Gaza wars occur: Operation Cast Lead, Operation Pillar of Defense, and Operation Protective Edge .
2015-2023: Ongoing Tensions
– 2021: An 11-day war between Israel and Gaza erupts over tensions in Jerusalem .
– 2023: Renewed heavy fighting breaks out between Israel and the Palestinians .
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains unresolved, characterised by continued Israeli occupation, settlement expansion, and periodic outbreaks of violence. Efforts to negotiate a two-state solution have yet to succeed.
ALSO READ: Israel called in to honour the ICJ ruling on Gaza
