What role did cultural differences between Arabs and Israelis play in prolonging the Arab-Israeli conflict from 1948-1996?

Cultural differences between Arabs and Israelis significantly contributed to the prolongation of the Arab-Israeli conflict from 1948-1996.

The Arab-Israeli conflict, which spanned from 1948 to 1996, was not merely a political or territorial dispute, but was deeply rooted in cultural differences between the two groups. These differences, which encompassed religion, language, traditions, and historical narratives, played a significant role in fuelling the conflict and making it more complex and difficult to resolve.

Religion was a major cultural factor that contributed to the prolongation of the conflict. The land of Palestine, which both groups claimed, holds significant religious importance for both Jews and Muslims. For Jews, it is the biblical land of Israel, the promised land for the Jewish people. For Muslims, it is the site of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam. These religious attachments to the land made compromise difficult, as both sides viewed their claim as divinely ordained and non-negotiable.

Language and traditions also played a role in the conflict. The Arabs and Israelis have distinct languages (Arabic and Hebrew) and traditions, which created a cultural divide between the two groups. This divide was exacerbated by the lack of mutual understanding and respect for each other's culture. The cultural alienation and misunderstanding often led to dehumanisation and demonisation of the 'other', which further fuelled the conflict.

Historical narratives and collective memories were another cultural factor that prolonged the conflict. Both Arabs and Israelis have their own historical narratives of the conflict, which are often contradictory and mutually exclusive. For Israelis, the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 was a moment of joy and triumph, a fulfilment of the Zionist dream. For Arabs, it was a catastrophe (Nakba), a moment of loss and displacement. These conflicting narratives made reconciliation difficult, as both sides felt victimised and wronged by the other.

Moreover, the cultural differences were often manipulated and exploited by political leaders to mobilise support and justify their policies. The cultural rhetoric of 'us versus them' was used to create a sense of unity and solidarity within each group, but it also deepened the divide and hostility between the two groups.

In conclusion, the cultural differences between Arabs and Israelis played a significant role in prolonging the Arab-Israeli conflict from 1948-1996. These differences, which included religion, language, traditions, and historical narratives, not only fuelled