Israel was and continues to be a very sensitive area to both Jews and Muslims alike due to its significance in the scriptures and studies of both faiths. The invasions of Israel by Arab Muslim nations comes as no surprise as while the Jews hold their holy land of Israel as a state of their own, the Arab Muslims do not. Although politically, the Jews were entitled to their independent state, religiously, both the Arab Muslims and the Jews felt religiously entitled to the state of Israel. Currently Israel is a Jewish state, and there are violent uprisings constantly by Arab militants. On June 10, 2003, Israel attempted to assassinate Hamas leader Ahmed Rantissi, provoking retaliation from the Palestinians. On June 11, a Hamas suicide bombing killed 16 Israelis in a bus on the main street of Jerusalem. On August 20, a suicide bombing killed 21 people on a bus in Jerusalem. The following day, Israel assassinated Hamas leader Ismail Abu Shanab, possibly in retaliation. In total, 38 Israelis died as a result of their attempt to assassinate Ahmed Rantissi. This is but a small example of the violence that occurs practically daily in Israel. This violence and conflict is a direct result of religious differences between the Israeli Jews and the Palestinian Muslims. Land and cultures are constantly being divided in the region of Israel, especially on the Gaza strip and the West Bank. In June 1967, the six-day war commenced between the Israeli's and the Arabs. Israel attacked the Egyptians beginning on June 5, 1967. The six-day war changed the balance of power in the Middle East and created a new reality both politically and religiously. Israel acquired extensive territories, many considered holy such as the Sinai Desert, the Golan Heights and the West Bank. These new territories expanded Israel to several times that of its borders set back in 1948. Religion has acted as a divisive factor in the Israel/Palestine area for centuries and even more so in the modern world.
