Israel timeline since the creation of Israel in 1948
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Israel Timeline: Key Events from 1948 Onwards

The State of Israel was born on May 14, 1948, with a declaration of independence. This followed the end of the British Mandate in Palestine. Israel’s history has been filled with key events, shaping its growth and conflicts with Arab neighbors.

From the Arab-Israeli war in 1948-1949 to the Suez Crisis and the Six-Day War, Israel’s story is one of strength and struggle. It’s a tale of resilience, military power, and a quest for security and recognition in the Middle East.

Key Takeaways

  • The State of Israel was established in 1948 following the end of the British Mandate in Palestine.
  • Israel was immediately invaded by five Arab states, leading to the 1948-1949 Arab-Israeli War, which resulted in Israel gaining more territory than originally envisioned.
  • In the following decades, Israel experienced major events such as the Suez Crisis of 1956, the Six-Day War of 1967, and the Yom Kippur War of 1973.
  • Israel made peace agreements with Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994, while the Oslo Accords of the 1990s attempted to chart a path forward for relations with the Palestinians.
  • The formation of Israel in 1948 and the ensuing Arab-Israeli conflict have had a significant impact on the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, with lasting implications for the region’s stability and security.

Birth of Israel in 1948

On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion declared the Israeli Declaration of Independence. This was just before the British Mandate of Palestine ended. Hours later, Arab states like Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq attacked Israel, starting the 1948-1949 Arab-Israeli War.

Despite being outnumbered, Israel won the war. They gained more land than the 1947 UN Partition Plan had planned. They even got western Jerusalem.

But the war also led to around 750,000 Palestinian refugees. They either fled or were forced out of their homes. The United Nations created the UNRWA in December 1949 to help these refugees.

After the war, Israel joined the United Nations on May 11, 1949. Armistice agreements were signed with Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. These agreements set Israel’s new borders, known as the Green Line.

“In May 1948, U.S. President Harry S. Truman recognized the new nation of Israel on the same day it was proclaimed by David Ben-Gurion.”

Statistic Value
Israeli population in 1948 Around 650,000 people
Casualties in the 1947-1949 fighting Approximately 6,000 men and women, including 4,000 IDF soldiers (1% of the population)
Palestinian refugees fleeing or expelled Around 726,000 (approximately 80% of the Arab inhabitants of what became Israel)

Establishment of the State

The year 1948 was a key moment in Israeli history. On May 14th, 1948, the State of Israel was declared. Just a few days later, on May 11th, 1949, it became the 59th member of the United Nations.

Admission to the United Nations

Israel’s admission to the United Nations was a big step. It showed the world that Israel was a real country. It also opened doors for more diplomatic and economic relationships with other nations.

Mass Immigration from Europe and Arab Countries

After the 1948-1949 Arab-Israeli War, Israel welcomed a huge number of Jewish immigrants. Up to a million refugees and immigrants came from Muslim-majority countries. Also, 250,000 Holocaust survivors from Europe joined them. This influx helped build and strengthen Israel in its early years.

The Law of Return, passed in 1950, made it easier for Jews to move to Israel. It gave them the right to migrate and get citizenship. This law was key in shaping Israel’s people and culture.

“The establishment of the State of Israel was a defining moment in the history of the Jewish people, marking the culmination of a long-held dream and the realization of a safe haven for those who had endured the horrors of the Holocaust.”

Suez Crisis of 1956

The Suez Crisis of 1956 was a key event in the Middle East. Israel, along with Britain and France, invaded Egypt. They wanted to reopen the Suez Canal for Israeli ships and stop Palestinian attacks from the Sinai.

On October 29, 1956, Israeli forces invaded the Sinai Peninsula. They quickly took the town of Sharm el-Sheikh and the Straits of Tiran. This gave them access to the Suez Canal. Britain and France then attacked Egyptian targets and sent troops to the Suez Canal zone.

Even though the suez crisis 1956 and israeli invasion of egypt started well, the UN stepped in. They called for a ceasefire and the withdrawal of foreign troops. A UN Emergency Force (UNEF) was sent to the Sinai and Gaza. Israel had to pull out of the Suez Canal area by the end of the year.

