Israel Flashcards

Question

Q: Who are some historic leaders of the PLO and Palestinian Authority? **Israel / Palestine**

Answer 1

A: Yasser Arafat, Mahmoud Abbas, Ahmed Qurei, Saeb Erekat, Hanan Ashrawi.

Answer 2

A: Israel has a parliamentary system where parties form coalitions. There is no formal constitution.

Answer 3

A: Meaning "catastrophe" in Arabic, it refers to displacement of Palestinians during Israel's creation.

Answer 4

A: Neither side fulfilled key commitments, settlements grew, and violence resumed, eroding trust built during Oslo.

Answer 5

A: Ismail Haniyeh (assassinated) and Yahya Sinwar are senior Hamas figures in Gaza.

Answer 6

Gaza and the West Bank are separated geographically but there are some connections between them: - They are separated by Israeli territory. Gaza is located along the coast, while the West Bank is inland. It's around 35 miles between them. - There is no direct road or rail link between Gaza and the West Bank. Major highways in Israel connect settlements in the West Bank but bypass Palestinian areas. - Palestinians must pass through Israeli security checkpoints and barriers to travel between the two Palestinian territories. This is difficult to obtain permits for. - Gaza has a border with Egypt, but this Rafah crossing is controlled by Egypt and Israel and is often closed. Very limited flow of people. - Some goods flow between the West Bank and Gaza via Israel. But Israel strictly controls what gets through. - Politically, Hamas controls Gaza while Fatah dominates the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. But there are still ties between them. - Utilities like electricity grids and wastewater infrastructure connect the territories. Water supplies also partially shared. - Cultural and family ties connect Gazans and West Bank residents, though they are very isolated from each other overall. So in summary, while separated physically, Gaza and the West Bank share political, economic, infrastructure and social connections controlled by Israel and meant to be part of a future Palestinian state. But the connections are limited.

Answer 7

The kibbutz system is a unique communal living arrangement that originated in Israel. Here are some key points about kibbutzim and their locations: 1. **History:** Kibbutzim were established in the early 20th century, during the Zionist movement in British Mandate Palestine. They were founded as agricultural and socialist communities with the aim of creating a self-sufficient and equitable society. 2. **Communal Living:** In a kibbutz, members live and work together, pooling their resources and sharing responsibilities. This includes communal child-rearing, collective farming, and shared decision-making. 3. **Economic Structure:** Historically, kibbutzim were primarily focused on agriculture, but many have diversified into industry and technology over the years. The kibbutz operates as a single economic entity, and income is typically distributed equally among members. 4. **Locations:** Kibbutzim are scattered throughout Israel, with many concentrated in the northern part of the country, the Galilee, and the southern regions like the Negev Desert. The specific location of each kibbutz can vary widely, from coastal areas to desert regions. 5. **Changes Over Time:** In recent decades, many kibbutzim have undergone significant changes in their economic and social structures. While some still maintain the traditional communal way of life, others have adopted more individualistic or privatized models. 6. **Tourism:** Some kibbutzim have opened their doors to tourists, offering accommodations and opportunities for visitors to experience communal living and explore the surrounding areas. 7. **Community Values:** Kibbutzim often uphold values of social equality, cooperation, and self-sufficiency. They have played a significant role in Israel's history and development. The kibbutz system has evolved over the years, and today you can find a wide range of kibbutzim with varying levels of adherence to traditional communal principles.

Answer 8

Rafah Crossing into Egypt

Answer 9

Hezbollah is primarily based in Lebanon, specifically in the southern part of the country and the Bekaa Valley. Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political and military organization with a significant presence in Lebanon. It was founded in the early 1980s and receives support from Iran. Hezbollah and Hamas are two different organizations with distinct goals and areas of operation: 1. Hezbollah: As mentioned, Hezbollah is based in Lebanon and has a strong political and military presence there. It is closely aligned with Iran and is often seen as a proxy of Iran in the region. Hezbollah’s primary focus is on Lebanon, and it has been involved in Lebanese politics for several decades. Its military wing is known for its conflict with Israel, particularly along the Lebanese-Israeli border.