Some choose to remain with the state but require more self authority than was previously given. In these cases, the nation presses for more autonomy. While being able to remain part of the state, this autonomy allows the nation to operate independently in matters where custom or culture differs from that of the state at large. In cases where this is insufficient, a nation may choose to leave the state altogether. This is called secession, and differs from autonomy in that the nation demands sovereignty and total self rule. This demand of separation would normally also include the region in which the nation resides, causing both political and territorial conflict with the state. This often leads to a state response which can vary anywhere from diplomacy to all out war.
One of the best-known examples of this kind of nationalist movement is the situation between Israel and its Palestinian population. In this example, Israel is the state with the nation being those who consider themselves Palestinians. Researcher Goetz Nordbruch explains that Palestinians identify themselves as separate from the Israelis in a couple of ways. First and foremost is their Arab identity. While Israel is generally considered a Jewish state, Palestinians hold tightly to their Arab heritage. This is demonstrated through the use of the Arab flag as the flag of the Palestinian nationalist movement, as well as the use of the Arab hymn and the general desire among Palestinians for Arab unity. Also, Palestinians identify with a common history of resisting oppression and occupation by both the British and Israelis during the past century (par. 27). .
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Historically, there is quite a bit of evidence of the growing tension between the Palestinians and those who would eventually become the modern state of Israel. However, a few specific events stand out in importance: .
May 15, 1948: The 1948 war begins, in which Israel is declared a Jewish state.
