I have 2 boys about the same age as yours, the older one is 3 year and half and the younger one is 1 year and half. I observed similiar behaviors with our older one when he was younger, especially when we were paying too much attention to the younger one and not enough attention to him, I have been told that it is their way of trying getting attention. Childrens are very observant, since the older one is less dependant, it is very easy for us to focus on the little one without realizing that the other one is feeling ignored. I know it is not easy, but try to make effort to let the older one feels that he is just getting as much attention as the younger one, and try to get them to play together. These days, my older one doesn't hit the younger one as much now, as a matter of fact, from time to time, he would tell me that I am not "being nice" when I try to discipline the younger one, Of course, they would still fight and have jealousy issues from time to time, but if you can get them to bond, the situation could be better.