Hindu Editorial Analysis : 9-October-2023

The Israel-Palestine conflict, a long-standing dispute rooted in historical, religious, and political complexities, has recently escalated with Hamas launching “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm,” prompting Israel to retaliate with “Operation Iron Sword.” This essay explores India’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict and its evolving relationship with both nations.

The Israel-Palestine Conflict
  1. Historical Background
    • Origins in the mid-20th century when Britain granted the Jewish diaspora a homeland in present-day Israel.
    • Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, claimed by Palestine.
  2. Peace Process and International Efforts
    • Numerous attempts to resolve the conflict through peace processes and the United Nations.
    • Normalization of ties with Israel through the Abraham Accord and Oslo Accord.
India’s Position on Israel-Palestine Conflict
  1. Post-Independence Stand
    • India’s early support for the Palestinian cause, rejecting the idea of two nations based on religion.
    • Consensus with the Arab world, Non-Aligned Movement, and the United Nations.
  2. Votes at the UN
    • India’s votes against the partition of Palestine and Israel’s admission to the UN.
    • Recognition of Israel in 1950 but no diplomatic presence initially.
  3. Recognition for PLO
    • India recognized the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.
    • Became the first non-Arab state to recognize the PLO.
  4. End of the Cold War
    • The end of the Cold War reduced ideological hostility towards Israel.
India-Israel Relations
  1. Early Ties
    • In 1992, India initiated defense deals, scientific cooperation, and agricultural collaboration.
    • Maintained a balance between historical support for Palestine and growing ties with Israel.
  2. High-Level Visits
    • L K Advani’s visit to Israel in 2000.
    • Joint anti-terror commission established in 2000.
    • Ariel Sharon’s visit to India in 2003.
  3. Economic and Commercial Relations
    • Bilateral merchandise trade grew significantly.
    • Diversification into pharmaceuticals, agriculture, IT, and homeland security.
    • Israeli technology transfer and R&D centers in India.
    • Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in consideration.
  4. Defense Cooperation
    • India imports critical defense technologies from Israel.
    • Regular exchanges between armed forces.
    • Cooperation on security issues, including counter-terrorism.
  5. Agriculture
    • Joint work program signed in 2021.
    • Collaboration on Centers of Excellence, value chains, and private investment.
    • Adoption of Israeli technologies in horticulture, irrigation, and dairy farming.
  6. Science & Technology
    • Joint Committee on S&T established.
    • India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund (I4F) promoting joint industrial R&D projects.
  7. Energy
    • India’s involvement in exploring Tamar and Leviathan gas fields off Israel’s coast.
Significance of India’s Role
  1. Siding with Israel
    • Indian Prime Minister’s expression of “solidarity with Israel” in response to recent attacks.
  2. Engagement in West Asia
    • Deepening ties with Israel and West Asian nations due to India’s strategic interests.
    • Consideration of Indian diaspora, connectivity, and energy imports.
  3. Impact on India’s Exports
    • Potential reduction in profits for Indian exporters due to the conflict but not expected to impact trade volumes unless war escalates.
Why In News

Recently, Hamas, the militant group ruling the Gaza Strip, mounted one of the most audacious attacks on Israel known as “Operation ‘Al-Aqsa Storm”. In response to this aggression, Israel has formally declared war on Hamas under “Operation Iron Sword,” escalating tensions in the region and raising concerns about the ongoing conflict’s impact on civilian populations and regional stability.

MCQs about Navigating the Israel-Palestine Conflict

  1. What was India’s stance during the partition of Palestine at the United Nations?
    A. Voted in favor of partition
    B. Abstained from voting
    C. Voted against partition
    D. Supported both Israel and Palestine
    Correct Answer: C. Voted against partition
    Explanation: India, along with Arab countries, voted against the partition of Palestine at the United Nations.
  2. When did India recognize Israel as a sovereign nation?
    A. 1947
    B. 1950
    C. 1960
    D. 1973
    Correct Answer: B. 1950
    Explanation: India recognized Israel as a sovereign nation in the year 1950, although diplomatic presence was established later.
  3. Which Indian minister made the first high-level visit to Israel?
    A. Jawaharlal Nehru
    B. Indira Gandhi
    C. L K Advani
    D. Narendra Modi
    Correct Answer: C. L K Advani
    Explanation: L K Advani became the first Indian minister to visit Israel in the year 2000.
  4. What is the primary reason for India’s deepening engagement with Israel and West Asian nations?
    A. Religious affiliations
    B. Cultural exchange
    C. Strategic interests, diaspora, connectivity, and energy imports
    D. Economic partnerships
    Correct Answer: C. Strategic interests, diaspora, connectivity, and energy imports
    Explanation: India’s engagement with Israel and West Asian nations is driven by its strategic interests, the presence of a significant Indian diaspora, connectivity, and the import of over 50% of its energy needs from the region.

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