UCDP

General information

Current Name: Government of Israel
Current Name full English: Government of Israel
Current Name full native language: n/a

Original Name: Government of Israel
Original Name full English: Government of Israel
Original Name full native language: n/a

Actor Chronology

This section contains information about (if applicable) group splinters, name changes, and alliances according to the UCDP definitions of these concepts.

UCDP has not recorded any Chronology Activities involving this group.

Conflict issues

Government of Israel - PFLP

Conflict Goal Issues: Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) was an Arab-nationalist leftist rebel group created in 1967 as a military wing of the Arab National Movement (ANM). The group emerged as an anti-Zionist group intent on protecting Palestinian independence from Israel and was part of several different groups and coalitions over the duration of the conflict. In 1967, PFLP released its founding statement, where they stated that: “The armed resistance is the only effective method that must be used by the popular masses in dealing with the Zionist enemy and all of its interests and its presence”, calling for independence.

In 1988 the group reemerged as an independent group, during which calls for independence continued, but the group also called for the resignation of Israeli-appointed control over municipalities and for economic reforms to take place. The group also expressed opposition to elections the following year, calling them “elections under the force of an enemy’s army”. In 2000 and 2001, the group reaffirmed its intentions to fight for Palestinian independence from Israeli occupation.

PFLP continuously emphasized its desire to establish an independent country of Palestine, and it largely shaped the group’s identity, which implies centrality and is why independence is attributed as PFLP’s main conflict goal issue.

Conflict Dynamics Issues: In its founding statement from 1967, PFLP called for the removal of “the Zionist enemy and all of its interests and its presence” calling for the removal of foreign forces and removal of foreign influence.

In later years of conflict, these intentions were not explicitly announced, although the group’s characteristics suggest that the issues were still present in the group. Instead, the group called for returning Palestinian refugees to their homes, and called for retaliation against Israeli forces should the killing of Palestinians continue.

No main conflict dynamics issue was coded for PFLP regarding the dynamics of the conflict.

Conflict Resolution Issues: Whilst no issues were stated during the year of PFLP’s emergence, the group stated several conflict resolution issues as the conflict emerged. In 1988, the group expressed its opposition to negotiations, calling them “imperialist plans”. PFLP did, however, also release a statement stating that they would abide by a decision to not engage in military activity against Israel’s borders as established in 1967. In 2000, the group reaffirmed its opposition to negotiations. The main conflict resolution issue of PFLP was the opposition to peace agreements with the Israeli government.

Type of conflict issues: Conflict Goal Issues: Economic reforms, Independence, Opposition to elections, Oust local executive

Conflict Dynamics Issues: DFI: Removal of foreign influence, DFI: Withdrawal of military intervention/foreign forces, Return of refugees/IDPs, Revenge/vengeance

Conflict Resolution Issues: Opposition to negotiations, Peace agreement implementation
Government of Israel - PFLP-GC

Conflict Goal Issues: Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – General Command (PFLP-GC) emerged as a left-wing Palestinian nationalist rebel group following a split from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) in 1968, although it was first coded in 1988. During this year, the group’s leader Ahmad Jebril stated his intent to remove Israeli control over Palestine territories, intending to oust the executive branch of Yassir Arafat’s Palestinian Liberty Organization due to its “capitulationist policy” towards Israel.

As the conflict progressed, the PFLP-GC did not reaffirm its intent to oust the executive, although calls could be interpreted as calling for the assassination of Yassir Arafat in 1989. Instead, the group began calling for Palestinian independence from Israel, showed opposition to 2001 elections and called attention to supposed blasphemy against Islam.

The main issue of PFLP-GC was the struggle for an independent Palestine, as this was heavily emphasized by the group and shaped the group’s identity.

Conflict Dynamics Issues: In 1989, the group called attention to the result of an Israeli air strike which hit and killed members of PFLP-GC, but also a cottage of Lebanese civilians, accusing the Israeli military of committing an atrocity. In 2001, the group called for the “liberation and return” of refugees to Palestine. As no issues were stated with continuity, no main issue was attributed to PFLP-GC.

Conflict Resolution Issues: In 1989, the group stated: “We oppose any kind of political settlement, whatever its source and consider negotiation with the enemy to be a grave treason and unforgivable crime.”, which was coded as opposing peace agreements and opposing negotiations. As no issues were stated with continuity, no main issue was attributed to PFLP-GC.

Type of conflict issues: Conflict Goal Issues: Blasphemy, Independence, Opposition to elections, Oust full executive, Oust head of the executive

Conflict Dynamics Issues: Atrocities and abuses, Return of refugees/IDPs

Conflict Resolution Issues: Opposition to negotiations, Opposition to peace agreement
Government of Israel - Fatah

Conflict Goal Issues: Harakat al-Tahrir al Wataniyyeh al-Falastiniyyeh, more commonly known as Fatah, was a separatist Palestinian nationalist Arab rebel group fighting against the Israeli government to achieve independence for Palestine. The group emerged in 1958 as a political movement and were first coded by the project when it merged with the Palestinian Liberation Organization and appointed Fatah’s leader Yasser Arafat as its leader in 1968. Arafat, and Fatah as an organization, would also largely be in control of the later established Palestine National Authority (PNA) which served as a de-facto interim government of several Palestinian regions from 1993-2006. During its first year of existence, Fatah released one statement pertaining to conflict goal issues, where they stated that “humble, ordinary subjugated people are taking up arms in self-defence and for the eventual liberation of their homeland”, indicating calls for armed resistance for the liberation and independence of Palestine from Israeli control.

As the conflict progressed, calls for independence were continuously and frequently stated throughout the entire conflict. In the following year, 1969, Fatah made statements pertaining to the establishment of a secular and democratic political system in a Palestinian state to protect cultural-, civil-, and religious rights of Palestinian people. The group became active in the UCDP in 1989, where they reaffirmed its intent to establish a democratic independent state, but also called for the cessation of Israeli settlements in Palestinian areas and for relations with Jordan to be improved. No further statements were interpreted until 2000, when Fatah became very active in communications. They emphasized the protection of cultural heritage from Israeli occupation forces and from military attacks continuously, as well as for land reforms to protect Palestinian lands from Israeli settlements, and continuously emphasized the freedom of movement for Palestinian people. Several other issues were also stated, although these were only coded in singular instances and were not heavily emphasized.

