A History of Major Incidents In and Around Israel

Due to current events, some brief information on the major historical conflicts. Disclaimer: For detailed and accurate information, particularly concerning casualty figures and their nuances, please consult academic sources, government reports, or international organizations.

1. 1948 Arab-Israeli War (War of Independence/Nakba)

Following the declaration of the state of Israel, neighboring Arab states invaded.

• Factions: Israel vs. Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, and other Arab nations.
• Casualties: Israeli: 6,000 military and 2,000 civilian; Arab: Varies, but estimated several thousand.
• Initiating event: Declaration of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948.
• Outcome: Israeli victory; territorial expansion.
• Consequences: Massive displacement of Palestinian Arabs and Jews in Arab countries; armistice agreements signed.

2. Suez Crisis (1956)

Israel, with the UK and France, invaded Egypt to regain Western control of the Suez Canal.

• Factions: Israel, UK, and France vs. Egypt.
• Casualties: Estimates vary; several thousand total for all involved.
• Initiating event: Nationalization of the Suez Canal by Egypt.
• Outcome: Ceasefire under international pressure; withdrawal of invading forces.
• Consequences: Strengthened Nasser's position in Egypt and the Arab world; decline in British and French imperial influence.

3. Six-Day War (1967)

Rapid Israeli victory expanded its territory significantly.

• Factions: Israel vs. Egypt, Jordan, and Syria.
• Casualties: Israeli: 983 military; Arab: Significant but varied.
• Initiating event: Tensions and skirmishes, culminating in Israel's preemptive strike.
• Outcome: Decisive Israeli victory.
• Consequences: Occupation of Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Golan Heights.

4. Yom Kippur War (1973)

Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel during Yom Kippur.

• Factions: Israel vs. Egypt and Syria.
• Casualties: Approximately 2,000–3,000 Israeli and 8,000–18,000 Egyptian and Syrian.
• Initiating event: Coordinated surprise attack by Egypt and Syria.
• Outcome: Military stalemate; political victory for Egypt.
• Consequences: Accelerated U.S.-Soviet détente; influenced Camp David Accords.

5. 1982 Lebanon War

Invasion of Lebanon aimed to expel the PLO.

• Factions: Israel vs. PLO, Syria, and various militias.
• Casualties: Israeli: 675 military; others: tens of thousands, primarily Lebanese and Palestinians.
• Initiating event: Assassination attempt on Israeli ambassador to the UK.
• Outcome: Expulsion of PLO from Lebanon; increase in Shia militia power.
• Consequences: Emergence of Hezbollah; extended Israeli occupation of Southern Lebanon.

6. First Intifada (1987-1993)

Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation in the West Bank and Gaza.

• Factions: Palestinian civilians and militants vs. Israeli military.
• Casualties: Palestinian: 1,000–2,000; Israeli: Hundreds.
• Initiating event: Vehicle collision, perceived as intentional, killed several Palestinians.
• Outcome: International attention to the Palestinians; influenced Oslo Accords.
• Consequences: Oslo Accords; establishment of Palestinian Authority.

7. Second Intifada (2000-2005)

A violent Palestinian uprising with heavy casualties on both sides.

• Factions: Palestinian militants and civilians vs. Israeli military and civilians.
• Casualties: Palestinian: Approx. 3,000; Israeli: Approx. 1,000.
• Initiating event: Ariel Sharon's visit to the Temple Mount.
• Outcome: General deterioration of Israeli-Palestinian relations.
• Consequences: Increased separation and security measures; diminished peace process efforts.

8. 2006 Lebanon War

Conflict between Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah.

• Factions: Israel vs. Hezbollah (with Lebanese and Iranian involvement).
• Casualties: Israeli: 121 military, 44 civilian; Lebanese: 1,000+ civilian, hundreds of Hezbollah.
• Initiating event: Hezbollah kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers.
• Outcome: Ceasefire; perceived Hezbollah victory in Lebanon.
• Consequences: Strengthening of Hezbollah’s position in Lebanon; destruction and rebuilding in both countries.

