Water Resources and Conflict: Examples from the Middle East

Abstract

The Middle East has often been viewed as the best example of a region where disputes over water resources can lead to violent conflict. Indeed, many authors note that water was a major cause of the 1967 war between Israel and its Arab neighbours. Despite the rhetoric, there is little evidence that water has caused armed conflict in the region. This chapter briefly reviews the literature on water resources and conflict, focuses on the role urbanization may play in exacerbating future conditions of water scarcity, and then discusses water resource conflicts in the context of the relationship between Israel and the Palestinians. The key to resolving disputes over water lies in redressing the inequities with respect to water allocations and water rights. Despite the recent peace agreement which included provisions for water management there is little evidence that these inequities will be redressed. Disputes over water will continue in the near future, but water wars remain unlikely.