Israeli Palestinian Relations - Applying PLO Policy to Hamas? Terrorism and Homeland Security, 8th edition, CH 8 and 9

In completing this activity, you will analyze and discuss the past and present efforts, issues, and problems that exist, in not achieving a mutually acceptable peace accord between Israel and Palestine.

For much of Israel's history, it fought the terrorist activities of Yasser Arafat and the PLO. Today, the PLO is a legitimate political party within a semi-autonomous government, exercising authority over the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

• In your view, was Israel correct to negotiate with the PLO and allow Arafat to enter the political mainstream?
• Should Israel do the same with Hamas now that they have successfully entered the political process via 2006 elections in the West Bank and Gaza (and have consistently won a greater number of governmental posts since therein)? Explain your answer.
• Also, assess differences in leadership, organization, goals, ideology and degree of militancy, etc.