Ehud Sprinzak

In the following viewpoint, Ehud Sprinzak argues that revenge against humiliating Israeli policies is what motivates the Palestinian organization Hamas to commit acts of terrorism. Sprinzak contends that, contrary to the view of Israeli leaders, Hamas does not seek to destroy the Israeli government. He asserts that Hamas’ terrorism is instead in response to Israeli actions such as increased West Bank settlements and the assassination of a Hamas leader. Sprinzak is a professor of political science at Hebrew University in Jerusalem and the author of Brother Against Brother: Violence and Extremism in Israeli Politics from Altalena to the Rabin Assassination.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What event prompted Hamas to begin suicide bombings within Israel, according to the author?
2. In Sprinzak’s view, why is Hamas popular among ordinary Palestinians?
3. According to the author...