Conflict in Israel and the U.S. Response (2021)

This news lesson is focused on the 2021 conflict between Israel and Palestine. Read the news lesson and then have students answer the following discussion questions:

1. What are questions you have about the historical Israeli-Palestinian conflict? What do you know for certain about the region and its people? What are areas you need to learn more about?
2. What do you believe the role of the United States should be in conflicts outside of the country? What role could the United States play if it is not already doing so?
3. For decades, the typical response of U.S. politicians regarding conflict in Israel has been that “Israel has a right to defend itself.” Do you agree with that sentiment? To what extent? Is that sentiment alone sufficient to address the issue? Why or why not?