Israel's Occupation of the West Bank : The First Two Years.

Outlines the changes in policies of the Israel military authorities during the initial period of occupation of the West Bank of Jordan. The Israel government's primary concern after June 1967 was to maintain a secure military position on the West Bank and minimize disruption of the lives of 600,000 residents and refugees. It assisted in restoring basic services, encouraged the reactivation of local government, and permitted the flow of agricultural produce across the Jordan River. Difficulties developed, however, as soon as the Israel government exceeded minimal measures for assuring normality and local autonomy by directly interfering in the judicial, religious, and educational institutions of Arab society. The experience of the first two years of occupation showed that the return of the West Bank to Arab rule continued to be desired by the Arab population, and that neither of the alternatives--Israel annexation or continued occupation--offered stability or a genuine improvement in relations between the two peoples. 124 pp. Bibliog.