9. Operation Cast Lead (2008-2009)

Israeli military campaign in Gaza aimed at stopping rocket fire into Israel.

• Factions: Israel vs. Hamas and other Palestinian groups.
• Casualties: Palestinian: 1,000+; Israeli: 13.
• Initiating event: Breakdown of six-month ceasefire.
• Outcome: Temporary reduction in rocket fire.
• Consequences: Massive destruction in Gaza; international condemnation of both sides.

10. Operation Protective Edge (2014)

Israeli campaign in Gaza to stop rocket fire and destroy tunnel networks.

• Factions: Israel vs. Hamas.
• Casualties: Palestinian: 2,100+; Israeli: 73.
• Initiating event: Kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers.
• Outcome: Ceasefire after 50 days; substantial destruction in Gaza.
• Consequences: Temporary halt in rocket fire; devastation and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

11. Great March of Return (2018-2019)

Protests along the Gaza-Israel border resulted in multiple Palestinian casualties.

• Factions: Palestinian protestors vs. Israeli military.
• Casualties: Palestinian: 200+ killed, thousands injured; Israeli: Few.
• Initiating event: Launch of protest campaign in Gaza.
• Outcome: Ongoing; high Palestinian casualties.
• Consequences: International condemnation of Israel; no strategic changes.

12. May 2021 Gaza Conflict

An 11-day conflict that resulted in significant casualties and damage in Gaza and Israel.

• Factions: Israel vs. Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
• Casualties: Palestinian: 250+; Israeli: 12.
• Initiating event: Escalating tensions in East Jerusalem, particularly around Al-Aqsa Mosque.
• Outcome: Ceasefire reached after 11 days.
• Consequences: Temporary halt in violence; subsequent efforts to rebuild Gaza.

Factions

Israel

• Type: Country
• Military: Approximately 169,500 active personnel with 465,000 in reserve (2021 estimates).
• Civilians: Approximately 9.3 million people (2023 estimate).
• History: Established in 1948, Israel was conceived as a homeland for Jews post-Holocaust and built upon the Zionist movement.
• Current Status: A developed country with a strong military, often in conflict with neighboring entities over territorial and ethnic disputes.
• Intentions and Goals: Ensure the security of its citizens, maintain territorial integrity, and seek recognition from its neighboring countries. Peaceful coexistence with Palestinians has also been stated, albeit with considerable variations in approach among different political entities within Israel.
• Sub-factions/Groups:
  • Likud: Right-wing political party.
  • Labor Party: Center-left political party.
  • Blue and White: Centrist political alliance.
  • Various religious parties like Shas and United Torah Judaism.
  • Various far-right and settler groups.
• Persons of Note:
  • Benjamin Netanyahu: Long-serving Prime Minister from the Likud party.
  • Yitzhak Rabin: Former Prime Minister and signer of the Oslo Accords.
  • Yair Lapid: Centrist politician and leader.
• Philosophies:
  • Zionism: Jewish nationalist movement for the re-establishment of a Jewish homeland in Israel.
  • Security-oriented approach: Focus on ensuring Israel's security.
  • Settlement movement: Expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank.
• Human Rights Issues: Settlement expansion, treatment of Palestinians, use of force in conflicts.
• Position: Asserts a commitment to human rights but faces extensive criticism regarding its practices in the Palestinian territories.
• Engagement in Other Conflicts: Involvement in regional conflicts, tensions with Iran, Lebanon (Hezbollah), and Syria.
• Military Capabilities: Highly advanced, including nuclear capabilities, a well-equipped standing army, navy, and air force.
• Intelligence Capabilities: Mossad, Shin Bet, and Aman are renowned for global operations.
• Diplomacy: Combines direct engagement, peace treaties (e.g., with Egypt, Jordan, UAE), and international alliances (e.g., with the USA).
• PR/Propaganda: Active in projecting a positive image globally; accused of suppressing critical media.

Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO)

• Type: Organization/Political Entity
• Military: Not a conventional military force; factions within have their own militant wings.
• Civilians: Represents the Palestinian populace; roughly 5 million (Gaza Strip and West Bank combined).
• History: Founded in 1964 with the aim of liberating Palestine through armed struggle (although largely committed to peace since 1993).
• Current Status: Recognized as the representative of the Palestinian people. Engaged in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, albeit with complications.
• Intentions and Goals: Establishment of a Palestinian state, with self-determination for its people. The means and specifics (like borders) have been subject to variation and evolution over time.
• Sub-factions/Groups:
  • Fatah: Major faction within PLO.
  • PFLP: Leftist, secular group.
  • Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP): Marxist-Leninist group.
• Persons of Note:
  • Yasser Arafat: Founding figure and long-time chairman.
  • Mahmoud Abbas: Current President of the Palestinian Authority.
• Philosophies:
  • Palestinian nationalism: Struggle for a Palestinian state.
  • Secularism: A state for Palestinians of all religions.
• Human Rights Issues: Inter-factional violence, suppression of dissent, and treatment of minorities.
• Position: Advocates for the human rights of Palestinians; criticized for violating rights domestically.
• Engagement in Other Conflicts: Primarily focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• Military Capabilities: Limited; primarily through affiliated groups.
• Intelligence: Modest, primarily focused on internal and Israeli matters.
• Diplomacy: Engages in international diplomacy, seeking recognition and support.
• PR/Propaganda: Portrays Palestinian plight; accused of anti-Israeli rhetoric.

Hamas

• Type: Organization/Militant Group
• Military: Estimated to have a militant wing of 20,000-40,000 fighters.
• Civilians: Governs about 2 million people in the Gaza Strip.
• History: Emerged in 1987 as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, later evolving into a key player in Palestinian politics and resistance against Israel.
• Current Status: Governs the Gaza Strip and is considered by some entities as a terrorist organization due to its militant resistance against Israel.
• Intentions and Goals: Originally, the establishment of an Islamic state in historical Palestine. However, more recent statements suggest a willingness to accept a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders.
• Sub-factions/Groups:
  • Qassam Brigades: Military wing.
• Persons of Note:
  • Ismail Haniyeh: Senior political leader.
  • Yahya Sinwar: Leader in the Gaza Strip.
• Philosophies:
  • Islamism: Govern based on Islamic principles.
  • Resistance: Militant resistance against Israel.
• Human Rights Issues: Use of force and violence, execution of dissidents, and suppression of freedoms.
• Position: Focused on resistance; criticized for human rights abuses.
• Engagement in Other Conflicts: Primarily Israel, occasional involvement or alignment with other regional actors.
• Military Capabilities: Militant capabilities; rockets, small arms, and guerilla tactics.
• Intelligence: Primarily focused on internal and Israeli security concerns.
• Diplomacy: Limited, often through proxies or supportive nations.
• PR/Propaganda: Focuses on Palestinian resistance; accused of inciting violence.

Hezbollah

• Type: Organization/Militant Group
• Military: Estimated to have approximately 25,000 full-time fighters with more in reserve.
• Civilians: Operates within Lebanon which has a population of approximately 6.8 million; not a governing entity for all.
• History: A Shiite political and military organization formed in the 1980s in Lebanon, primarily as resistance against Israeli occupation.
• Current Status: Powerful political and military entity in Lebanon, heavily involved in the Syrian civil war, and providing assistance to other Shiite factions regionally.
• Intentions and Goals: Resistance against Israeli influence and actions, preservation of Shiite interests in Lebanon, and aiding allied factions in the region.
• Sub-factions/Groups:
  • Not divided like other entities; more centralized.
• Persons of Note:
  • Hassan Nasrallah: Secretary-General.
• Philosophies:
  • Shia empowerment: Represent and protect Shiite interests.
  • Resistance axis: Anti-Israel stance and support for Assad in Syria.
• Human Rights Issues: Involved in military conflicts, accused of domestic and international terrorism.
• Position: Advocates resistance against Israel, involved in Lebanese politics.
• Engagement in Other Conflicts: Involved in the Syrian Civil War, supporting Bashar al-Assad.
• Military Capabilities: Significant militia force, rockets, and small arms.
• Intelligence: Operates domestically and internationally.
• Diplomacy: Primarily through allies like Iran and Syria.
• PR/Propaganda: Promotes resistance ideologies; accused of using media for propaganda.

