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Israeli-Palestinian conflict: Difference between revisions
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'' | ''Conflict between Israel and the Palestinians dates back in modern times to the early twentieth century—but actually much farther than that when the karmic origins are understood. A major turning point in that conflict was the Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon on June 6, 1982, attacking Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) forces there. The following article is based on lectures given by Elizabeth Clare Prophet in July 1982, and thus does not address more recent developments in the conflict.'' | ||
== Origins of conflict in the Middle East == | |||
On April 23, 1969, the [[Dark Cycle]] of returning world karma began because the [[Karmic Board]] determined that the hate and hate creation, the fighting in the Middle East was such—and both sides were relentless—that the only way to stop planetary war was to unleash the returning action of mankind’s individual karma. | |||
When karma is returned at an accelerated rate—that karma which had been held back out of the mercy and grace of the dispensation of the Lord [[Jesus Christ]]—it is like pouring a barrel of molasses over the planet. It puts sticky stuff in everyone’s gears and makes everyone slow down. It reduces the ability of every single person on the planet to act, because when the karma descends, it descends like the sun that shines on the just and the unjust. | |||
And so, due to the [[laggard evolutions]] in the Middle East, those evolutions who have fought these same wars to the very death of their planet—as you all know the planet which is called [[Maldek]], the asteroid belt between [[Mars]] and [[Jupiter]], is the remnant of the fighting of the very same forces that are fighting today in the Middle East—we can see in their fighting and in their manifestation that they have no regard for the United States or for the innocent people of Lebanon. They only have the regard of their own power and their own superstate which they desire to build. | |||
Therefore, the more the years progress, the more that we see that there is a ruthlessness and a disregard for the principles of Christ in the behavior of Israel, in the behavior of the Arabs and in the behavior of the PLO. We see nests, therefore, of [[fallen one]]s. And in their midst here and there we also see lightbearers and a new generation of children of the light who are the victims of this needless slaughter. | |||
And therefore, we come together because we realize that this thing is going to roll along in a state of compromise and betrayal by the fallen ones in every nation, until it so expands and so increases that it will result in planetary war or it will result in the destruction of economies or cataclysm itself. | |||
The Karmic Board has considered for many years that the laggard lifewaves who have settled in that Middle East area are the biggest single threat to world peace and the incoming [[golden age]]. And therefore, unless we put our attention on it and understand it thoroughly, the history of it, the causes and cores of this situation in the making, nothing will happen. | |||
We have seen in our experience in tackling world situations, that unless we go in with full force, examination, and our manifestos on the subject, nothing changes. When every dedicated [[Keeper of the Flame]] on the planet gets the message, studies it, makes it his cause, and gives the [[decree]]s, then we have our victories. | |||
== History of Palestine == | |||
The current conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians revolves around claims to the territory that each group calls its homeland—Palestine. Known to the ancient Hebrews as the “Land of Canaan,” Palestine derives its name from the Philistines, a people who occupied the southern coastal part of the country in the twelfth century <small>B</small>.<small>C</small>. In approximately 1250 <small>B</small>.<small>C</small>., under [[Joshua]], the Israelites conquered and inhabited Canaan. It was the fulfillment of the promise of God to [[Abraham]]. A Hebrew kingdom—established in 1000 <small>B</small>.<small>C</small>.—was divided into the kingdoms of Israel (to the north) and Judah (to the south) after the reign of Solomon. | The current conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians revolves around claims to the territory that each group calls its homeland—Palestine. Known to the ancient Hebrews as the “Land of Canaan,” Palestine derives its name from the Philistines, a people who occupied the southern coastal part of the country in the twelfth century <small>B</small>.<small>C</small>. In approximately 1250 <small>B</small>.<small>C</small>., under [[Joshua]], the Israelites conquered and inhabited Canaan. It was the fulfillment of the promise of God to [[Abraham]]. A Hebrew kingdom—established in 1000 <small>B</small>.<small>C</small>.—was divided into the kingdoms of Israel (to the north) and Judah (to the south) after the reign of Solomon. | ||