The main conflict goal issue for Fatah was the struggle for Palestinian independence. This issue was frequently mentioned throughout the entire conflict and was heavily emphasized every time it was mentioned. The protection of cultural heritage and of Palestinian lands were also main issues for Fatah, as these were frequently mentioned with heavy emphasis towards most of the conflict.

Conflict Dynamics Issues: During the year of Fatah’s emergence, the group released one statement pertaining to conflict dynamics issues, stating: “This resistance and the liberation movement Al-Fatah is coordinating is aimed solely at the Zionist-militaryfascist [sic!] regime which has usurped our homeland and expelled and repressed our two million people, condemning them to a life of destitution and misery.” This was interpreted as calling for the withdrawal of foreign, Israeli, forces, and accusing the Israeli military of systematic abuses.

Similar calls were continuously made throughout the entire conflict. Several new issues were also interpreted from later communications. Fatah called for the removal of Israeli settlers from Palestinian lands on two occasions with heavy emphasis and accused the Israeli military forces and government of intentionally targeting Palestinian civilians based on their ethnic adherence. Throughout the conflict, Fatah also released statements directed at the international community calling upon foreign countries and organizations to assist Fatah with political support, sanctions against the Israeli government, pressure upon the Israeli government to cease human rights abuses and forced settlements of Israelis within Palestinian territories, and for assistance with a foreign mediator to resolve the conflict. Fatah also made statements calling for international monitoring into attempted peace processes, for international court investigations into human rights abuses, and for foreign forces to be placed in the country. The project also interpreted continuous statements regarding misconduct of the Israeli military, specifically of targeting civilian infrastructure, establishing a rule of terror over the region, and of assassinating political figures within Fatah and associated organizations. Finally, Fatah also called for the release of political prisoners from Israel, and for Palestinian refugees to be allowed to return to Palestine and to their homes.

The main conflict resolution issues stated by Fatah were the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Palestinian territories, which was largely motivated by human rights abuses and military misconduct by the Israeli military, as well as the calls for Palestinian refugees to be allowed to return to their homeland. All these issues were continuously and frequently emphasized were and related to Fatah’s conflict goal issues.

Conflict Resolution Issues: Whilst no conflict resolution issues were stated by Fatah in its first year of existence, the group raised several issues throughout the conflict. As the conflict progressed, the group continuously called for negotiations and stated that these should be resolved as quickly as possible, with occasional calls for the negotiations to be held under the monitoring of other countries. Fatah also continuously called for the establishment of, and adherence to, ceasefires to precede and ensure negotiations. Finally, the group also continuously called for investigations to be conducted into human rights abuses perpetrated by the Israeli military forces, and for accountability for these.

The main conflict resolution issues for Fatah were calls for establishing ceasefires and negotiations to resolve the conflict politically, as these were frequently and continuously occurring throughout the conflict and were heavily emphasized in statements.

Type of conflict issues: The coded conflict issues for this group are: Conflict Goal Issues: Basic needs, Change a specific law, Change judicial system, Civil rights, CPS: Democracy, CPS: Secular state, Cultural rights, Economic reforms, Foreign policy reform, Freedom of movement, Hold elections, Human rights, Independence, Land reforms, Law and order, Protection of cultural heritage, Protection of natural resources/the environment, Public services, Reform judicial system, Religious rights, Restriction of freedom of movement, Restrictions on religious rights, Rule of law, Water resources

Conflict Dynamics Issues: Atrocities and abuses, Call for collective targeting: other group, Collective targeting: ethnic, DFI: Removal of foreigners, DFI: Withdrawal of military intervention/foreign forces, DFI: Withdrawal of political support, IFI: Foreign mediator, IFI: International court/tribunal/investigation, IFI: International monitoring, IFI: Military intervention/foreign forces, IFI: Political support, IFI: Sanctions, IFI: Use of foreign influence, Land reforms, Military conduct, Release of prisoners, Return of refugees/IDPs, Revenge/vengeance

Conflict Resolution Issues: Accountability/prosecution/investigation, Call for ceasefire, Call for implementation/abiding to ceasefire, Call for negotiations, Compensation/restoration, National dialogue, Opposition to negotiations, Peace agreement implementation, Structure of negotiations, Structure of peace agreement
Government of Israel - Hamas

Conflict Goal Issues: Hamas is an Islamist Palestinian nationalist rebel group who emerged following the First Intifada in 1987 with the goal of achieving Palestinian independence from Israel and establishing an Islamist state. During the year of its emergence, Hamas released statements pertaining to the conflict goal of establishing Palestinian independence and altering the political system to be in line with Muslim faith: “And to the criminal Zionists: Hands off our people - our cities - our camps - our villages, our battle with you is a battle of faith, existence and life”.

Throughout the coded conflict, these issues were continuously mentioned, and frequently emphasized, and other issues were also raised by Hamas. In particular, the protection of cultural heritage became a heavily emphasized point for the group. The cultural heritage in question was centered around two things, Palestinian land and significant mosques that were targeted by the Israeli government. In 1988 Hamas released its official covenant, which included numerous statements pertaining to conflict goal issues. Most of these were, however, not emphasized later in the conflict, and did not significantly impact the future structure of Hamas. On two instances, calls for economic reforms and for elections were made, as was calls for religious rights to be protected, although these were significantly more emphasized than the former, as Muslim struggle for independence from Israeli influence was a focal point of Hamas.

The main conflict goal issues pronounced by Hamas were the frequently and continuously emphasized creation of an Islamic state, achieving independence from Israel and establish a Palestinian state, and protecting significant religious and cultural heritage, including Palestinian land. The issue of Palestinian independence from Israeli control was the most frequently stated issue.

Conflict Dynamics Issues: During its first year of existence, Hamas released three statements pertaining to conflict dynamics issues. They accused “the Jews” (Israel) of criminal occupation, and of creating “waterfalls of blood that bleed every day”, indication allegations of abuse. The group also called for the revenge for such actions: “And let the world know that the Jews are committing Nazi crimes against our people, and that they will drink from the same cup.” And finally, Hamas called for the withdrawal of foreign forces, which are the Israeli forces that occupied Palestinian land.