Arab States (e.g., Egypt, Jordan, Syria)

• Type: Countries
• Military: Varies, e.g., Egypt has one of the largest, with approximately 440,000 active personnel.
• Civilians: Populations vary: Egypt approx. 104 million, Jordan approx. 10 million, Syria approx. 17 million (estimates are as of 2023 and may fluctuate due to various factors).
• History: Involved in multiple wars against Israel; Jordan and Egypt have since signed peace treaties with Israel, while Syria remains hostile.
• Current Status: Varied. Egypt and Jordan maintain diplomatic relations with Israel, while Syria is mired in a civil war.
• Intentions and Goals: Varied, although typically involve securing regional stability, often with a particular eye on the Palestinian issue and relations with Israel.
• Varies significantly between states, but within states:
  • Various political parties, royal factions, and military groups.
  • Significant figures include national leaders like Egypt's Abdel Fattah el-Sisi or Jordan's King Abdullah II.
  • Nationalist, Islamist, or monarchist philosophies depending on the country.
• Human Rights Issues: Range from political repression, minority rights issues, to involvement in armed conflicts.
• Position: Varied; generally prioritize stability and governance with mixed human rights records.
• Engagement in Other Conflicts: Varied; e.g., Syria is embroiled in a civil war, Egypt in Sinai insurgency.
• Military Capabilities: Varied; generally well-equipped conventional forces.
• Intelligence: Ranges from moderate to well-developed.
• Diplomacy: Engage in regional and international diplomacy.
• PR/Propaganda: Various levels of state media control and international influence.

United States

• Type: Country
• Military: Approximately 1.3 million active personnel with around 811,000 in reserve (2021 estimates).
• Civilians: Approximately 332 million people.
• History: Has been a steadfast ally of Israel since its inception, providing considerable military and economic support.
• Current Status: Continues to be a major ally of Israel while also occasionally facilitating Israeli-Palestinian peace processes.
• Intentions and Goals: Maintain stability in the Middle East, assure the security of Israel, and (to varying extents) facilitate a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• Sub-factions/Groups:
  • Democratic and Republican parties.
  • Various lobbies like AIPAC.
• Persons of Note:
  • Presidents from Truman to Biden have influenced U.S.-Israel-Palestine relations.
  • Notable Secretaries of State like Henry Kissinger.
• Philosophies:
  • Democracy promotion.
  • Regional stability and security.
• Human Rights Issues: Issues related to immigration, incarceration, racial inequality, overseas military interventions.
• Position: Promotes human rights globally, though facing criticisms for both domestic and international stances/actions.
• Engagement in Other Conflicts: Involved globally, e.g., Afghanistan, Iraq, counter-terrorism efforts in various regions.
• Military Capabilities: World-leading; advanced technology, nuclear arsenal, global reach.
• Intelligence: Extensive; CIA, NSA, and other agencies.
• Diplomacy: Global influence through various channels and alliances.
• PR/Propaganda: Extensive media reach; accused of promoting American-centric narratives.