The Suez Crisis had big effects on the world. It made Britain and France less powerful, while the Soviet Union’s influence grew. The Suez Canal’s closure for five months also affected global trade and oil. This led to petrol rationing in the UK.

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The Suez Crisis of 1956 was a turning point in the conflict between Israel and its Arab neighbors. It made tensions worse and set the stage for future wars, like the Six-Day War in 1967.

“The Suez Crisis was a watershed moment in the history of the Middle East, with far-reaching consequences that continue to shape the region’s geopolitics to this day.”

Six-Day War of 1967

In June 1967, tensions between Israel and its Arab neighbors reached a boiling point. This led to the Six-Day War. After months of border skirmishes, Egypt’s expulsion of the UN buffer force, and its closure of the Straits of Tiran, Israel launched a preemptive attack. The war lasted only six days but left Israel in control of the East Jerusalem, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and the Golan Heights.

Capture of East Jerusalem and Reunification

The six-day war 1967 was a turning point in the region’s history. Israel’s victory led to the capture of the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, Old City of Jerusalem, and Golan Heights. This made Israel a top military power in the Middle East, starting the israel occupation of west bank and golan heights.

After the war, Israel moved to reunify jerusalem. This move was criticized worldwide but solidified Israel’s control over the region and its strategic importance.

Key Outcomes of the Six-Day War Impact
Israel’s Territorial Expansion Israel gained control over the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Golan Heights, quadrupling its original size.
Capture of East Jerusalem The Israeli government moved to reunify Jerusalem under its control, a move that was criticized internationally but solidified its strategic position in the region.
Displacement of Refugees The war resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, leading to a new phase in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
UN Resolution 242 The United Nations passed Resolution 242 in the aftermath of the war, calling for Israel’s withdrawal from the captured territories in exchange for lasting peace.

The six-day war 1967 was a transformative event in the region. It reshaped the geopolitical landscape and set the stage for ongoing tensions and diplomatic efforts in the decades that followed.

six-day war 1967

Yom Kippur War of 1973

In October 1973, Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel. They targeted the occupied Sinai and Golan Heights. This attack, on the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, changed the balance of power in the region.

The war lasted about three weeks, from October 6 to November 1973. Egypt and Syria aimed to take back territories lost in 1967. Their goal was to reclaim what Israel had taken during the Six-Day War.

Statistic Value
Israel’s war costs from the Yom Kippur War in 1973 Could reach 10% of GDP
Duration of the Yom Kippur War October 6, 1973 – November 1973
Israeli forces during the Yom Kippur War 375,000-415,000 troops, 1,700 tanks, 3,000 armored carriers, 945 artillery units, 440 combat aircraft
Egyptian forces during the Yom Kippur War 650,000-800,000 troops, 1,700 tanks, 2,400 armored carriers, 1,120 artillery units, 400 combat aircraft, 140 helicopters, 104 naval vessels, 150 surface-to-air missile batteries
Syrian forces during the Yom Kippur War 150,000 troops, 1,200 tanks, 800-900 armored carriers, 600 artillery units
Total soldiers involved in the Yom Kippur War 914,000-1,067,500
Tanks destroyed during the Yom Kippur War 2,250-2,300
Total casualties in the Yom Kippur War 8,000-18,500 dead, 18,000-35,000 wounded, 8,783 captured

Despite initial shock and losses, Israel won the Yom Kippur War. But the war changed public opinion in Israel. It made people question the military’s readiness and the country’s strategy in the yom kippur war 1973 and the arab-israeli conflict.

“The Yom Kippur War was a turning point in the Arab-Israeli conflict. It showed Israel’s military weaknesses and the changing power balance in the region.”

Israel timeline from 1948 to today

Israel has had a complex history, filled with conflicts, peace talks, and political changes. From the 1948-1949 Arab-Israeli War to the Second Intifada, Israel has shown resilience and a desire for peace. This journey is marked by both challenges and achievements.