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The Jewish settlement in Palestine was key to the defense of the southern flank of the Middle Eastern theater. The British reasoned that if Palestinian Jews were allied with Britain, American Jews—by ties of sentiment and interest—would rally to support the Allies. The net result would be to secure American help in protecting the approaches to the Suez Canal. | The Jewish settlement in Palestine was key to the defense of the southern flank of the Middle Eastern theater. The British reasoned that if Palestinian Jews were allied with Britain, American Jews—by ties of sentiment and interest—would rally to support the Allies. The net result would be to secure American help in protecting the approaches to the Suez Canal. | ||
The British also believed that most of the leadership of the first Russian Revolution in 1917 was Jewish and sympathetic to Zionism | The British also believed that most of the leadership of the first [[Russian Revolution]] in 1917 was Jewish and sympathetic to Zionism. Thus, the British hoped the Balfour Declaration would also influence the Russians to stay in World War I and on Britain’s side. | ||
You will notice that the [[fallen one]]s never act for right reason, right motive, and right cause. They always have their ulterior reasons for doing what they do. | |||
== British rule of Palestine == | == British rule of Palestine == | ||
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When the systematic slaughter of the Jews by the Nazis began in 1942, the flow of immigrants became a flood. Illegal and legal immigration during the war brought the Jewish population to 678,000 in 1946. The Arab population was 1,269,000 at that time. In 1921, the Jews formed a secret army called the Haganah (“defense”). By 1936, it changed its character from a purely defensive force to an aggressive one. As the Jewish population grew, the Zionists became more violent. | When the systematic slaughter of the Jews by the Nazis began in 1942, the flow of immigrants became a flood. Illegal and legal immigration during the war brought the Jewish population to 678,000 in 1946. The Arab population was 1,269,000 at that time. In 1921, the Jews formed a secret army called the Haganah (“defense”). By 1936, it changed its character from a purely defensive force to an aggressive one. As the Jewish population grew, the Zionists became more violent. | ||
In general, the Jews and Arabs cooperated with the British during the war, although extremists from both camps carried on anti-British wars. During the war, two Jewish groups—the Irgun Zvai Leumi, the National Military Organization to which Menachem Begin belonged, and the Stern Group or Gang, named for Abraham Stern, their fanatical leader—were convinced that Britain had betrayed the Zionist cause. In order to remind the British of their commitment, the two groups resorted to terrorist attacks and political murders. | In general, the Jews and Arabs cooperated with the British during the war, although extremists from both camps carried on anti-British wars. During the war, two Jewish groups—the Irgun Zvai Leumi, the National Military Organization to which [[Menachem Begin]] belonged, and the Stern Group or Gang, named for Abraham Stern, their fanatical leader—were convinced that Britain had betrayed the Zionist cause. In order to remind the British of their commitment, the two groups resorted to terrorist attacks and political murders. | ||
== The | == The formation of modern Israel == | ||
By the end of World War II, Zionists had won the support of the United States government. Britain, unable to resolve its problems in Palestine, was glad for U.S. involvement. Harry Truman urged that European Jewish refugees be admitted immediately into Palestine. | By the end of World War II, Zionists had won the support of the United States government. Britain, unable to resolve its problems in Palestine, was glad for U.S. involvement. Harry Truman urged that European Jewish refugees be admitted immediately into Palestine. | ||
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The U.N. decision was a major Zionist victory. It affirmed the right of a Jewish state in Palestine and gave it territory far out of proportion to the relative numbers of Jews to Arabs in the area—more than half of Palestine including the valuable coastal area. Shocked and angry, the Arabs rejected the U.N. decision and decided to oppose it by force. Volunteers began arriving from all Arab countries to help Palestinian Arabs. But the Arabs were highly disorganized and poorly trained, led, and equipped. | The U.N. decision was a major Zionist victory. It affirmed the right of a Jewish state in Palestine and gave it territory far out of proportion to the relative numbers of Jews to Arabs in the area—more than half of Palestine including the valuable coastal area. Shocked and angry, the Arabs rejected the U.N. decision and decided to oppose it by force. Volunteers began arriving from all Arab countries to help Palestinian Arabs. But the Arabs were highly disorganized and poorly trained, led, and equipped. | ||