Throughout the conflict, all these issues would be continuously emphasized, although revenge was not explicitly stated after 2007 whereas accusations of atrocities and calls for withdrawal of foreign forces were stated until the end of the coded conflict. Several issues were also raised after the first year. In first few years of conflict, Hamas released statements calling upon Islamist organizations to target Jewish people and settlers in Palestinian areas, which indicates calls for collective targeting of civilians on religious basis. The group also continuously called for the removal of foreign influence, specifically targeting international organizations and calling them Zionist, similar condemnations were made against the U.S. following its support for Israel, with calls for the U.S. to withdraw its support from Israel. Throughout the conflict, Hamas also called for international financial support, humanitarian aid, recognition, and, especially, political support and influence for the Palestinian cause. The calls for support were mainly targeted towards Arab and Muslim countries, although it did extend to the rest of the world as well. Calls for the release of prisoners also became a continuously mentioned conflict dynamics issue from Hamas, as did calls for the return of Palestinian refugees to their land, particularly towards the end of the conflict.

The most frequently mentioned conflict dynamics issues from Hamas were the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestinian territory, calls for political support and international pressure for Hamas’ cause, and the release and return of prisoners and Palestinian refugees. All of these received heavy emphasis and should be considered main issues, although the calls for returning refugees only became heavily emphasized towards the end of the conflict. Whilst not frequently stated, allegations of Israeli abuses and military conduct were heavily emphasized, particularly in the earlier stages of conflict, and should also be considered a main issue for Hamas.

Conflict Resolution Issues: For the first year of conflict, Hamas stated its resistance towards peace agreements established, stating that these did not fulfill the promise of ensuring security and safety of Palestinians, as its only conflict resolution issues.

Throughout the first half of the coded conflict, opposition to peace agreements on the grounds of them being insufficient in protecting Palestinians, as well as heavily favoring the Israelis, were frequently and continuously stated. Opposition to negotiations would also emerge with a similar rationale, calling upon negotiations to be resisted until Palestinian interests were represented in negotiations. Towards the end of the conflict, Hamas also raised issues of prosecution and accountability, calling upon “the enemy” to be “prosecute(d) in international courts for war crimes and massacres it committed against defenseless children and families.” In one instance, Hamas also called for a ceasefire.

The main conflict resolution issues for Hamas were its opposition to negotiations and to peace agreements. These were continuously emphasized and frequently mentioned by Hamas, and with heavy emphasis. Whilst opposition to peace agreements was only stated until 2004, its heavy emphasis should still make it be considered a main issue for the group.

Type of conflict issues: The coded conflict issues for this group are: Conflict Goal Issues: Basic needs, Change judicial system, Civil rights, CPS: Islamic state, CPS: Other/undefined system, Cultural rights, Economic reforms, Education system: culture, Education system: increase religion, Gender rights, Hold elections, Independence, Land reforms, Protection of cultural heritage, Public services, Religious rights, Restrictions on religious rights, Revenues from natural resources, Rule of law

Conflict Dynamics Issues: Atrocities and abuses, Call for collective targeting: other group, Call for collective targeting: religious, Collective targeting: ethnic, Collective targeting: other group, Collective targeting: political, Collective targeting: religious, DFI: Removal of foreign influence, DFI: Withdrawal of military intervention/foreign forces, DFI: Withdrawal of political support, IFI: Financial support, IFI: Humanitarian aid, IFI: International court/tribunal/investigation, IFI: International monitoring, IFI: Military intervention/foreign forces, IFI: Political support, IFI: Recognition, IFI: Support from diasporas/foreign fighters, IFI: Use of foreign influence, Military conduct, Release of prisoners, Return of refugees/IDPs, Revenge/vengeance

Conflict Resolution Issues: Accountability/prosecution/investigation, Call for ceasefire, Call for implementation/abiding to ceasefire, Opposition to negotiations, Opposition to peace agreement
Government of Israel - PIJ

Conflict Goal Issues: Harakat al-Jihad al-Islami al-Filastini, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), is a Sunni-Islamist Palestinian-nationalist rebel group that was formed by dissidents from the Muslim Brotherhood in 1980. The group differs from other Palestinian groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah in its lack of a political wing and its more hardline Islamist ideology. During the year of its creation, the group only stated one conflict goal issue, calling for the establishment of Islamist law internationally for the world to receive “a new law and a new custom”. The group first became active in 1988, during which it called for the protection of Palestinian access to basic needs, for the liberation of Palestinian lands which would entail the destruction of the Israeli state, and for Palestinian independence to be established.

As the conflict progressed, continuous emphasis would be placed on destroying the Israeli state and its rule over Palestine and the establishment of Palestinian independence. Calls for Islamic law were only made once more throughout the conflict and was briefly joined with calls for the establishment of an Islamic state in 1989 and 1995. Whilst PIJ did not explicitly reaffirm its intent to protect the basic needs of Palestinian people, they made calls toward protecting civil-, cultural-, and religious rights occasionally throughout the conflict. In particular, the group called for the protection of religious and cultural heritage sites repeatedly. Finally, singular instances of calling for executive interim power-sharing, foreign policy reform to improve relations with the Syrian and Iranian people, holding elections, and promoting freedom of movement were also made, although these were not frequently made.

The main conflict goal issues of the PIJ were the establishment of an independent Palestine free from Israeli rule and influence which would effectively entail the destruction of the Israeli state. These issues were continuously mentioned throughout the conflict, and heavily emphasized in communications by the PIJ. Whilst calls for protecting cultural heritage sites were also frequently made, these were not as heavily emphasized as the group’s main issues.

Conflict Dynamics Issues: Whilst no conflict dynamics issues were pronounced in the year of its creation, the group stated several issues during its first active year. In 1987 and 1988, the PIJ called for the removal of the “Zionists” and “invaders”, calling for the removal of Israeli military forces. The group also called upon the international community to seize its implicit “support for the Zionist enemy on our land” through its silence. Furthermore, the PIJ called for the international community and Muslim diaspora to “join the march of sacred jihad” and to support the group’s cause, both economically and militarily: “Everything is thus required of you… Your blood, your wealth, and your sons, and you have paradise”. Finally, the group also called attention to accusations of atrocities against Palestinian people who had been forcefully incarcerated in Israeli detention camps.