After World War II, Palestine’s Jewish population grew to 600,000. In 1948, Israel was born with 806,000 people. Today, it has about 8.5 million residents, with 75% being Jewish. The remaining 25% includes Arabs, Christians, and others.

Right after its creation, Israel faced attacks from Arab countries like Egypt and Syria. The first Arab-Israeli War followed, leading to more conflicts like the Suez Crisis and the Six-Day War. In 1967, Israel gained control over Gaza, the West Bank, and the Golan Heights.

In 1979, Israel made history by signing a peace treaty with Egypt. Golda Meir became Israel’s first female Prime Minister in 1969. Benjamin Netanyahu has been Prime Minister several times, starting in 2009.

Israel’s history is a mix of challenges and progress. The country faces ongoing regional tensions and security issues. Yet, it continues to strive for peace with its neighbors.

“Israel was not created in order to disappear – Israel will endure and flourish. It is the child of hope and the home of the brave. It can neither be broken by adversity nor demoralized by success. It carries the shield of democracy and it honors the sword of freedom.”

– John F. Kennedy

Camp David Accords and Peace with Egypt

In 1977, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat visited Jerusalem. This was the start of a big diplomatic breakthrough. The Camp David Accords of 1978 followed, leading to Israel’s pullout from the Sinai and Egypt’s recognition of Israel.

These accords also led to the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty in 1979. It was a major win, being the first peace deal between Israel and an Arab state. The Camp David Summit, from September 5-17, 1978, was a 13-day effort led by U.S. President Jimmy Carter.

The accords didn’t lead to a full peace deal right away. But they set the stage for the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty on March 26, 1979. In it, Israel agreed to leave the Sinai, and Egypt vowed to start normal diplomatic ties with Israel.

“The Camp David Accords were a significant diplomatic accomplishment, paving the way for the first peace agreement between Israel and an Arab state.”

But not everyone was happy. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) didn’t accept the accords. They felt they didn’t solve the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Egypt’s peace treaty also got it kicked out of the Arab League for a while.

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Despite these hurdles, the camp david accords and the israel-egypt peace treaty were big steps. They showed the way for future talks and deals between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

Lebanon War of 1982

In June 1982, Israel invaded Lebanon to push out the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) after an assassination attempt in London. This israel invasion of lebanon turned into a big conflict. Israeli forces got close to Beirut by June 14, 1982.

The invasion led to the sabra and shatila massacre. Israeli-backed Christian Phalangist forces killed hundreds of Palestinian refugees. This event sparked a strong anti-war movement in Israel. A government commission later found Defense Minister Ariel Sharon indirectly responsible for the massacre.

The conflict in Lebanon had big effects. Hezbollah, a Shia Muslim group, was created in 1982 as a response to the Israeli invasion. It grew powerful and became a key player in the region’s politics.

The 1982 Lebanon War also hurt civilians a lot. It’s estimated that 1,000-1,900 Lebanese factions, 11,000 Palestinian factions, 1,400 Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), and 954-1,456 South Lebanon Army (SLA) members died. Also, 191+ Israeli civilians and 5,000-8,000 Lebanese civilians lost their lives.

The 1982 Lebanon War was a complex and contentious event. It changed the region’s politics for years. The israel invasion of lebanon and the sabra and shatila massacre are key parts of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Hezbollah’s role in the area.

israel invasion of lebanon

“The 1982 Lebanon War was a defining moment in the history of the region, with far-reaching consequences that continue to reverberate today.”

First Intifada (1987-1993)

In December 1987, the first intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation, started in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. It involved civil disobedience, strikes, and protests. Some violence also occurred.

The unrest lasted until the Oslo Accords in 1993. These agreements provided for Palestinian self-government and further talks.

The first intifada lasted from December 1987 to September 1993. It led to over 5,000 Palestinian and around 1,400 Israeli deaths. Most of these deaths were due to violence, with Palestinians dying at a rate slightly higher than Israelis.

In response, Israel deployed about 80,000 soldiers. The Israeli government also killed over 200 Palestinian leaders and military operatives. They aimed to stop the uprising.

