The Battle for Israel's Soul: A Journey into the Heart of the Jewish-Arab Conflict

The Battle for Israel's Soul is a gripping and eye-opening account of the Jewish-Arab conflict from the perspective of those who have lived through it. Through interviews with Israelis, Palestinians, and other experts, author David Horovitz offers a nuanced and balanced understanding of one of the world's most intractable conflicts.

Menachem Begin: The Battle for Israel's Soul (Jewish Encounters Series)

by Daniel Gordis

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	29604 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	337 pages

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Horovitz begins by tracing the history of the conflict, from the early days of Zionism to the present day. He explores the complex relationship between Israelis and Palestinians, and the many factors that have contributed to their mutual distrust. He also provides a vivid account of the everyday realities of life in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Horovitz's book is not just a history of the conflict. It is also a personal journey. He himself is a Jewish immigrant to Israel, and he has a deep understanding of the hopes and fears of both Israelis and Palestinians. He is also willing to challenge conventional wisdom and to offer his own insights into the conflict.

The Battle for Israel's Soul is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the Jewish-Arab conflict. It is a complex and challenging book, but it is also a rewarding one. Horovitz offers a unique perspective on the conflict, and his insights will help readers to see it in a new light.

Chapter 1: The Roots of the Conflict

The roots of the Jewish-Arab conflict lie in the late 19th century, with the rise of Zionism, a movement that sought to create a Jewish state in Palestine. At the time, Palestine was part of the Ottoman Empire, and its population was mostly Arab. The Zionist movement was seen by many Arabs as a threat to their own national aspirations.

In 1917, the British government issued the Balfour Declaration, which promised to support the creation of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. This declaration was seen by many Arabs as a betrayal, and it led to increased tensions between Jews and Arabs.

In 1948, the British Mandate for Palestine ended, and the State of Israel was declared. The Arab states immediately invaded Israel, but they were defeated. The war led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, and it created a deep rift between Israelis and Palestinians.

Chapter 2: The Six-Day War

In 1967, Israel launched a preemptive strike against Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, which led to the Six-Day War. Israel quickly achieved a decisive victory, and it occupied the Golan Heights, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip.

The Six-Day War was a turning point in the Jewish-Arab conflict. It led to a significant increase in Israeli territory and population, and it also created a new wave of Palestinian refugees.

Chapter 3: The Oslo Accords

In 1993, Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) signed the Oslo Accords, which were intended to lead to a two-state solution to the conflict. The accords called for the creation of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and they also established a Palestinian Authority to govern the territories.

The Oslo Accords were a major breakthrough in the peace process, but they have also been criticized. Some Palestinians argue that the accords have not led to a real improvement in their lives, and that they have actually made them more dependent on Israel. Others argue that the accords have failed to address the root causes of the conflict.

Chapter 4: The Second Intifada

In 2000, the Second Intifada, or uprising, broke out in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The uprising was sparked by a visit to the Temple Mount by Ariel Sharon, then the leader of the Israeli opposition. The uprising lasted for five years, and it led to the deaths of thousands of Israelis and Palestinians.

The Second Intifada was a major setback for the peace process. It also led to a significant increase in violence and mistrust between Israelis and Palestinians.

Chapter 5: The Present Day

The Jewish-Arab conflict continues to this day. There is no easy solution, and there are no easy answers. However, it is important to understand the history of the conflict and the perspectives of both sides. Only then can we hope to find a way to resolve it.

The Battle for Israel's Soul is a powerful and moving book that offers a unique perspective on the Jewish-Arab conflict. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand this complex and challenging issue.

Menachem Begin: The Battle for Israel's Soul (Jewish Encounters Series)

by Daniel Gordis

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	29604 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	337 pages

FREE