For decades, disputes between Israel and Palestine over the west bank of the Jordan have lasted. Countless attempts have already been made to resolve this bloody conflict in a peaceful way, but both sides do not intend to give up their positions without a fight. Each side considers its opinion on this issue to be the only true one, which greatly complicates the negotiation process to restore law and order on this land.
Creation of the State of Israel
In 1947, members of the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on the creation of two states in the territory, which was previously under control in the UK. After the withdrawal of British troops, the Jewish and Arab states were to appear. But, unfortunately, this plan was not implemented. Palestine categorically refused to comply with it: there was a struggle for territory. In case of disagreement of the international community with these requirements, there were threats of land seizure by force.
During the first months after the British withdrawal of its armed forces, both sides (Jewish and Arab) tried to occupy the largest possible territory, as well as all key communications, in order to control the west bank of the Jordan River.
Conflict with Arab States
The creation of a Jewish state alongside the Arab countries was not a cause for great joy. Some particularly aggressive groups have openly stated that they will do everything possible to destroy Israel as a state. The Jewish state is still in a state of war and struggle for its own survival. Military operations, as well as terrorist acts, take place regularly on its territory.
The League of Arab States does not recognize the western bank of the Jordan River as part of Israel and is taking all possible political as well as military steps to transfer control over this territory to the Arabs. Israel opposes this in every possible way, failing to comply with the international agreements reached and risking an open conflict with neighboring states.
Background
Just the very day after the public announcement of the creation of the state of Israel on May 14, militant groups of the League of Arab States (LAS) invaded Palestine to destroy the Jewish population, protect the Arab nation and subsequently form a single state.
Then this territory was occupied by Transjordan, which was later annexed by Jordan. The West Bank is the land that belongs to Jordan before the Israeli War of Independence. This name began to be used throughout the world to designate this territory.
The occupation of the west bank of the Jordan River by Israel occurred later in 1967 after the end of the Six Day War. Arabs living in these territories and in the Gaza Strip gained the right and opportunity to travel abroad, trade and receive education in the Arab states.
Settlement Creation
Almost immediately after the Six Day War and the actual annexation of these territories by Israel, the first Jewish settlements appeared on the west bank of the Jordan River. Palestine is completely unhappy with such an actual seizure of land and the creation of residential areas there, which are under Israeli control. The international community actively condemns the activities of the Jewish state to gradually increase and expand settlements. Nevertheless, at the moment, the number of settlers exceeded 400 thousand people. Despite all the UN decisions, Israel continues to create illegal settlements, thereby strengthening its position in this territory.
Conflict Resolution Opportunities
After decades of continuous struggle for these lands, the Palestinian Authority was created in 1993, which transferred part of the territory of the Jordan River (west bank). Despite the UN persistent efforts to find a peaceful way out of this situation, the region continues to be a place of international tension.
In the 90s, the USA, Russia, Italy, and the European Union played and continue to play an active role as intermediaries. Unfortunately, many decisions taken during difficult negotiations have not come into force due to the conflicting actions of all parties to the conflict who want to control the west bank of the Jordan River. For some time, the negotiations and participation of the four mediators were discontinued.
Future prospects
Political leaders are changing, entire generations of residents have already grown up in this region, and his political fate is still unresolved. Nobody wants to give in. In Israel, the opinions of residents are also divided. Someone believes that these lands belong to Jewish residents and they need to be annexed, while someone is of the opinion that the territories were legally part of Jordan earlier and that they need to be returned, and not create unnecessary difficulties.
Unfortunately, creating a Jewish state from the very beginning was not an easy task. No country will agree to tear away part of its land in favor of another.
Now the western bank of the Jordan River and the Gaza Strip, like decades ago, are in the front pages of news feeds. Israel and the Arab states still have more than one round of negotiations for a stable and lasting peace to reign on this territory. It requires a great political will of the leaders of the countries, as well as the desire of the population to find a peaceful way to coexist on this earth.