Iran

• Type: Country
• Military: Approximately 523,000 active personnel with a reserve of around 350,000.
• Civilians: Approximately 85 million people.
• History: After the 1979 Revolution, Iran became staunchly anti-Israel and supportive of anti-Israel factions within the region.
• Current Status: Maintains its opposition to Israel, while being involved in various regional conflicts, often in opposition to U.S. and Israeli interests.
• Intentions and Goals: Primarily, the defense and export of the Islamic revolution, regional dominance, and opposition to Israeli and U.S. influence in the region.
• Sub-factions/Groups:
  • Revolutionary Guard (IRGC).
  • Reformists and hardliners within the political establishment.
• Persons of Note:
  • Ayatollah Khamenei: Supreme Leader.
  • Qasem Soleimani: Former commander of the Quds Force (killed in 2020).
• Philosophies:
  • Export of the Islamic revolution.
  • Opposition to U.S. and Israeli presence in the Middle East.
• Human Rights Issues: Political repression, minority rights, capital punishment, and gender rights.
• Position: Internally suppressive; asserts anti-imperialist and anti-Zionist stances.
• Engagement in Other Conflicts: Involved in Syria, Yemen, and supports various non-state actors across the region.
• Military Capabilities: Robust; large conventional forces and ballistic missiles.
• Intelligence: Global operations, through MOIS and IRGC intelligence.
• Diplomacy: Mix of direct engagement and proxy relationships.
• PR/Propaganda: State-controlled media; anti-Western and anti-Israeli narratives.

European Union (EU)

• Type: Political and Economic Union
• Military: Does not have a unified military; member states maintain their own forces.
• Civilians: Represents over 447 million people across its 27 member countries.
• History: Generally supportive of Israel while also advocating for the rights of Palestinians.
• Current Status: Engages with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders, promoting a two-state solution.
• Intentions and Goals: Achieve peace and stability in the region via a mutually agreeable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• Sub-factions/Groups:
  • European Commission, European Council, European Parliament.
  • Political groupings within the European Parliament, e.g., EPP, S&D.
• Persons of Note:
  • Various EU Commissioners and EU foreign policy chiefs.
• Philosophies:
  • Promotion of peace and stability.
  • Two-state solution advocacy for Israel-Palestine.
• Human Rights Issues: Migration crises, minority rights, counter-terrorism measures.
• Position: Generally promotes human rights but faces criticisms regarding migrant rights and intra-EU issues.
• Engagement in Other Conflicts: Limited; diplomatic engagements and peacekeeping.
• Military Capabilities: Varied among member states; some (e.g., France) with significant capabilities.
• Intelligence: Shared among member states and own agencies.
• Diplomacy: Through EU institutions and member state actions.
• PR/Propaganda: Projects unity and democratic values; faces internal criticisms.

United Nations (UN)

• Type: Intergovernmental Organization
• Military: Deploys peacekeeping forces as needed (not a conventional army); 69,000 troops from contributing countries in various missions as of 2021.
• Civilians: N/A – an organization representing multiple nations.
• History: Involved since Israel’s inception and the subsequent Arab-Israeli conflict.
• Current Status: Various bodies of the UN are involved in providing aid to Palestinians and attempting to facilitate peace processes.
• Intentions and Goals: Seek a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, uphold international law, and provide humanitarian assistance where needed.
• Sub-factions/Groups: Various agencies, such as UNRWA (focused on Palestinian refugees).
• Persons of Note:
  • António Guterres, UN Secretary-General.
• Philosophies:
  • International cooperation and peace.
  • Humanitarian assistance and conflict resolution.
• Human Rights Issues: Criticized for ineffectuality or partiality in various crises.
• Position: Promotes human rights through various agencies and peacekeeping missions.
• Engagement in Other Conflicts: Peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts globally.
• Military Capabilities: Peacekeeping forces without robust combat capabilities.
• Intelligence: Limited, mainly relying on member states.
• Diplomacy: Global engagement through various bodies and representatives.
• PR/Propaganda: Generally seen as impartial; focuses on humanitarian and peacekeeping aspects.

Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine (PIJ)

• Type: Organization/Militant Group
• Military: Estimated several thousand fighters.
• Civilians: Does not govern; operates within areas with civilian populations.
• History: Established in the late 1970s with an agenda to establish a sovereign, Islamic Palestinian state.
• Current Status: Operates primarily in the Gaza Strip and is regarded as a terrorist organization by the United States and other entities due to its militant activities.
• Intentions and Goals: Establish an independent Palestinian state and opposes the existence of Israel.
• Sub-factions/Groups: Primarily centralized with some internal divisions.
• Persons of Note: Ziyad al-Nakhalah, the Secretary-General.
• Philosophies:
  • Radical Islamism and Palestinian nationalism.
  • Militant resistance against Israel.
• Human Rights Issues: Use of violence and involvement in armed conflict.
• Position: Focuses on resistance against Israel.
• Engagement in Other Conflicts: Primarily focused on Israel.
• Military Capabilities: Range from militias to security forces (Fatah).
• Intelligence: Varies, often focusing on internal security.
• Diplomacy: Engage through Palestinian Authority (Fatah) or other proxies.
• PR/Propaganda: Promote narratives of resistance and liberation.

Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)

• Type: Organization/Militant Group
• Military: Exact numbers are uncertain; likely several thousand members.
• Civilians: Does not govern; operates within areas with civilian populations.
• History: A Marxist-Leninist organization founded in 1967, known for aircraft hijackings in the 1960s and 1970s.
• Current Status: A member of the PLO with reduced influence compared to past decades but continues to be involved in the Palestinian political landscape.
• Intentions and Goals: Establishment of a democratic Palestinian state covering the entirety of historic Palestine, with a focus on revolutionary means.
• Sub-factions/Groups: Some internal divisions but generally unified.
• Persons of Note: Ahmad Sa'adat, the General Secretary.
• Philosophies:
  • Marxist-Leninism and secular nationalism.
  • Liberation of Palestine through revolutionary means.
• Human Rights Issues: Involvement in terrorist activities and armed conflicts.
• Position: Advocacy for Palestinian self-determination.
• Engagement in Other Conflicts: Historically, involved in various international incidents, currently focused on Israel.
• Military Capabilities: Engages in asymmetrical warfare and historically has utilized aircraft hijackings and suicide bombings.
• Intelligence Capabilities: Focuses mainly on internal and Israeli security.
• Diplomacy: Engages through Palestinian political structures and has had interactions with other leftist and nationalist movements globally.
• PR/Propaganda: Advocates for a secular, socialist Palestinian state; criticized for employing terrorist tactics.

Fatah

• Type: Political Party/Movement
• Military: Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades (associated militant wing) - exact numbers unknown.
• Civilians: Predominant party within the Palestinian Authority, representing a significant portion of the West Bank's populace.
• History: Founded in the late 1950s and became the dominant faction within the PLO.
• Current Status: Dominant power in the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.
• Intentions and Goals: Establishment of a Palestinian state; has engaged in both political and militaristic strategies, although more recently primarily involved in negotiation and governance.
• Sub-factions/Groups:
  • The Old Guard: Associates of Yasser Arafat.
  • The Young Guard: A younger, often more militant generation.
  • Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades: Militant offshoot.
• Persons of Note:
  • Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority.
  • Marwan Barghouti: Influential leader, currently imprisoned.
• Philosophies:
  • Palestinian nationalism.
  • Diplomatic and political strategies for statehood.
• Human Rights Issues: Criticized for political repression and corruption.
• Position: Advocates for Palestinian rights but criticized for governance issues.
• Engagement in Other Conflicts: Focused on Israeli-Palestinian relations.
• Military Capabilities: Limited, having previously engaged in insurgencies and terrorist acts; somewhat integrated into the security apparatus of the Palestinian Authority.
• Intelligence Capabilities: Mainly operates through Palestinian Authority structures, focusing on internal and Israeli threats.
• Diplomacy: Primarily through the Palestinian Authority, engaging in direct and international negotiations for Palestinian statehood.
• PR/Propaganda: Promotes a narrative of leadership within the Palestinian struggle while being criticized for corruption and governance issues.