As the conflict progressed, continuous statements relating to atrocities against Palestinian civilians and the withdrawal of Israeli military forces were released. Sparse calls for political support to be withdrawn and for assistance of the diaspora were also interpreted. The PIJ also began calling for several new conflict dynamics issues, releasing statements pertaining to removing foreign influence, both Israeli and U.S., from Palestine, and for the removal of Israeli settlers from Palestinian lands. Statements regarding the conduct of the Israeli army also became frequent, particularly regarding the Israeli military’s attempts at establishing a state of terror on Palestinian civilians through structural and intentional targeting and terrorizing of civilians and their property.

The main conflict dynamics issues for the PIJ were the calls for the Israeli military to withdraw its forces and the accusations of military misconduct and atrocities against the Palestinian civilian population by Israeli forces. These issues were continuously and frequently mentioned throughout the conflict and were heavily emphasized to the point that they became integral to the group’s aims.

Conflict Resolution Issues: No conflict resolution issues were interpreted by the PIJ in the year of its creation, but during the first year of conflict, 1988, the group pronounced its opposition to negotiations with the Israeli state, the “Zionist entity”.

As the conflict progressed, this issue would be continuously emphasized throughout the entire duration of conflict and was also occasionally joined with statements opposing proposed peace agreements. In the 2014, a particularly intense year of conflict, the group called for Israeli adherence to an agreed upon peace agreement and also called upon the Egyptian state to assist in mediations as a precondition for PIJ participation in negotiations.

As it was continuously and frequently mentioned with heavy emphasis, which also became the most clearly distinguishing feature of the group from groups such as the PLO and Fatah, the conflict resolution issue of opposing negotiations is considered the main issue for the PIJ.

Type of conflict issues: Conflict Goal Issues: Change judicial system, Civil rights, CPS: Islamic state, CPS: Other/undefined system, Cultural rights, Economic reforms, Executive power-sharing: interim, Foreign policy reform, Freedom of movement, Hold elections, Independence, Protection of cultural heritage, Religious rights

Conflict Dynamics Issues: Call for collective targeting: ethnic, Atrocities and abuses, Call for collective targeting: religious, Collective targeting: ethnic, DFI: Removal of foreign influence, DFI: Removal of foreigners, DFI: Withdrawal of military intervention/foreign forces, DFI: Withdrawal of military support, DFI: Withdrawal of political support, DFI: Withdrawal of sanctions, IFI: Foreign mediator, IFI: Support from diasporas/foreign fighters, IFI: Use of foreign influence, Military conduct, Release of prisoners, Return of refugees/IDPs

Conflict Resolution Issues: Structure of negotiations, Call for implementation/abiding to ceasefire, Opposition to negotiations, Opposition to peace agreement
Government of Israel - PNA

Conflict Goal Issues: The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) was a separatist Palestinian nationalist rebel group with Muslim and Arab elements that emerged in 1994 as an interim governmental body to govern Palestinian territories agreed upon in the Oslo I Accords. The group were largely under the control of Fatah, largely serving under the control of Yasser Arafat who was the leader of Fatah, chairman of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), and President of PNA at the same time. As Palestine was not considered a state during the time of coding, its de-facto government PNA were coded as a rebel group. During the year of PNA’s establishment, the group’s leader President Arafat stated that the Oslo I Accords and the establishment of PNA was just a first step towards the road towards Palestinian independence.

As the conflict progressed, the issue of Palestinian independence was, naturally, continuously and frequently mentioned. Several other issues emerged as well, however, such as the establishment of several laws pertaining to Palestinian territories including the banishment of Hamas and the Israeli military, the prohibiting of protesting, the banning of political propaganda in mosques, etc. Arafat also called for the establishment of an Islamic religious court in Jerusalem to challenge Israeli and Jordanian courts and to reform the judicial system to be able to punish Israeli soldiers and individuals who broke the law on Palestinian territory. PNA also called for extensive land reforms, specifically pertaining to Israeli settlers within Palestinian land, and for these lands to be returned to their rightful owners. Finally, towards the end of the conflict, PNA began calling for the protection of cultural heritage sites, particularly calling upon the Israeli government to cease attacks against Muslim and Christian cultural sites and buildings. PNA also raised several other issues, although these were only coded in singular years and not heavily emphasized.

The main conflict goal issue for PNA was the question of Palestinian independence. It was this issue that led to the group’s creation and establishment, and it guided the group throughout the entire conflict, with continuous mentions and constant heavy emphasis every time it was mentioned.

Conflict Dynamics Issues: During the year of PNA’s emergence, its President Arafat called for the U.S. government and the international community to assist the new government, PNA, with political support and influence to financially support PNA, as well as the PLO to support the peace agreement between Israel and PLO and Fatah.

As the conflict progressed, calls for assistance from international countries, specifically the U.S. but also Russia, the EU, and other Arab countries, to pressure the Israeli state into cooperation with peace agreements, Palestinian recognition, and cessation of crimes against humanity. The emphasis on financial support from the international community ceased, however. PNA released statements pertaining to several other conflict dynamics issues as the conflict progressed. Allegations against the Israeli occupation military within Palestinian territories and assassinations of Palestinian leaders, commonly stating that these attacks were based on ethnic motives. Based on these statements, the group also began calling for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Palestinian territories, as well as for the withdrawal of foreign support towards Israel, specifically calling upon the U.S. to not “provide any cover” for the occupation. The group also called for the international community to assist the peace process through providing an international mediator and international observer missions. Furthermore, PNA attempted to invoke charters on rights of self-determination, human rights, and responsibility to protect to establish an international protection force within Palestinian territory. The group continuously called attention to improper military conduct by Israeli forces towards the end of the conflict and called for sanctions to be imposed onto Israel to pressure them to cease such military conduct. Finally, PNA called for the release of political prisoners from Israeli prisons, and for displaced persons to be allowed to return to Palestine and to their rightful homes.