On May 13, 1948, the day before the State of Israel was proclaimed, Zionist forces secured full control of the Jewish share of Palestine—and they captured important positions in areas allotted to the Arabs. The Irgun Zvai Leumi (the National Military Organization to which Menachem Begin belonged) stormed and captured the village of Deir Yasin and massacred much of the population, terrorizing Arab villagers who began a mass exodus from Palestine. | On May 13, 1948, the day before the State of Israel was proclaimed, Zionist forces secured full control of the Jewish share of Palestine—and they captured important positions in areas allotted to the Arabs. The Irgun Zvai Leumi (the National Military Organization to which Menachem Begin belonged) stormed and captured the village of Deir Yasin and massacred much of the population, terrorizing Arab villagers, who began a mass exodus from Palestine. | ||
Britain did not help implement the U.N. decision. On May 14, 1948, their mandate to govern Palestine expired and they withdrew. On the day of British departure, the Jewish National Council proclaimed the State of Israel. United States and Soviet recognition came within hours. The following day, the uncoordinated armies of Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq invaded the new nation. But they were no match for Israeli troops. Israel defeated the Arabs. | |||
On January 7, 1949, the defeated Arab states signed armistice agreements that left Israel in possession of all the areas it won by conquest: the whole of the Palestinian coast minus a reduced Gaza Strip, the whole of Galilee, all of the Negev, and a strip connecting the coastal region to Jerusalem including the northwestern section of the city. Israel had increased its original territory by fifty percent. | On January 7, 1949, the defeated Arab states signed armistice agreements that left Israel in possession of all the areas it won by conquest: the whole of the Palestinian coast minus a reduced Gaza Strip, the whole of Galilee, all of the Negev, and a strip connecting the coastal region to Jerusalem including the northwestern section of the city. Israel had increased its original territory by fifty percent. | ||
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The U.N. Assembly voted on November 29 to partition Palestine into Jewish and Arab states. Trouble flared immediately. Syrian demonstrators attack U.S., Soviet and French Legations in Damascus; November 30, as Abdul Rahman Azzam Pasha, Arab League secretary general, declares that the U.N. decision will be resisted “by force.” At Acre Prison guards open fire when Arab prisoners attack Jewish inmates. Five Jews are killed in two gunfire attacks on buses near Tel Aviv. A general strike begins in Nablus while police break up protest meeting of 300 Arabs in Jenin. | The U.N. Assembly voted on November 29 to partition Palestine into Jewish and Arab states. Trouble flared immediately. Syrian demonstrators attack U.S., Soviet and French Legations in Damascus; November 30, as Abdul Rahman Azzam Pasha, Arab League secretary general, declares that the U.N. decision will be resisted “by force.” At Acre Prison guards open fire when Arab prisoners attack Jewish inmates. Five Jews are killed in two gunfire attacks on buses near Tel Aviv. A general strike begins in Nablus while police break up protest meeting of 300 Arabs in Jenin. | ||
== | == Early conflicts with Israel == | ||
After the January 1949 armistice, no entity remained that was officially called Palestine. One million Palestinian Arabs left Israel, leaving the Jews with the majority they required. The humiliating failure of the Arab intervention left the Arab governments in serious trouble and drastically increased the instability in the region. | After the January 1949 armistice, no entity remained that was officially called Palestine. One million Palestinian Arabs left Israel, leaving the Jews with the majority they required. The humiliating failure of the Arab intervention left the Arab governments in serious trouble and drastically increased the instability in the region. | ||
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There was a great deal of tension between the Palestinians and the other Arab states. According to General George Keegan, prior to the 1948 Arab attack on Israel, the Palestinians were subjected to a massive propaganda campaign from Arab newspapers and radio. The Arabs told the Palestinians to leave the Jewish sections of Palestine because Arab armies were going to crush the Jews. When the war was over, the Palestinians could return and take the lands and houses occupied by the Jews. | There was a great deal of tension between the Palestinians and the other Arab states. According to General George Keegan, prior to the 1948 Arab attack on Israel, the Palestinians were subjected to a massive propaganda campaign from Arab newspapers and radio. The Arabs told the Palestinians to leave the Jewish sections of Palestine because Arab armies were going to crush the Jews. When the war was over, the Palestinians could return and take the lands and houses occupied by the Jews. | ||
