Strategic Assessment

This article explores the underlying complexity in defining the essence of the intifada, both in factual and legal terms, and Israel’s response to the violence by means of applying the doctrine of a “limited conflict.” Suggesting that Israel misread the situation and hence responded inappropriately, the article analyzes the outcomes of Israel’s policy, including the effects of the IDF’s operations on the positions of the Palestinian population towards Israel and towards the greater Israeli–Palestinian conflict.