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The War for Israeli Independence
On Nov. 29, 1947, the United Nations decides to partition Palestine into an Arab state and a Jewish state. Mounting violence leads to the first Arab-Israeli war in early 1948, when the British withdraw from the region. Jewish forces hold their ground and declare Israeli statehood on May 14, 1948. -
Suez Crisis
The United States withdraws aid to Egypt for the Aswan Dam Project, infuriating Nasser. He nationalizes the Suez Canal on July 26, 1956. Britain, which owns nearly half of the Suez Canal Company, seeks to prevent the nationalization by joining with France and Israel to gain control of the waterway. A plan is devised in which Israel attacks the Sinai Peninsula on Oct. 29, allowing Britain and France to condemn the fighting and demand that both sides withdraw from the region -
Six-Day War
Israel plans pre-emptive strikes June 5 against Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Iraq — nations that had mobilized for war — while moving troops into the Sinai Peninsula and the canal region. Jordan launches an offensive in Jerusalem on June 5. -
Camp David Accords
Egyptian and Israeli leaders meet at Camp David with President Carter in 1978 to discuss a treaty in which Egypt would regain full control of the Sinai Peninsula. The treaty is signed on March 26, 1979, lending hope to a future of peace in the region. -
Palestinian Statehood Declared
Yasser Arafat seeks sole leadership of the Palestinian people and proves a prudent diplomat. Arafat declares Palestinian statehood in November 1988 in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Many nations, including the Soviet Union and Egypt, respond with recognition of the Palestinian government, with Arafat as its leader. The United States refuses to recognize statehood but does open dialogue with Arafat.