The first intifada had a big impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It made the world aware of the Palestinian struggle. This awareness pushed Israel to negotiate for peace. The Oslo Accords in 1993 were a result of these efforts.

“The first intifada was a turning point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, helping to raise international awareness and set the stage for the Oslo Accords.”

But, the peace process from the Oslo Accords failed with the second intifada in 2000. This one was more violent, causing over 4,300 deaths. The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians continues, with both sides searching for a lasting solution.

Oslo Accords and the Peace Process

The Oslo Accords, signed in 1993, were a key moment in the israel-palestine peace process. Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat worked together. They aimed to start Palestinian self-government and end the First Intifada.

More agreements followed in the 1990s. These included the 1995 Interim Agreement, the 1997 Hebron Protocol, and the 1998 Wye River Memorandum.

These oslo accords aimed to give more power and land to the Palestinian National Authority. But, the peace process hit many obstacles. The assassination of Prime Minister Rabin in 1995 was a big setback. The election of Benjamin Netanyahu in 1996 made things even harder.

By the oslo accords, Israeli and Palestinian negotiators were to find a permanent solution by May 4, 1999. Unfortunately, they missed this deadline. The Al-Aqṣā intifada in mid-2000 stopped the talks.

“The Oslo Accords were signed 30 years ago in Washington, bringing together Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO leader Yasser Arafat for the first time.”

Now, many think the two-state solution is no longer possible. The West Bank is divided, Gaza is isolated, and Israel won’t give up East Jerusalem. The israel-palestine peace process is complex and contentious. The oslo accords continue to influence the political scene.

oslo accords

Assassination of Yitzhak Rabin

On November 4, 1995, a major event shook the Israel-Palestine conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was killed by a Jewish extremist. This extremist opposed the peace process. Rabin, 73, was a key figure in the Oslo Accords, working hard for peace between Israel and Palestinians.

The killing happened at a peace rally in Tel Aviv. About 100,000 people were there to support peace. As Rabin left, he was shot twice by Yigal Amir, a 25-year-old law student. Amir thought the concessions to Palestinians were a betrayal of the Jewish state.

Rabin’s death was a huge setback for peace efforts. It led to the Likud party, under Benjamin Netanyahu, taking over. The assassination showed the deep divisions in Israeli society. It highlighted how fragile the peace process was.

“The murder of Yitzhak Rabin was a tragedy that shook the world and sent shockwaves through the Israel-Palestine peace process. Rabin’s leadership and commitment to peace had been instrumental in the Oslo Accords, and his loss was a major setback for those seeking a just and lasting resolution to the conflict.”

After Rabin’s death, the peace process faced many challenges. The Second Intifada started in 2000. The conflict between Israel and Palestinians continued, causing tension and violence.

Even with setbacks, Yitzhak Rabin’s legacy and the peace process he supported are key. They remain important in the ongoing quest for peace in the Middle East.

Second Intifada (2000-2005)

The Second Intifada started in September 2000. It was a violent Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation. It began when Ariel Sharon, a Likud leader, visited the Temple Mount/Al-Haram al-Sharif in Jerusalem.

This visit sparked wide protests among Palestinians. The conflict lasted until about 2005.

During this time, Palestinian terrorists carried out many suicide bombings. Almost 900 civilians died, and thousands were injured. The violence hurt the economy and daily life in the area.

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The Camp David Summit in 2000 failed to find a solution. This failure made tensions and violence worse during the Second Intifada. The years from 2000-2005 saw a lot of violence, affecting both Israelis and Palestinians.

Israel launched big military operations in the West Bank. Palestinians kept attacking. The conflict showed deep challenges in finding lasting peace. It made the region politically, socially, and economically unstable.

A ceasefire was reached early in 2005. This reduced violence during the Second Intifada. Israel pulled out of the Gaza Strip in September 2005, as part of Sharon’s disengagement plan.

Second Intifada

“The Second Intifada was a period of intense violence and unrest, with both sides suffering significant losses. The failure to reach a complete peace agreement made the conflict worse. This shows the ongoing challenges in the region.”

