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Israel's History:
2000
2000:
by Michael Bassin, 2003 Israel Affairs IGB
The year ended with a bang, literally:
- In May 2000, Israel unilaterally withdrew troops from the security zone in Lebanon.
Israel had stationed troops there since 1982 when it decided it was too great a
security risk to leave Lebanon alone.
- Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat rejected an unprecedented offer
from Israel in exchange for peace. Israel offered the Palestinians 97% of the West
Bank, part of East Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, and the reunification of tens of
thousands of Palestinian family members. At this time, 98% of Palestinians in the
disputed territories lived under Palestinian rule.
- Palestinians responded to Israel's peace offering with violence and the second
Palestinian Intifada was started after Defense Minister Ariel Sharon visited the Temple
Mount in Jerusalem. Supported by Palestinian security forces and encouraged by
Palestinian leaders, terrorists and Palestinian militia groups attacks Israeli outposts
and civilians.
- Palestinians authorities release convicted terrorists, who immediately engage in
car bomb and suicide bombings against Israel.
- From August 1 to October 31, 2000, 417 cases of West Nile (WN) fever were
serologically confirmed throughout Israel; 326 (78%) were hospitalized patients. Cases
were distributed throughout the country; the highest incidence was in central Israel,
the most populated part of the country. Men and women were equally affected, and their
mean age was 54 plus/minus 23.8 years (range 6 months to 95 years).
- Israel won the silver medal in a kayaking championship.
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