Russia

• Type: Country
• Military: Approximately 1 million active personnel with substantial reserves and paramilitary forces.
• Civilians: Approximately 144 million people.
• History: Has generally supported Arab states in the earlier decades of the Israel-Arab conflict but maintained diplomatic ties with Israel.
• Current Status: Engages diplomatically with entities like Israel, Iran, and Syria, maintaining a pivotal role in regional politics, especially in the Syrian civil war.
• Intentions and Goals: Maintain its regional influence, ensure the stability of allied regimes, and prevent extremist spill-over from the region.
• Sub-factions/Groups:
  • United Russia Party.
  • Various oligarchic groups.
• Persons of Note:
  • Vladimir Putin: Long-serving President.
  • Sergey Lavrov: Foreign Minister.
• Philosophies:
  • Russian nationalism.
  • Multipolarity in international relations.
• Human Rights Issues: Political repression, treatment of minorities and opposition, and involvement in armed conflicts.
• Position: Internally authoritarian; externally often opposes Western positions.
• Engagement in Other Conflicts: Ukraine, Syria, and other post-Soviet spaces.
• Military Capabilities: Vast; nuclear state, advanced technology, and significant conventional forces.
• Intelligence: Global reach through GRU and SVR.
• Diplomacy: Global engagement, often counterbalancing Western influence.
• PR/Propaganda: Known for disinformation campaigns and state-controlled media.

Gulf States (e.g., Saudi Arabia, UAE)

• Type: Countries
• Military: Varies e.g., Saudi Arabia has approximately 478,000 active military personnel.
• Civilians: Varies per country e.g., Saudi Arabia has a population of approximately 35 million.
• History: Traditionally supportive of the Palestinian cause but have not engaged in direct conflict with Israel in recent decades.
• Current Status: Some, like the UAE and Bahrain, have recently normalized relations with Israel, marking a significant shift in regional dynamics.
• Intentions and Goals: Ensure stability and security in the region, counterbalance Iran’s influence, and secure economic and technological advancements.
• Varies between states, but:
  • Various royal factions.
  • Islamist groups (sometimes oppositional, like the Muslim Brotherhood in some nations).
  • Key figures include rulers like Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
• Human Rights Issues: Political repression, women’s rights, migrant worker rights, and involvement in Yemen.
• Position: Generally prioritize governance and stability over democratic ideals.
• Engagement in Other Conflicts: Yemen, Libya, and tensions with Iran.
• Military Capabilities: Generally well-financed and equipped conventional forces.
• Intelligence: Engage in regional and sometimes global operations.
• Diplomacy: Engage in regional alliances and global diplomacy.
• PR/Propaganda: Extensive investment in media and lobbying, projecting influence.

Turkey

• Type: Country
• Military: Approximately 355,000 active personnel with substantial reserves.
• Civilians: Approximately 82 million people.
• History: Maintained diplomatic relations with Israel for many years but relations soured in recent decades.
• Current Status: A regional power that has opposed recent Israeli actions against Palestinians, although it maintains diplomatic ties with Israel.
• Intentions and Goals: Assert itself as a key regional player, support Palestinian rights, and maintain diplomatic and economic relations in the region.
• Sub-factions/Groups:
  • Justice and Development Party (AKP).
  • Republican People's Party (CHP).
• Persons of Note:
  • Recep Tayyip Erdoğan: Long-serving President.
• Philosophies:
  • Neo-Ottomanism: Expansion of Turkish influence in former Ottoman territories.
  • Islamism combined with Turkish nationalism.
• Human Rights Issues: Political repression, Kurdish issue, and involvement in Syria and Libya.
• Position: Asserts its rights to defend against terrorism and ensure stability.
• Engagement in Other Conflicts: Syria, Libya, and confrontations in the Eastern Mediterranean.
• Military Capabilities: Strong; well-equipped army, air force, and navy.
• Intelligence: MIT operates regionally and globally.
• Diplomacy: Mix of regional interventions and NATO membership.
• PR/Propaganda: State media and international media outlets to project its narrative.