Disengagement from Gaza Strip

In 2005, Israel made a big move – the Disengagement Plan. It pulled out its settlements and military from the Gaza Strip. This ended Israel’s direct rule over the area. But, Israel kept a naval blockade and other limits on people and goods moving in and out of Gaza.

The israel disengagement from gaza was a big deal, with different views on what it meant. Some thought it was a step towards peace. Others believed it was Israel giving up its claim to the land. The Knesset voted 67-45 in favor of the plan in October 2005.

At the time, the gaza strip had about 1.3 million Palestinians and 8,500 Israeli settlers. The cost of the disengagement was over $2 billion. More than 55,000 Israeli soldiers and police helped carry out the plan.

Despite worries about settler violence, the disengagement went smoothly. The IDF reported fewer shooting incidents and no casualties during the withdrawal.

But, the gaza strip has seen many conflicts with Israel and Hamas. There were big fights in 2008, 2012, 2014, and 2021. The 2023 israel disengagement from gaza was the deadliest attack on Israel in its history. Over 41,000 Gazans were killed in the Israel-Hamas War.

“The disengagement from Gaza was a bold and necessary step, but it has not led to the lasting peace we had hoped for. The situation remains fragile and volatile, and we must continue to work towards a just and sustainable solution for all.” – Former Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon

Conclusion

Israel has had a complex history from 1948 on. It has seen many conflicts, peace deals, political changes, and shifts in population. The 1948-1949 Arab-Israeli War and recent events like the Second Intifada have shaped its path.

Israel has made big strides, like peace with Egypt and Jordan. Yet, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a big hurdle. Israel keeps working towards peace and stability in a tough region.

Israel’s story is one of strength and adaptability. It has welcomed many immigrants and made huge strides in technology and industry. As it faces the Middle East’s challenges, Israel’s future will depend on balancing security, diplomacy, and peace.

FAQ

When was the State of Israel established?

Israel was born on May 14, 1948. This was after the British Mandate in Palestine ended.

What happened after Israel’s declaration of independence?

Right after, Israel faced an invasion by five Arab states. This led to the 1948-1949 Arab-Israeli War. Israel won more land than the 1947 UN Plan had said, including western Jerusalem.

How did the 1948-1949 Arab-Israeli War impact the Palestinian population?

About 750,000 Palestinian Arabs had to leave or were forced out during this war.

What other major events shaped Israel’s history in the following decades?

Israel saw big events like the Suez Crisis of 1956 and the Six-Day War of 1967. There was also the Yom Kippur War of 1973 and the First and Second Intifadas.

Did Israel make any peace agreements with its Arab neighbors?

Yes, Israel made peace with Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994. The Oslo Accords in the 1990s aimed to improve relations with Palestinians.

What was the significance of the Six-Day War in 1967?

The Six-Day War gave Israel control over East Jerusalem, the West Bank, Gaza, and the Golan Heights. Afterward, Israel made Jerusalem its capital.

What was the impact of the Yom Kippur War of 1973?

Israel won, but the war was costly. It changed public opinion, moving away from the Labor Party.

What was the significance of the Camp David Accords in 1978?

The Camp David Accords led to Israel leaving the Sinai Peninsula. Egypt recognized Israel. Israel agreed to expand Palestinian self-rule in the West Bank and Gaza.

What was the impact of the First Intifada that began in 1987?

The First Intifada was a Palestinian uprising against Israeli rule. It included strikes, protests, and some violence. It lasted for years until the Oslo Accords in 1993.

What was the significance of the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin in 1995?

Rabin’s death was a big setback for peace. He was key to the Oslo Accords. His death led to the Likud party, under Benjamin Netanyahu, taking over.

What was the impact of the Second Intifada that began in 2000?

The Second Intifada was violent. It included Palestinian suicide bombings and Israeli military actions in the West Bank.

What was the Disengagement Plan of 2005?

In 2005, Israel pulled out of Gaza. This ended its direct rule over the area. But, Israel kept a naval blockade and restricted movement in and out of Gaza.

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