Plain English with Derek Thompson Two Israel-Palestine Historians Explain: How Did We Get Here? And What Happens Next?
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Oct 31, 2023 
Benny Morris, an eminent Israeli historian with a focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, is joined by Zachary Foster, a historian of Palestine analyzing the rise of Hamas. They discuss the origins of the conflict from antiquity to present-day tensions. Morris highlights the historical issues leading to violence, while Foster examines Hamas's transformation from charity to militant group. Both experts reflect on Israel's military response and the challenges posed by the absence of moderate voices on both sides, offering nuanced perspectives on the future of this enduring conflict.
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Early Jewish Immigration to Palestine
- In the late 19th century, Jews, facing pogroms in Eastern Europe, began emigrating to Palestine.
- The Ottoman Empire, while not entirely pleased, permitted this for bribes.
The Origins of Zionism
- While Jews have a long history in the region, Zionism, the movement to establish a Jewish state, is a more recent concept.
- It emerged in the 19th century alongside other European nationalist movements.
The Balfour Declaration and Its Impact
- The Balfour Declaration of 1917, prompted by Jewish lobbying and British guilt, declared support for a Jewish national home in Palestine.
- This declaration fueled Zionist hopes for an independent state, increasing Jewish immigration and escalating Arab anxieties.