Israelis Divided Over War and What Comes After
Ask students: Who are some of the people within Israel who are calling for a cease-fire? How did Netanyahu react to the idea of a two-state solution?
As the war in Gaza nears the four-month mark since the Hamas attacks in Israel, the shape of the debate inside that nation has become ever starker. Around 130 hostages are still held, the world is increasingly outraged at the Palestinian death toll inflicted by Israel and there are clear disagreements with Washington as the Israeli prime minister says he'll stay the course. Nick Schifrin reports.
For a transcript of this story, click here.
Discussion Questions
- Who are some of the people within Israel who are calling for a cease-fire?
- How many hostages are still being held by Hamas?
- What has Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said about the possibility of a cease-fire?
- What did president Biden say would be the best way to ensure Israel's security?
- How did Netanyahu react to the idea of a two-state solution?
Focus Questions
If President Biden believes the best way to ensure Israel's security is a two-state solution (that is, ensuring that Palestine becomes a state), what do you think are the most important actions the U.S. can take to push for that outcome?
Media literacy: This story presents two sides to Israeli public opinion about the war. How would you find out more about which strategies are the most popular or the most likely to be carried out?
Extension Activity
Can polls tell us something about the future policies of Israel's government? Read this short piece from the pollster Gallup (from December 2023) on Israeli public opinion following the Hamas attack on October 7. Then discuss:
- What are some ways Israeli opinion might suggest Israeli policy in the coming years?
- What might change some of the results of these polls?
Building Historical Context: Understanding the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Use this list of free educational resources to explore comprehensive ideas and strategies for teaching about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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