The main conflict dynamics issues for PNA were extensive. The most frequently stated issue was calls toward the international community to influence the conflict, peace process, and Israeli conduct, which was also heavily emphasized throughout the conflict. These calls were often generally motivated by accusations of atrocities and military misconduct from Israeli occupation forces, which, in turn, were combined with calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Both these issues should also be considered main issues. One potential final main issue could be the calls toward the international community for intervention, monitoring, and mediator assistance, although these were generally not as heavily emphasized by PNA as calls for foreign influence which is why these issues are not considered main issues.

Conflict Resolution Issues: During the year PNA was established, the group only stated one conflict resolution issue, when Yassir Arafat called for the implementation of peace agreements that were agreed upon in the Oslo I Accords.

As the conflict progressed, calls for implementation and adherence to peace agreements were continuously stated. Several other issues were also raised, such as calls for accountability and prosecution of Israeli forces for human rights abuses in Palestinian territories. PNA also continuously called for negotiations to be held to resolve the conflict, frequently calling for the participation of both Israel but also external countries, and for the process to be as quick as possible to prevent unnecessary bloodshed. Towards the end of the conflict, the group also called for ceasefires to be established, and frequently called upon the Israeli military to adhere to established ceasefires following numerous allegations of intentional breaches of established ceasefires.

The main conflict resolution issues for PNA were the continuously mentioned and heavily emphasized calls for negotiations and calls for ceasefires, as well as the calls for Israeli adherence to both.

Type of conflict issues: Conflict Goal Issues: Basic needs, Water resources, Change a specific law, Change judicial system, Economic reforms, Foreign policy reform, Freedom of movement, Hold elections, Human rights, Independence, Land reforms, Law and order, Protection of cultural heritage, Protection of natural resources/the environment, Public services, Reform judicial system, Religious rights, Restriction of freedom of movement, Restrictions on religious rights

Conflict Dynamics Issues: Atrocities and abuses, Collective targeting: ethnic, DFI: Withdrawal of military intervention/foreign forces, DFI: Withdrawal of political support, IFI: Financial support, IFI: Foreign mediator, IFI: International court/tribunal/investigation, IFI: International monitoring, IFI: Military intervention/foreign forces, IFI: Political support, IFI: Sanctions, IFI: Use of foreign influence, Land reforms, Military conduct, Release of prisoners, Return of refugees/IDPs

Conflict Resolution Issues: Accountability/prosecution/investigation, Call for ceasefire, Structure of negotiations, Call for implementation/abiding to ceasefire, Call for negotiations, National dialogue, Peace agreement implementation
Government of Israel - AMB

Conflict Goal Issues: Kateab al-Shaheed al Aqsa, Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades (AMB), was a mostly secular Palestinian separatist group which was linked to several other Palestinian independence groups such as Fatah, PNA, and PIJ. The group emerged following the Second Intifada in 2000, during which it released one statement calling for the liberation of Arab people, liquidation of Israeli presence, and for the independence of Palestinian territory.

Throughout the conflict, the issue of independence was continuously stated. In 2003, the group also called for the granting of Palestinian civil rights, stating that the “invader occupiers” would not “enjoy security or stability until our people gain their rights.”

The main conflict goas issue for AMB was the liberation of an independent Palestine, as this issue was continuously stated and heavily emphasized throughout the conflict: “By God, we will continue the struggle and resistance until our goals are achieved and our homeland and prisoners are liberated”.

Conflict Dynamics Issues: During 2000, AMB stated two issues when it called for the removal of Israeli troops and influence from Palestine. As the conflict progressed, these issues were reemphasized by the group, particularly during the first years. Throughout the conflict, the group also began releasing statements pertaining to atrocities and human rights abuses perpetrated by Israeli forces and started calling for revenge against both military and civilian targets. They also called for the release of Palestinian refugees and political prisoners toward the later stages of conflict prior to the AMB’s integration into Fatah.

The main conflict dynamics issues were the calls for removal of foreign forces which was motivated by military misconduct and human rights abuses against Palestinian civilians and calls for revenge to be exacted against Israelis and the “Zionist enemy”. These issues were frequently and continuously stated with heavy emphasis and were also deeply interconnected, which is why they are considered particularly central for the group.

Conflict Resolution Issues: Whilst AMB were not interpreted as stating any conflict resolution issues during its first few years of existence. In 2003 the group called for the implementation of peace agreements and accused the Israeli government of breaching previous agreements and also called for prosecution of Israeli war criminals which was not happening due to U.S. support of Israel. In 2004, the group stated its willingness to cease terror attacks under the condition of Israeli troop withdrawal. AMB also stated its opposition to any negotiations and peace agreements with the Israeli government as these would be negotiated under conditions which would reduce the Palestinian independence issue and would not be satisfactory. No particular main issue was interpreted for AMB.

Type of conflict issues: Conflict Goal Issues: Civil rights, CPS: Other/undefined system, Independence

Conflict Dynamics Issues: Atrocities and abuses, Call for collective targeting: other group, DFI: Removal of foreign influence, DFI: Withdrawal of military intervention/foreign forces, Military conduct, Release of prisoners, Return of refugees/IDPs, Revenge/vengeance

Conflict Resolution Issues: Accountability/prosecution/investigation, Call for ceasefire, Opposition to negotiations, Opposition to peace agreement, Peace agreement implementation
Government of Israel - PRC

Conflict Goal Issues: The Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) was a Palestinian separatist rebel group in Israel created in 2000. The group emerged with the goal of protecting Palestinian settlements, but it quickly began calling for the liberation of Palestinian territories. During the year of its establishment, the group stated its intent to “liberate the entire usurped Palestinian soil”.

As the conflict progressed, emphasis on Palestinian liberation would continue, with continuous reference to a Muslim cause to protect Palestinian lands and people. In 2005, the group also stated its commitment to “serve Islam” and “liberate the holy places” which indicates protection of religious rights. The main conflict goal” issue for PRC was the struggle for Palestinian independence.

Conflict Dynamics Issues: In the year it was established the group called for Palestinian refugees to be empowered in their “right to return to their land”. As the conflict progressed, no further statements were made pertaining to the return of refugees. Instead, the group called for the removal of Israeli influence from Palestinian territories and for the release of Palestinian prisoners in 2005. In 2006 and 2007, the group also called for retaliating against Israeli occupants and settlers for “Israeli crimes in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.” The main conflict dynamics issue of PRC was the issue of revenge, which was heavily emphasized towards the end of the conflict.

