The Jewish Homeland Becomes a Reality

Caught between the demands of two opposing groups, the British were forced to keep a large military presence in the region. Increased terrorist activities by Jewish "freedom fighters" and Arab independence groups caused heavy casualties to the British. Finally, England asked the UN to resolve the issue. In November 1947, the UN divided Palestine into a Jewish and Arab area. Jewish militia forces quickly took the opportunity to grab the holy city of Jerusalem as the British forces withdrew. On 14 May 1948, Israel declared itself a nation.

Day One of Israel - War

The day after Israel declared itself a nation, Syria, Egypt, and the Transjordan launched a massive attack on the new country. The attack by large Arab forces came from the north, east and south. The Israelis, faced with extinction, fought with determination and turned the tide of battle. They were able to stop the Arab forces and take over most of the lands the UN had given the Palestinians for their homeland. The fighting finally ended with a ceasefire, but over 750,000 Palestinians were forced to become refuges in the West Bank and Gaza strip areas.

Major Wars in the History of Israel

The Arab nations of the Middle East continued to oppose the existence of Israel. Israel, over the years, took opportunities to expand its borders for the benefit of its people. During the various wars fought between Arabs and Israelis, the ability of the two sides to resolve issues has become lost. The situation in the Middle East remains tense to this day.

The Suez Crisis 1956

Although the Suez Crisis was not directly related to the existence of the Jewish state, Israel made a secret agreement with the British and French to help fight Egypt. Egypt, under the leadership of President Nasser, had seized control of the Suez Canal, which was used by western nations as the gateway to the East. The threat to the canal brought prompt military action by France and Britain. For the Europeans to attack, however, they needed an excuse for intervention, and Israel was to provide the excuse.

In October 1956,Israel launched a major attack into the Sinai region driving towards the Suez Canal. The Israelis wanted to increase the size of Israel and the Suez Crisis would provide a good cover for the expansion. They were able to quickly overrun the entire region and drive toward the canal. This became the excuse for the British and French to move in and "separate" the two warring nations of Egypt and Israel. As well, the British and French would keep the canal "free" for the world to use.

The UN was ultimately asked to intervene to preserve the peace. The UN forced the British, French and Israelis to return home, peacekeepers were placed in the region. The canal was opened to the world and events cooled down.

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The Six-Day War 1967

For eleven years, an uneasy peace was maintained between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Egyptian President Nasser did not wish the UN peacekeeping force to remain in Egypt any longer, and demanded that they be removed by May of 1967. Once removed, the Egyptian Army quickly moved forward into the Sinai region. Israel felt the move was very serious and dangerous to the existence of the country. Furthermore, Syria believed that the Israelis were planning to attack them. Tensions quickly escalated between Israel and her Arab neighbors to the point where Israel decided to launch an attack before the Arabs did.

Using her powerful air force, Israel destroyed the Egyptian air force on the ground, and then turned against targets in Syria and Jordan. During the ground phase of the attack, Israeli defense forces were able to inflict serious damage to the three nations. In the span of six days of fighting, Israel was able to take land in the Golan Heights, Sinai and Jordan.

The Yom Kippur War 1973-74

In October 1973, Arab nations surrounding Israel launched a surprise attack in the hopes of destroying the country. Arab nations surrounding Israel had accepted large sums of Soviet money, and training after the Six Day War. Israel, on the other hand, was supplied with American equipment and assistance. The two superpowers would continue to supply weapons around the world, but not fight directly against each other. This became an important aspect of the Cold War.

The attack on Israel was launched on Yom Kippur, a Jewish holiday and caught the country unprepared. Syria and Egypt were able to make serious gains in Israeli territory before the tide turned against them. Once again, the Israelis were able to stop the Arabs and then move to the offensive. Israel had suffered serious losses, but nothing like those inflicted upon the advancing Arabs. A cease-fire was finally arranged in December 1973, and once again peacekeepers were put into the area. In May 1974, all sides agreed to withdraw their forces and the conflict was ended.

Events Today

Although there have not been major wars in the region for sometime, a state of uneasiness continues to exist. Between wars, Arab terrorist organizations have organized and have attacked Israel over the years. Hijacking, the murder of Olympic athletes, bombing campaigns, and border raids have become a staple of life of the Middle East. Israel has always responded with strong military action as retaliation to terrorist attacks. The harsh reactions have led to more anger between the two groups. The problems between Arabs and Jews, over time, have entrenched deep hatred towards each other. The Middle East has not seen peace since 1948, and it does not look likely in the near future.