Many Palestinians left and the Arabs, of course, were defeated. Thereafter, the Palestinian Arab relations were strained at best, hostile at worst. Most Arab nations view the Palestinians as a potential security threat, treat them as second class citizens, and under no circumstances | Many Palestinians left and the Arabs, of course, were defeated. Thereafter, the Palestinian Arab relations were strained at best, hostile at worst. Most Arab nations view the Palestinians as a potential security threat, treat them as second class citizens, and under no circumstances would consider giving them a piece of land. That, and the treatment by the Israelis, eventually helped to radicalize them. There are now large Palestinian communities in Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, the Gulf states, and Israel. | ||
Until 1964, the displaced Palestinians were unorganized and largely leaderless. They received U.N. aid and were a source of cheap labor for “host countries.” Then, in 1964, the PLO and a secret movement called the Palestine National Liberation Movement, better known as al-Fatah (“the Conquest”) were organized and began training guerrillas for raids on Israel. Until 1970, these were launched from Jordan. | Until 1964, the displaced Palestinians were unorganized and largely leaderless. They received U.N. aid and were a source of cheap labor for “host countries.” Then, in 1964, the PLO and a secret movement called the Palestine National Liberation Movement, better known as al-Fatah (“the Conquest”) were organized and began training guerrillas for raids on Israel. Until 1970, these were launched from Jordan. | ||
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When the 1967 war broke out, Jordan had just signed a defense pact with Egypt. Thus, Jordan was forced to take part in the war by a five-day-old pact. Israel offered Jordan an informal separate peace. But King Hussein could not accept it and survive. As a result, he lost most of his kingdom to Israel, including the whole of the West Bank of the Jordan River. The West Bank is heavily populated by Palestinians. | When the 1967 war broke out, Jordan had just signed a defense pact with Egypt. Thus, Jordan was forced to take part in the war by a five-day-old pact. Israel offered Jordan an informal separate peace. But King Hussein could not accept it and survive. As a result, he lost most of his kingdom to Israel, including the whole of the West Bank of the Jordan River. The West Bank is heavily populated by Palestinians. | ||
By the June 11th, 1967 cease-fire, the Arab states had lost huge territories, much of their productive capacity, five percent of their best labor force, millions of dollars in productive equipment and tourist revenues. Of greater importance were the psychological and political loss which gave a powerful impetus to the Palestine guerrilla movement. | By the June 11th, 1967 cease-fire, the Arab states had lost huge territories, much of their productive capacity, five percent of their best labor force, millions of dollars in productive equipment and tourist revenues. Of greater importance were the psychological and political loss, which gave a powerful impetus to the Palestine guerrilla movement. | ||
== The rise of the PLO == | == The rise of the PLO == | ||
Following the 1967 cease-fire, the more militant members of the PLO took control of the leadership and began making guerrilla raids into Israel and its controlled territory. In retaliation, Israel attacked the | Following the 1967 cease-fire, the more militant members of the PLO took control of the leadership and began making guerrilla raids into Israel and its controlled territory. In retaliation, Israel attacked the host countries—Lebanon and Jordan. | ||
Friction grew between the PLO and their host countries, particularly Jordan. The PLO insisted on the right to act as an independent state. They also humiliated and tried to assassinate King Hussein. | Friction grew between the PLO and their host countries, particularly Jordan. The PLO insisted on the right to act as an independent state. They also humiliated and tried to assassinate King Hussein. | ||
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In “Black September” of 1970, the Jordanian army swept through the refugee camps, disarmed the guerrillas, wiped out the resistance, and deported the leaders. Driven from Jordan, the PLO focused its activities in Lebanon. | In “Black September” of 1970, the Jordanian army swept through the refugee camps, disarmed the guerrillas, wiped out the resistance, and deported the leaders. Driven from Jordan, the PLO focused its activities in Lebanon. | ||