Conflict Resolution Issues: During its first year of existence, the group called for Palestinians to be compensated in tandem with their return.

No further calls for compensation were made as the conflict progressed. Instead, the group called for its soldiers to adhere to established ceasefires and incentivized the Israeli military to do the same. No main conflict resolution issues was attributed to PRC.

Type of conflict issues: Conflict Goal Issues: Independence, Religious rights

Conflict Dynamics Issues: DFI: Removal of foreign influence, Release of prisoners, Return of refugees/IDPs, Revenge/vengeance

Conflict Resolution Issues: Call for implementation/abiding to ceasefire, Compensation/restoration
Government of Israel - Hezbollah

Conflict Goal Issues: Hezbollah (Sometimes Hizbullah or Hizbollah, among other variations) was founded in 1982 in conjunction with Israel’s occupation of Southern Lebanon. The group was characterized by an Islamic, Anti-Zionist ideology. While the group was founded sometime in 1982, Hezbollah’s first publicly expressed concerns over conflict issues appeared in a 1985 letter which became foundational to the group’s ideology, guiding principles and method of warfare. The first conflict goal issues pertained to changing Lebanon into an Islamic state and the destruction of Israel. It should be noted that Hezbollah have since the earliest stages of the conflict insisted that the establishment of an Islamic state should be a voluntary decision left to the Lebanese people, only to be enacted should the majority support it. Hezbollah remained mostly consistent in its pursuit of the previously stated conflict goal issues, though it did briefly decide that it would no longer pursue transforming Lebanon into an Islamic state in 1996, that change was quickly reverted. Hezbollah also increased the total number of conflict goal issues over the course of the conflict. The new issues do not appear to represent an ideological shift but could likely be attributed to Hezbollah’s organizational expansion and increased influence, epitomized by its transition into having both an armed branch and a branch serving as a political party. Of the located conflict goal issues, four appear to have received a more frequent mention and been raised by the group over a longer period of time, relative to other issues. The first of these are the establishment of an Islamic state. Though the group did briefly state that they were no longer pursuing such reforms, it has by in large been a heavily emphasized, recurring issue. Stating in 2004 “Hizbullah does not wish to implement Islam forcibly, but rather in a peaceful and political manner, which gives the majority the chance to either accept or refuse it”. Economic reforms, electoral reform and public services also received frequent and continual mention, relative to other issues.

Conflict Dynamics Issues: The earliest located conflict dynamics issues were raised in the 1985 letter and pertained to atrocities and abuses committed against the Muslim population, Israeli military conduct and expelling Israeli forces out of the occupied territory. Hezbollah claimed that “They invaded our country, destroyed our villages, slit the throats of our children, violated our sanctuaries and appointed masters over our people who committed the worst massacres against our umma”. Hezbollah continually raised many of the same issues throughout the conflict. Particularly common among conflict dynamics issues were allegations of atrocities and abuses, demands for Israel to withdraw their forces from occupied territory, release of prisoners and for the removal of foreign influence, most often in reference to Israeli or US involvement. While most issues in the conflict dynamics tier were raised in a moderately continuous fashion, a few issues received significantly more attention, and were raised at a much higher frequency and could therefore be classified as the main issues for the group. Most significant of these were decreased foreign involvement via the withdrawal of foreign forces, as well as atrocities and abuses. Hezbollah would often discuss themselves as being leaders of the resistance and in doing so, expelling Israel was a core issue and later, a great source of pride, for the group. In 2004, Hezbollah described this notion as follows “The seed of resistance is also sowed deep in the ideological beliefs of Hizbullah, a belief that is expressed in the struggle against the Zionist occupation of Lebanon”.

Conflict Resolution Issues: The 1985 letter also contains the first conflict resolution issues located by the project. Specifically Hezbollah raised the issue of accountability in regards to the atrocities committed against the Muslim and Christian population as well as made clear their intention to not accept any form of agreement with Israel, writing, “We recognize no treaty with it, no cease fire, and no peace agreements, whether separate or consolidated”, further explaining that they do not accept recognition or even implied recognition of “the Zionist entity”. Hezbollah raised fewer issues on the conflict resolution tier but showed remarkable consistency in the few issues they did raise. Most interesting perhaps, and indicative of the group’s character and conviction, was the consistency with which they voiced opposition to negotiations. Of the coded conflict resolution issues, opposition to negotiations was most frequently raised issue, as well as the issue which received most emphasis. It appears as though Hezbollah placed great importance and belief in the inevitability of success of the intifada and the righteousness of their cause. Already in 1985 the group stated: “We vigorously condemn all plans for negotiation with Israel, and regard all negotiators as enemies, for the reason that such negotiation is nothing but the recognition of the legitimacy of the Zionist occupation of Palestine”.

Type of conflict issues: Conflict Goal Issues: Basic needs, Childrens rights, Citizenship reforms, Civil rights, CPS: Islamic state, CPS: Other/undefined system, Decentralization, Economic reforms, Education system: culture, Education system: increase religion, Electoral reform, Executive power-sharing: interim, Foreign policy reform, Freedom of expression, Hold elections, Land reforms, Protection of cultural heritage, Protection of natural resources/the environment, Public services, Referendum, Religious rights, Water resources

Conflict Dynamics Issues: Atrocities and abuses, Call for collective targeting: ethnic, Call for collective targeting: other group, Call for collective targeting: religious, DFI: Removal of foreign influence, DFI: Withdrawal of international monitoring, DFI: Withdrawal of military intervention/foreign forces, DFI: Withdrawal of political support, DFI: Withdrawal of sanctions, IFI: Military intervention/foreign forces, IFI: Political support, IFI: Use of foreign influence, Military conduct, Release of prisoners, Return of refugees/IDPs

Government of United States of America - al-Qaida

Conflict Goal Issues: Al-Qaida was an Islamist anti-Western rebel group that emerged in 1988 but was first coded in 1998. The group aimed to expel Western ideals from the Islamic world and establish Sharia law. During its first year of conflict with the U.S., 1998, the group released statements pertaining to two conflict goal issues. Al-Qaida announced its intent to establish Sharia law on “the land of God” and protect cultural heritage by virtue of liberating them from Jews and Christians: “it is a religious obligation for every Muslim to support the Mujahidin fighting for freedom of sacred places”.