Palestinian Refugees/Displaced Persons

• Type: Population Group
• Military: N/A – not a military entity.
• Civilians: Estimated 5.6 million registered refugees (UNRWA, 2021).
• History: Emerged from displacement during the Arab-Israeli conflict, particularly in 1948 and 1967.
• Current Status: Scattered in various countries, primarily Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, often living in refugee camps.
• Intentions and Goals: Generally, the right to return to their ancestral lands and compensation for lost property, although perspectives can vary significantly.
• Sub-factions/Groups: Various diaspora and refugee groups worldwide.
• Persons of Note: No single recognized leader due to the diverse and widespread nature of the diaspora.
• Philosophies:
  • Right of return to ancestral lands.
  • Compensation and recognition of sufferings.
• Human Rights Issues: Stateless situation, living under various degrees of duress in host countries.
• Position: Generally seek the right of return and compensation.
• Engagement in Other Conflicts: Generally non-combatant, but some may be involved in conflicts of host countries.
• Military Capabilities: Generally non-existent; non-combatant.
• Intelligence: Not applicable.
• Diplomacy: Engage through representative entities or host states.
• PR/Propaganda: Focus on right of return and highlighting plight.

Egypt

• Type: Country
• Military: Approximately 440,000 active personnel.
• Civilians: Approximately 104 million people.
• History: Historically engaged in multiple wars against Israel but signed a peace treaty in 1979.
• Current Status: Maintains peace with Israel and is actively involved in regional issues, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• Intentions and Goals: Ensure national security, maintain peace with Israel, and counter terrorism.
• Sub-factions/Groups:
  • Various political parties and Islamist groups.
• Persons of Note:
  • Abdel Fattah el-Sisi: President.
• Philosophies:
  • Nationalism and Islamism.
• Human Rights Issues: Political repression, women’s rights, and treatment of minorities and dissidents.
• Position: Domestically authoritarian.
• Engagement in Other Conflicts: Involved in the Libyan conflict.
• Military Capabilities: Large, well-equipped military with a focus on conventional capabilities.
• Intelligence: Engaged primarily in regional affairs.
• Diplomacy: Engages actively in Arab and African affairs and international diplomacy.
• PR/Propaganda: State-controlled media and efforts to counter dissenting voices.

Jordan

• Type: Country
• Military: Approximately 110,000 active personnel.
• Civilians: Approximately 10 million people.
• History: Engaged in wars against Israel but concluded a peace agreement in 1994.
• Current Status: Generally maintains stable relations with Israel and is a key player in regional politics.
• Intentions and Goals: Maintain stability, ensure security, and foster economic development.
• Sub-factions/Groups:
  • Various political and tribal factions.
• Persons of Note:
  • King Abdullah II.
• Philosophies:
  • Monarchical governance and alliance with Western powers.
• Human Rights Issues: Women’s rights, freedom of expression, and refugee issues.
• Position: A constitutional monarchy with democratic elements.
• Engagement in Other Conflicts: Generally neutral/peacekeeping.
• Military Capabilities: Moderate, with a focus on defensive capabilities.
• Intelligence: Internally and regionally focused.
• Diplomacy: Engages actively in Arab League and maintains ties with Western and regional countries.
• PR/Propaganda: Balances between state narratives and allowing limited free media.

Saudi Arabia

• Type: Country
• Military: Approximately 230,000 active personnel.
• Civilians: Approximately 34 million people.
• History: Has been involved indirectly in Arab-Israeli conflicts and has traditionally supported Palestinian rights.
• Current Status: Engaging in a nuanced approach toward Israel amidst shared concerns over Iran.
• Intentions and Goals: Regional dominance, counter Iran’s influence, and safeguard the monarchy.
• Sub-factions/Groups:
  • Royal factions and religious establishment.
• Persons of Note:
  • King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
  • Mohammed bin Salman: Crown Prince.
• Philosophies:
  • Monarchy with Islamic governance.
• Human Rights Issues: Women’s rights, minority rights, and political repression.
• Position: Monarchical and authoritarian.
• Engagement in Other Conflicts: Yemen and Qatar blockade.
• Military Capabilities: Modern and well-equipped military.
• Intelligence: Focused on both internal and regional threats.
• Diplomacy: Engages actively with Islamic, Western, and regional countries.
• PR/Propaganda: Wields considerable influence through media investment.