In 1974, one of the most destructive civil wars in modern history broke out in Lebanon. It was caused by a schism between urban Christians and rural Muslims, Syria’s historic claims to Lebanon, and the Palestinians who considered Lebanon their last refuge. Although the Palestinians comprised ten percent of the population, they were constantly aware of their separate and inferior status. Landless and mostly poor, they were exploited as cheap labor. They became increasingly radicalized and threw their lot in with the Lebanese poor who were rural and mainly Muslim. As the Palestinians gained form, structure, and arms, they were sought out as allies by other radical groups in Lebanon. | In 1974, one of the most destructive civil wars in modern history broke out in Lebanon. It was caused by a schism between urban Christians and rural Muslims, Syria’s historic claims to Lebanon, and the Palestinians who considered Lebanon their last refuge. Although the Palestinians comprised ten percent of the population, they were constantly aware of their separate and inferior status. Landless and mostly poor, they were exploited as cheap labor. They became increasingly radicalized and threw their lot in with the Lebanese poor, who were rural and mainly Muslim. As the Palestinians gained form, structure, and arms, they were sought out as allies by other radical groups in Lebanon. | ||
The PLO encountered increasing difficulty controlling its more radical factions. When Israel and Egypt concluded an interim agreement in 1975, the Palestinians concluded that the Arab states were deserting them and that they would be suppressed in Lebanon as they were in Jordan. Tension rose and the PLO began to clash with Lebanese security forces. | The PLO encountered increasing difficulty controlling its more radical factions. When Israel and Egypt concluded an interim agreement in 1975, the Palestinians concluded that the Arab states were deserting them and that they would be suppressed in Lebanon as they were in Jordan. Tension rose and the PLO began to clash with Lebanese security forces. | ||
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In April 1982, Israel completed the withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula to comply with the terms of the Camp David agreement, destroying settlements and forcibly evacuating Jewish settlers. | In April 1982, Israel completed the withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula to comply with the terms of the Camp David agreement, destroying settlements and forcibly evacuating Jewish settlers. | ||
== Invasion of Lebanon == | |||
On June 6th, 1982, on June 6th, Israeli tanks rolled into Lebanon in pursuit of the PLO. This pursuit of the PLO was nominally based on their attempted assassination of the top Israeli diplomat, but their repeated shelling of Israeli settlements along the Lebanese border was what essentially provoked the Israeli retaliatory attack. What began as a drive, supposedly, to secure a twenty-five mile buffer zone between Israel’s border and the PLO developed into a major assault on West Beirut, the PLO’s stronghold. | |||
In the first 48 hours of its advance into Lebanon, the Israeli army had apparently crushed most of the Palestinian military forces between Beirut and the Israeli frontier, and the PLO operation command in West Beirut was knocked out. But Israel continued its attack, penetrating deeper and deeper into the Lebanese territory. Israel bombed West Beirut repeatedly, devastating large parts of the city, leaving between 600,000 and a million people homeless. | |||
The type of campaign the Israelis waged requires a lot of advanced planning. It is obvious that this operation--including the push to Beirut--was the real plan all along. | |||
== A Palestinian homeland == | |||
The Palestinians are displaced persons. And so they were living in Syria, in Jordan. They have been kicked out of these areas and they have made their home in Lebanon, where they have built their stronghold in defense of their cause, which is a just cause. And this is the problem of the entire situation. | |||
The Palestinians need a homeland. Their homeland has been stripped from them by the people of Israel. And therefore, because the whole world has neglected to hear their cause or give a just and lasting answer, they have taken it upon themselves to form their Palestine Liberation Organization with Yasser Arafat at the head, which has become militant. You always get fallen ones in the midst who will then ruin the very cause and image of the just cause of the people. And therefore, on all sides there is right and wrong—human relativity. | |||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
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== Sources == | == Sources == | ||
Lectures by Elizabeth Clare Prophet, July 1, 1982; July 18, 1982. | |||