A Third Intifada?

The word intifada is a term which now refers to two different major events of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict wherein the Palestinian side has rebelled against Israeli rule. The major goals of what we refer to as the Intifadas are for Palestinians to gain land in the Middle East. The word is an Arabic word which translates to “shaking off.” In an article written in the Jerusalem Post by Ira Sharkansky, “Window on Israel: The third intifada” the possibility of a third uprising of Palestinians is discussed as a current threat amongst Israelis. Sharkansky points out that Sukkot, the eight day Jewish harvesting festival which is happening in 2009 from October 2-9, is often a time of terror in Israel and hopefully the current situation Israeli’s are facing is temporary.

Sharkansky eloquently demonstrates his knowledge on the topic by pointing out what may seem obvious to many, but is still worthwhile to hear now and again. He notes that

It is no surprise that [Israel], and especially [Jerusalem] provokes religious fanaticism. It is appropriate to admit that Muslims have no monopoly on the trait, even though it is they who are most likely to combine messianism with violence.

The end of his statement is a skewed view that most Muslims would not agree with, I only mention this to keep politics outside of the argument. The goal of presenting a balanced argument is key. What I would like to draw attention to is the first part of hi statements. Even the word Jerusalem today carries not only religious, but political connotations as well. It is important that each side not get carried away when reacting to the much disputed land.

It is furthered in the article that Israel too will resort to violence if necessary. The Muslims are not alone in this endeavor. Yes, the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) promote self defense, but as Sharkansky comments that “…history shows that when pushed too far for too long, Israel will resort to military action.” It is not enough to be self defensive alone, when all too often the country is being attacked. The hope that this current terror lasts only through Sukkot, and no longer, is a hope shared by Jews in every country of the world.

A simple Google search will tell readers that Ira Sharkansky is a professor of Political Science at the Hebrew University on Mount Scopus in Jerusalem. He has published six books on Israeli politics and the Middle East conflict and has worked in Academia as a scholar on the conflict for over forty years. Professor Ira Sharkansky is a reliable source. His personal political views, as with most scholars, should be irrelevant as he knows enough to state the facts.

In concluding his article, Sharkansky points out that he personally had an awakening a few years back when one of his Arab students commented the following: “He said that many of his friends thought Jews were blowing up their own buses, to give them an excuse to kill Arabs.” How astounding that at the root of many of the conflicts lays fear. Often, people get mixed up in their own political/religious/social views and lose a sense of what the fighting is about. I cannot say whether or not the fighting would still be happening if the aforementioned student’s comments were not true, but it seems notable to mention the thought process of many regardless.

The point of Sharkansky’s article seems to me to be a call to action. Or a call to stop action! Sharkansky feels the need for the Palestinians to stop what is currently going on because Israel, for him, will not fail to take action when necessary. According to Sharkanasky, the option of having a third intifada relies on how Israel will react if pushed too far and he feels the Arabs should discontinue their attempts at creating hostility.