ABSTRACT
The ambiguity concerning the army's role in the territories, and the conflicting perceptions of the country's leaders about such issues, had their inevitable impact on morale. Experts differed in their evaluations of the impact of the Intifada on the military. The principal economic impact was suspension of economic growth and shortages of Arab labor in some areas. Despite the tendency of many Israelis to perceive the Intifada as a huge media event, it had a traumatic impact on a large number of soldiers who served in the territories. The range of attitudes among soldiers sent to quell the uprising reflected the differing public perceptions of the Intifada. Several women's groups formed to protest against the occupation, to assist soldiers who refused service and Palestinians injured by IDF actions, and to raise public consciousness about events during the uprising and their consequences for Israeli life.
