Israel, the Conflict and Peace:
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

November 2003

Introduction

The Conflict

• What caused the current wave of Palestinian terrorism?
• How can the terrorism be stopped?
• Why have children been involved in the violence?
• Are targeted operations justified?
• What was the "hudna"?
• What is the security fence?
• What is the Palestinians' humanitarian situation?
• What is the claim of "return" for Palestinian refugees?
• Is Palestinian terrorism part of international terrorism?
• Why does Hizbollah continue to attack Israel?

Peace

• How can peace be achieved?
• How does Israel view the Roadmap?
• What is Israel's position on a Palestinian state?
• Why is Arafat not a partner for peace?
• How does incitement harm peace?
• What should be the Arab world's role?

Delegitimization and Anti-semitism

• Is anti-Zionism different from anti-semitism?
• What is Holocaust denial?
• Why has there been a rise in anti-semitic incidents?
• Does the international community treat Israel fairly?
• Has the media been fair in covering the conflict?

Basic Issues

• What is Zionism?
• Why is Israel a Jewish state?
• What is the status of Jerusalem?
• What is the status of the territories?
• Are the Israeli settlements legal?
• How are democratic values protected in Israel?

Appendix

• Israel's Declaration of Independence
• UN Security Council Resolution 242
• Israel, the Conflict and Peace: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
  (The original version from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)