Modern Israel

Suicide bombers

Became more prevalent since 1993 by Palestinian groups.

Buffer zone

A militarized area that serves as a cushion to absorb an enemy attack.

Ariel Sharon

Elected Prime Minister of Israel in 2001.

Mahmoud Abbas

Became the 1st prime minister of the Palestinian authority in 2003.

Road map

An extensive peace plan establishing a Palestinian state.

Israeli disengagement from Gaza Strip

Began in August-September 2005.

Ehud Olmert

Elected Prime Minister of Israel from 2006 to 2009.

Non-member observer status

Status granted to Palestine by the United Nations on November 29, 2012.

Gaza Strip, West Bank, East Jerusalem

Territories associated with Palestine.

Golan Heights

An area of dispute where Israel controls the territory, but the international community believes it should belong to Syria.

Palestinian statehood bid

Rejected by the United Nations Security Council on December 30, 2014.

International Criminal Court (ICC)

The court that Palestine became a member of on April 1, 2015.

UN Security Council Resolution 2334

Called for Israel to end settlement building in Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.

United States Embassy Move

President Donald Trump moved the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 14, 2018.

Hamas

A Palestinian militant organization governing the Palestinian territories, primarily in the Gaza Strip.

Benjamin Netanyahu

Current Prime Minister of Israel (2006 - present).

Mohammad Mustafa

Current Prime Minister of the State of Palestine (2024 - present).