Throughout the extensive conflict, these issues were continuously and frequently emphasized by al-Qaida, but several new issues would also be raised, most coming from official statements from the group’s leader Usama Bin Ladin. Apart from the establishment of Sharia law and the protection of cultural heritage, the most frequently coded issues raised by al-Qaida were the creation of an Islamic State, foreign policy reform, which largely consisted of intentions of resisting Western values, calls for cessation of support to Israel, resistance to foreign influence, and resistance towards the U.S., the protection of religious rights of Muslims, restrictions of religious rights of non-Muslims, and revenues from natural resources, which mainly pertained to exploitation of natural resources in Arab nations by Western countries.

Whilst many conflict goal issues were continuously raised by al-Qaida, the most frequently and, especially, most heavily emphasized issues were the establishment of Sharia law, the creation of an Islamic state, and resisting foreign influence through protecting cultural heritage and natural resources as well as through foreign policy reform characterized by anti-Western ideas: “I say to the Islamic nation: we lost the Caliphate and it was dismantled. It fell under Crusader occupation approximately a century ago, and since that time the Crusaders have stood between us and the reconstitution of the Caliphate, or even the establishment of any Islamic nation.” Whilst religious rights were a commonly raised topic, the focus of statements regarding it was generally anti-occupation and anti-imperialism, rather than religious rights being the main focus.

Conflict Dynamics Issues: During the first year of existence, al-Qaida released several statements pertaining to the dynamics of the conflict. These were calls towards the Muslim community to continue its struggle despite being victims of collective targeting and to financially support al-Qaida with financial support. Furthermore, the group stated that the “occupation of non-Muslims” would cease and called upon the U.S. to withdraw its military forces from the Arab peninsula.

As the conflict progressed allegations of collective targeting became more specific in that targeting of civilians was based on their religion. Calls for removal of foreigners would also cease, although calls for removal of foreign influence and, especially military forces would become increasingly frequent and heavily emphasized throughout the entire conflict. Calls for financial support from the international community would also become sparse throughout the conflict and would instead shift towards calls for international funding from diaspora communities which came in tandem with calls towards international Muslims to join the fighting for al-Qaida’s cause. Accusations of U.S. soldiers committing human rights violations, atrocities, and massacres also became a continuously coded issue for al-Qaida, as did calls for collective targeting “against the infidels, the Americans and the Jews”. al-Qaida also repeatedly called for the international community to withdraw political and military support from the U.S., although this was most prevalent in the earlier stages of the coded conflict. Calls for vengeance were also frequently coded in the middle stages of the conflict.

The most frequently coded issues raised by the al-Qaida were allegations of atrocities by U.S. forces, calls for targeting infidels, allegations of U.S. collective targeting against Muslims, calls for removal of foreign influence, calls for withdrawal of military forces, and calls to the Muslim diaspora to assist the al-Qaida with funds and fighters. All of these were also continuously stated throughout the entire duration of the conflict, and received heavy emphasis most times it was coded. Therefore, the project coded all these issues as main conflict dynamics issues of al-Qaida.

Conflict Resolution Issues: Whilst no conflict resolution issues were stated by al-Qaida in its first year of existence, the group stated several issues as the conflict progressed. Throughout the conflict, al-Qaida would occasionally release statements, particularly during the middle part of the coded conflict as no statements were coded prior to 2004 or following 2010. The most frequently coded issue was al-Qaida’s opposition to negotiations, continuously stating that no negotiations would be held with the occupiers. They also called for the U.S. to be held accountable and to admit to wrongdoing. In one instance, al-Qaida also called for a ceasefire.

The main conflict resolution issue was coded as al-Qaida’s opposition to negotiations. For the few years resolution issues were coded, opposition to negotiations were frequently stated, and it was the most emphasized resolution issue pronounced by al-Qaida.

Type of conflict issues: Conflict Goal Issues: Basic needs, Blasphemy, Change economic system, Change judicial system, Civil rights, Climate change, Constitutional issues, Corruption, CPS: Islamic state, CPS: Opposition to democracy, Cultural rights, Destruction of cultural heritage, Economic reforms, Education system: increase religion, Foreign policy reform, Freedom of expression, Gender rights, Human rights, Language rights, Law and order, Opposition to elections, Protection of cultural heritage, Protection of natural resources/the environment, Public services, Reform executive structure, Reform parliament, Religious rights, Restriction of gender rights, Restrictions on freedom of expression, Restrictions on religious rights, Restructure military forces, Revenues from natural resources, Rule of law, Unification of states

Conflict Dynamics Issues: Atrocities and abuses, Call for collective targeting: ethnic, Call for collective targeting: other group, Call for collective targeting: religious, Collective targeting: other group, Collective targeting: religious, DFI: Removal of foreign influence, DFI: Removal of foreigners, DFI: Withdrawal of financial support, DFI: Withdrawal of military intervention/foreign forces, DFI: Withdrawal of military support, DFI: Withdrawal of political support, DFI: Withdrawal of sanctions, IFI: Financial support, IFI: Military support, IFI: Political support, IFI: Support from diasporas/foreign fighters, IFI: Use of foreign influence, Military conduct, Release of prisoners, Revenge/vengeance

Conflict Resolution Issues: Accountability/prosecution/investigation, Call for ceasefire, Opposition to negotiations, Recognition of wrongdoing

Government of Israel - Hezbollah

1999

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

Government of Israel - Hezbollah

2000

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

Government of Israel - Fatah

Government of Israel - PNA

Government of Israel - Hezbollah

2001

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

Government of Israel - PFLP

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

Government of Israel - PIJ

2020

Government of Israel - PIJ

Government of Israel - Hezbollah

Government of Israel - Civilians

Government of Israel - Supporters of Palestine

Government of Israel - Palestinian Mujahideen Movement

Government of Iran - Government of Israel

2024

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

Government of Israel - Fatah

Government of Israel - Hamas

Government of Israel - PIJ

Government of Israel - PRC

Government of Israel - Hezbollah

Government of Israel - Civilians

Government of Israel - Palestinian Mujahideen Movement

Government of Iran - Government of Israel

2025

Actor Active in Dyad(s):

Government of Israel - Hamas

Government of Israel - PIJ

Government of Israel - PRC

Government of Israel - Government of Syria

Government of Israel - Hezbollah

Government of Israel - Civilians

Government of Israel - Government of Yemen (North Yemen)

Government of Israel - Palestinian Mujahideen Movement

Government of Israel - Fatah

Troop Size: 141 000
Secondary Support: Military Grants, $ 1 792.3 million.

