Conflicts in the Middle East Chapter 18 / Section 4

Palestine and Israel After World War II Palestine is divided, causing disputes in the Middle East. WHY? 1) Jews claim the lands as their homelands. (Since Christ alive) 2) Palestinians say their land since they drove the Jews out in 135 A.D. (Both Muslim and Christian)

Palestine and Israel (cont’d) Balfour Declaration, a British document written stating support of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Written in 1917 the British were trying to appease the Jews. However, they fail until 1947 after WWII. The United Nations then decides to divide. Jerusalem is to be the international city owned by neither.

Israel and the Arab States in Conflict Finally May 14, 1948 Israel is created. (David Ben Gurion) The next day six Arab nations invade Israel. However, the Jews hold them off with American support. Many invasions occur after. Israel gaining more land from fights.

Israel and the Arab States in Conflict (cont’d) Suez Crisis (1956): Egypt seizes the Suez Canal. WHY? Israel rages war against Egypt however, encouraged to cease. Six-Day War (1967): occurs when Nasser ready to confront Israel. Six days later Israel controls Jerusalem.

Israel and the Arab States in Conflict (cont’d) The 1973 War: surprise attack on Israel. (Yom Kippur) Anwar Sadat, president of Egypt. Golda Meir, Israel Prime Minister.

Trading Land for Peace After many wars Sadat in 1977 offers peace to Israel. However, for peace he tells Prime Minister Menachem Begin he must do two things. 1) Recognize rights of Palestinians. 2) Give territory back seized in 1967 war.

Trading Land for Peace Finally in 1979 Israel and Egypt sign the Camp David Accords. Egypt is first Arab country to recognize Israel. Angers others. Sadat assassinated, but Hosni Mybarak, Egyptian Prime Minister keeps peace with Israel.

The Palestinians Demand Independence Struggle for peace with Israelis. Led to creation of the PLO, Palestine Liberation Organization. Led Yasir Arafat

The Palestinians Demand Independence (cont’d) Israeli / Palestinian Peace Timeline: 1987: Palestinians start civil disobedience campaign for rights. 1991: meet for peace talks. Sept. 1993: Agreement for peace reached giving Palestinians self-rule in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. (Rabin killed for in 1995) PROBLEM OVER?