Conflict in Israel
What's going on over there?
Why do we even have countries?
The reason we have countries is because we do not all agree on everything and people who do agree on the same thing like to stick together. So if you think about it, even if we took away all of the boundaries, groups would start forming and eventually make new boundaries. Without countries, the world would be chaos. Having countries allows everyone to do everything a little differently so that we are all generally happier.
What influences boundaries?
Boundaries can be influenced be cultural differences and historical events. They can also be caused by religious beliefs. Boundaries can also be laid out by other, stronger nations.
What conflicts may occur because of boundaries?
When you slice a cake, everyone wants the biggest slice with the most icing, sprinkles, etc. The same thing happens with countries, everyone wants the best piece of land, but when everyone wants the best, they fight over it. People can fight over the size of the country and want to expand boundaries. They can also want to expand boundaries for resources. For example, two countries might be fighting over a strip of land that has a lot of oil, or they might be fighting over access to a river for water or trade.
1948 Arab-Israel War (historical boundries, war, and religion)
In 1948, the day after Israel declared independence, five Arab countries (Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq) invaded the new country and started the Arab-Israeli War. Israel had just been declared a country for Jews and the Muslims that were already living there got angry. The Arab countries were defeated but still wanted the Jewish nation to go.
The Six Day War (historical resources and war)
In 1967, tensions had been rising leading to Israel starting a war with five Arab countries, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq. One of the motivations Israel had was a water dispute. Israel had not yet found a way to desalinate ocean water so they relied on the Jordan River. Israel found out that Arab countries had been planning on diverting the water in the Jordan River so Israel would not have enough. This and other reasons eventually led to the Six Day War.
The Second Intifada (current religion, war and boundaries)
The Second Intifada started in 2000 when the future Prime Minister of Israel, Ariel Sharon, visited Temple Mount and stated that "The Temple Mount is in our hands and will remain in our hands." Temple Mount is a holy site for both Judaism and Islam, so it made the Palestinians mad. During this conflict Palestinians started attacking civilians with suicide bombs and other terrorist attacks. Israel started fighting back with helicopters, tanks and live ammunition. This went on until 2005
Israeli - Palestinian water conflict (current resource)
Israel and Palestine are always fighting over resources, especially water. Both of their main water resources are the Jordan River and the Mountain Aquifer. When Palestine wants to dig a well or repair one so they can take water from the Mountain Aquifer they must get permission from Israel. Israel often does not grant them permission which angers them.