Government of Israel - Hezbollah

Troop Size: 141 000
Secondary Support: Military Grants, $ 1 792.3 million

1991 Group Archive

Government of Israel - Fatah

Government of Israel - Hezbollah

Troop Size: 141 000
Secondary Support: Military Grants, $ 1 800 million.

1992 Group Archive

Government of Israel - Fatah

Troop Size: 175 000
Comment on Troop Size: Total armed forces active
Secondary Support: Military Grants, $ 1 800 million.

Government of Israel - Hezbollah

Troop Size: 175 000
Secondary Support: Military Grants, $ 1 800 million.

1993 Group Archive

Government of Israel - Hamas

Government of Israel - Hezbollah

Troop Size: 176 000
Secondary Support: Military Grants, $ 1 800 million.

1994 Group Archive

Government of Israel - Hamas

Troop Size: 172 000
Comment on Troop Size: Total armed forces active
Secondary Support: Military Grants, $ 1 800 million.

Government of Israel - Hezbollah

Troop Size: 172 000
Secondary Support: Military Grants, $ 1 800 million.

1995 Group Archive

Government of Israel - PIJ

Comment on Active: Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was murdered by an Israeli on 4 November 1995. He was replaced by former Foreign Minister Shimon Peres.
Troop Size: 172 000
Comment on Troop Size: Total armed forces active
Secondary Support: Military Grants, $ 1 800 million.

Government of Israel - Hezbollah

Comment on Active: Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was murdered by an Israeli on 4 November 1995. He was replaced by former Foreign Minister Shimon Peres.
Troop Size: 172 000
Secondary Support: Military Grants, $ 1 800 million.

1996 Group Archive

Government of Israel - PNA

Troop Size: 175 000
Comment on Troop Size: Total armed forces active
Secondary Support: Military Grants, $ 1 800 million.

Government of Israel - Hezbollah

Troop Size: 175 000
Secondary Support: Military Grants, $ 1 800 million.

1997 Group Archive

Government of Israel - Hezbollah

Troop Size: 170 000 - 180 000
Secondary Support: Military grants, $ 1 800 million.

1998 Group Archive

Government of Israel - Hezbollah

Troop Size: 170 000 - 180 000
Secondary Support: Military grants, $ 1 800 million.

1999 Group Archive

Government of Israel - Hezbollah

Comment on Active: In May 1999 Labour leader Ehud Barak won the Israeli Prime Minister elections.
Troop Size: 170 000 - 180 000
Secondary Support: Military grants, $ 1 860 million.

2000 Group Archive

Government of Israel - Fatah

Government of Israel - PNA

Troop Size: 170 000 - 180 000
Secondary Support: Military grants, $ 3 120 million.

2001 Group Archive

Government of Israel - PFLP

Government of Israel - Fatah

Government of Israel - Hamas

Government of Israel - PIJ

Government of Israel - PNA

Comment on Active: On 6 February 2001 Ariel Sharon was elected new Prime Minister of Israel.
Troop Size: 160 000 - 170 000
Secondary Support: Military grants, $ 1 975.6 millions.

2002 Group Archive

Government of Israel - Fatah

Government of Israel - Hamas

Government of Israel - PIJ

Government of Israel - PNA

Government of Israel - AMB

Troop Size: 160 000 - 170 000
Secondary Support: Military grants, $ 2 040 million.

2003 Group Archive

Government of Israel - Hamas

Government of Israel - PIJ

Government of Israel - AMB

Troop Size: 120 000
Comment on Troop Size: However, up to 161 500 are active in the total armed force. This number includes a number of reservists that have been re-called for specific operations.
Secondary Support: Military grants, $ 3 086 million.

2004 Group Archive

Government of Israel - Hamas

Government of Israel - PIJ

Government of Israel - AMB

Comment on Active: Most people killed during the conflict this year were militants that attacked Israeli positions or that were killed in Israeli targeted killings. A tactic which was increasingly used during 2004 was the use of unmanned aircrafts, drones, to locate wanted militants and to fire missiles at them.
Troop Size: 168 000
Comment on Troop Size: Total armed forces active 2004.
Secondary Support: Out of a total of an estimated $ 2 687 million in U.S. aid to Israel 2 147 million were military grants.

2005 Group Archive

Government of Israel - Fatah

Government of Israel - Hamas

Government of Israel - PIJ

Troop Size: 168 300
Comment on Troop Size: Total armed forces active 2004.
Secondary Support: Military grant, $ 2.2 billion.

2006 Group Archive

Government of Israel - Fatah

Government of Israel - Hamas

Government of Israel - PIJ

Government of Israel - PRC

Troop Size: 168 300
Comment on Troop Size: Active combat forces 168 300 in 2006.
Secondary Support: Direct military aid grants: circa 2.2 billion US dollars. Other military aid: 274 million US dollars. Aid increased slightly

Government of Israel - Hezbollah

Troop Size: 168 300
Secondary Support: Direct military aid grants: circa 2.2 billion US dollars. Other military aid: 274 million US dollars.

2007 Group Archive

Government of Israel - Fatah

Government of Israel - Hamas

Government of Israel - PIJ

Troop Size: 168 000
Comment on Troop Size: Active combat forces in 2007 totalled 168 000
Secondary Support: Military grants, $ 2.4 billion

2008 Group Archive

Government of Israel - Hamas

Government of Israel - PIJ

Troop Size: 176 500
Comment on Troop Size: Active combat forces in 2008 totalled 176 500.
Secondary Support: In 2008 the US military grant totalled 2.4 billion dollars. In addition to this the US supplied Israel with 155 million dollars to create a missile defence shield, to protect the state from Hamas and Hezbollah rocket and missile fire.

2009 Group Archive

Government of Israel - Hamas

Government of Israel - PIJ

Uppsala Conflict Data Program

Department of Peace and Conflict Research

UCDP

Government of Israel