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Establishment of Israel
Since Israel was established in 1948, most Middle Eastern countries have refused to recognize it's right to exist. Some countries have repeatedly attacked Israel and funded militant groups that conduct raids and terrorist attacks against Israelis. -
The Six-Day War
After the Egyptians began to close off the Gulf of Aqaba, Israel was expecting a large-scale Arab attack to hit them, so they decided to strike first. Israel launched air strikes against Egypt, Syria, and Jordan, destroying most of their airplanes on the ground. Israeli troops then moved in and rapidly defeated the Arab forces. During this war, Israel took control of the Golan Heights, Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, and East Jerusalem. -
Egypt Closes off the Gulf of Aqaba
Egypt demanded that the UN remove its troops from Gaza and the Sinai Peninsula. Egyptian troops then moved into the Sinai, and Egypt began to close off the Gulf of Aqaba, Israel's route to the Red Sea. -
Yom Kippur War
Determined to win their territory back, Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack against Israel. Israel's government was not fully prepared for the attack and needed military support from the United States. With the U.S. support, Israeli forces regrouped and pushed back the Egyptian and Syrian armies. After weeks of fighting, both sides agreed to cease-fire. -
Camp David Accords
Egypt wanted to help make peace with Israel and to help facilitate this historic peace, U.S. President Carter mediated the agreement between Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at the presidential retreat, Camp David, in Maryland.
