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This paper analyses the factors that have shaped the political orientation of the Palestinians. These include the soci-economic and political configuration of  the Palestinian community after 1948, which resulted in loss of established national leadership, and the Israeli policy towards the Palestinians, with imposition of military government and the consequences of  the 1967 war. Finally, there is the nature of political and military events in the Middle East, especially with regard to the Palestinian movement. The main conclusion of  the paper is that these developments have weakened Israel’s capability to control the Palestinians, and have led to a three-fold response. From 1948-67. the main objective of the Palestinians was to stay on the land and retain Arab identity. Between 1967 and 1976, the Palestinian community developed institutions and strengthened its identity. The third stage culminated with the Intifadah in 1987, and strengthened Palestinian determination to retain identity, remain on the land and push toward redefining the nature of the Zionist enterprise so as to recognize the dual national of the state.