Deep Dive
Why did the settlement movement in the West Bank grow significantly after the 1967 Six-Day War?
Israelis felt a sense of divine intervention and saw the territories as part of their birthright.
Why did Ariel Sharon support the settlement movement?
He believed in the strategic importance of the territories for Israel's security and future.
Why did the Oslo Accords fail to address the issue of settlements?
Settlements were set aside for future negotiations, leading to continued expansion during the peace process.
Why did Ariel Sharon decide to withdraw from Gaza in 2005?
He aimed to consolidate Israel's grip on the more strategically important West Bank.
Why do many Palestinians view the Israeli settlements as a threat?
Settlements disrupt their land and create barriers to a contiguous Palestinian state.
Why did the Second Intifada break out in 2000?
Ariel Sharon's provocative visit to the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif ignited tensions.
Why did the international community view Israel's settlements as illegal?
They were considered illegal under the Fourth Geneva Convention.
Why did some American Jews support the settlement movement?
They believed in the religious and historical significance of the West Bank for the Jewish people.
Why did the Hilltop Youth movement emerge?
They were galvanized by Sharon's call to grab as many hilltops as possible for Israel.
Why did the Oslo Accords fail to achieve a lasting peace?
Key issues like settlements and Jerusalem were deferred, leading to continued conflict.
- The Six-Day War in 1967 led to a surge in settlement activities.
- Ariel Sharon played a pivotal role in promoting settlements.
- The Likud party, under Menachem Begin, solidified support for settlements.
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