Therefore a terrorist is someone who INTENTIONALLY kills (or threatens to kill) innocent civilians for
political purposes or purposes of coersion.
On Condemning Terrorism
Jewish Terrorist Kills 4 Arabs
U.S. Appeals Court Upholds Terrorist Designation for Kach
We all know the Palestinians and other Muslims have terrorist orginaztions that attack Israel and other targets in the middle east and the rest of the world. But what many dont know is that Israel has terrorist groups too. However, thanks to the responsibility of the Israeli government and the Jewish people these terrorist groups do not have the funding or moral support to actively attack other people (like the Muslim terror groups do) but they still have the ability to make some noise every now and then. Even so everyone studying the middle east situation should be aware of these groups.
Kach- Founded by Israeli American rabbi Meir Kahane. Believes Israel is a country for white jews. Black and Arabic Jews do not have a place in Israel. Kach openly advocates for the expulsion of arabs from Israel. Kach is considered a terrorist organization by both the U.S. and Israel. Kach frequently organizes protests against the Israeli government and threatens and harrasses Palestinians in Hebron and the West Bank.
Here is a link to a list of terrorist attacks committed by Kach
Gush Emunim- Israeli fundamentalist group. Created after 1973 war. Major activity of Gush Emunim is initiating illegal Jewish settlements in Gaza and West Bank and encouraging the expanding of Israel. Believes Israel is a country for Jews only. Although neither the U.S. or Israel label Gush Emunim as a terrorist group, they have intentionally attacked
Palestinians for the purpose of political gain, so by definition they are a terrorist group.
Palestinian Terrorist Groups
Hamas- Group dedicated to the destruction of Israel and the "complete liberation of Palestine". Hamas is responsible for many terrorist attacks against Israel and they have been known to attack Palestinians who dont agree with their views. Hamas calls themselves a "resistance group" and some call them "freedom fighters" against the Israeli occupation. However since more then 90% of Hamas's attacks intentionally target civilians they fall under the defiinition of a terrorist group. Hamas is considered a terrorist organizion by the U.S. the E.U. and Israel. Hamas also has a political wing that does support orphanages and other services for the Palestinians. Hamas wants the destruction of the Jewish state of Israel and an islamic state in its place. Hamas says that the Jews (and christians) can continue to live on that land but only under Islamic law. Hamas has recently been getting into politics and has been competing for power with the ruling Fatah party.
The Hamas Charter
Link to terrorist acts committed by Hamas
Website by Hamas
Islamic Jihad- Unlike Hamas, Islamic Jihad does not have a political wing. The group is solely dedicated to terrorism against Israel. And like Hamas over 90% of people killed by them are innocent civilians.
Link to terrorist attacks committed by Islamic Jihad
Palestinians killed my Islamic Jihad
Other Terrorist Groups
Hezbollah - Shiite militia group based in Lebanon and supported by Syria. Responsible for terror attacks against Americans as well as Israelis.
There are terrorist groups on both sides of this conflict.Both the Israeli government and the Palestinian government take full responcibilities if an extremist group under their name commits a terrorist act. However, unlike the Palestinians, the Israeli government takes its responcibilities seriously and has done a good job of keeping the Jewish extremists and terrorists under control. Arafat not only didn't keep control of Palestinian terrorists, he in fact encourgaed them.
www.ict.org.il