Assassination of Israeli Minister Rehavam Ze'evi
October 17th, 2001
October 17th, 2001

How Long Ago?
23 years, 4 months, 25 days ago
Location
Jerusalem, Israel
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Ariel Sharon
- Rehavam Ze'evi
- Hamdi Quran
Links & References
- Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine
- Rehavam Ze'evi
- Assassination of Rehavam Ze'evi
- Hamdi Quran
Tags
Assassination of Israeli Minister Rehavam Ze'evi
Rehavam Ze'evi, the Israeli tourism minister, was assassinated in Jerusalem by Hamdi Quran, a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). This marked a significant escalation in political violence, as Ze'evi became the highest-ranking Israeli official killed in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The assassination fueled tensions and led to a military response from Israel, indicating the volatile nature of the region during this period.
Ze'evi was a right-wing Israeli politician.
Assassination occurred during the Second Intifada.
Hamdi Quran was a member of the PFLP.
Followed by increased Israeli military actions.
What Happened?
Rehavam Ze'evi was assassinated in Jerusalem, marking a pivotal moment in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the Minister of Tourism, he was known for his right-wing views and support for settlements in the West Bank. On the day of the assassination, Ze'evi was shot multiple times as he left his hotel, a chilling act carried out by Hamdi Quran, a member of the PFLP. The incident occurred against the backdrop of the Second Intifada, a period of intensified violence between Israelis and Palestinians which began in 2000. The Israeli government attributed the assassination to the ongoing organized efforts by Palestinian factions, particularly as tensions had escalated in the months preceding the attack.
In the wake of Ze'evi's death, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon authorized targeted operations against Palestinian militants, further exacerbating the cycle of violence in the region. Ze'evi's assassination was not just an attack on an individual but was also a declaration of intent by the PFLP to challenge the Israeli state through acts of political violence. The ramifications of this event rippled throughout the area, deepening divisions and leading to increased military actions.
Rehavam Ze'evi's assassination significantly impacted political discourse within Israel and contributed to a harsh crackdown on Palestinian groups perceived as threats. The killing was widely condemned, leading to widespread tensions and further violence in subsequent weeks.
Why Does it Matter?
The assassination of Rehavam Ze'evi is significant as it underscored the extreme volatility of Israeli-Palestinian relations during the early 2000s. It marked a moment when political assassinations became a tactic employed by factions like the PFLP, reshaping the conflict's landscape. This event highlights the enduring cycle of violence that characterized the Second Intifada and its long-term implications for peace efforts in the region.
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