Israel since 1948

Israel declares its independence

May 14, 1948

Israel declares its independence from Great Britain and becomes the State of Israel. Both the USSR and the United States recognize this declaration but Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon do not. Picture accessed from http://newvoices.org/2013/04/15/perspectives-on-israeli-independence-celebrate-commemorate-or-mourn/

Arab Israeli War

May 15, 1948

The day after Israel declares independence, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and the Palestine-Arabs go to war. Israel wins the war and expands its borders beyond what it originally declared. As a result of the war the Gaza Strip is occupied by Egypt and the West Bank is occupied by Trans Jordan. Picture accessed from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1948_Arab%E2%80%93Israeli_War

Israel is admitted into the United Nations

May 11, 1949

Israel first applied to the United Nations in late 1948 and was turned down. After the armistice agreements were signed between Israel and Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon, the Security Council indicated that Israel was a peace-loving nation and could become a member. Picture accessed from http://news.fiu.edu/tag/israel

Sinai Campaign

Jul 26, 1956

Egypt decided to nationalize the Suez Canal so Israel, joined by Great Britain and France, declared war. At the end of the war, Israel occupied the Suez Canal but the United States and the U.S.S.R forced them to leave the area. Israel was successful in re-opening the Straits of Tiran, a vital shipping lane to the country. Tensions and animosity between Israel and Arab Nations greatly increased after this war. Picture accessed from http://efisherhistory12.weebly.com/the-suez-crisis-1956.html

Six Day War

Jun 5, 1967

Israel went to war against Egypt, Jordan and Syria as a result of Egypt mobilizing troops in the Sinai Peninsula. Israel launched airstrikes against Egyptian airfields and quickly became the victor. As a result Israel gained control of the Gaza Strip, the Sinai Peninsula, Golan Heights and the West Bank. This war left Israel looking strong militarily to the rest of the world. Picture accessed from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six-Day_War

Black September

Sep 1, 1970

King Hussein of Jordan kills thousands of Palestinians living in Jordan after the P.L.O. tries to take over the country. Calling it a “state within a state”, Hussein wants the Palestinians to leave. The Palestinians are defeated and thousands of them are deported to Lebanon. Picture accessed from https://birdinflight.com/world/black-september-how-palestinian-terrorism-was-born.html

Yom Kippur War

Oct 6, 1973

War began October 6th 1973 when the Egyptian and Syrian forces attacked Israel on Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur is a holy day for the Jewish and the attackers knew that the soldiers would be observing the holiday so they decided it was the best time to strike. Israel won the war but the Israeli’s felt that the government was unprepared.

Israel-Egypt Peace treaty

Mar 26, 1979

Israel’s prime minister, Begin, and Egypt’s President, Sadat, signed a peace treaty at the white house in March of ’79. This treaty led to both of them sharing the Nobel Peace Prize. This treaty brought a lot of controversy for the Arabs the president of Egypt ended up being assassinated years later.

Jerusalem Declared Capital of Israel

Jul 30, 1980

July 1980 the Jerusalem Law was passed. This law stated that Jerusalem was the capital of Israel. That is where all their ruling government resides.

Israel-Lebanon War

Jun 6, 1982

Israel invaded Lebanon in 1982 as an attempt to destroy the guerrilla movement. This lasted 3 years and was highly destructive and costly. Israel withdrew from most of Lebanon with the exception of the “security Zone”.

First Palestinian Intifada

Dec 9, 1987

Dec. 9th 1987 a mass riot broke out starting the first Palestinian Intifada. The Palestinian Liberation organization (P.L.O) were said to be the masterminds for much of the violence. This lasted until 1992 and claimed thousands of lives.

Israel- P.L.O Peace Accord

Sep 13, 1993

Sept 1993 the Israeli Foreign Minister, Peres, and P.L.O Chairman, Arafat negotiated a peace agreement. This agreement led to the signing of the Declaration of Principles by both parties. After this signing three stages of agreements commenced between Israel and P.L.O.