Arab-Israeli Wars

Founding of Israel After World War II… – Violence in British Mandate of Palestine increased – Thousands of Jewish refugees from Europe go to Palestine Jewish refugees want to create a Jewish state – Palestinian Arabs oppose this! Did not want to give up land Britain can not control violence – Withdraws  gives area to UN

Partition and War 1947 – UN recommends partition of Palestine – Divide it into a Jewish and Arab state 1948 – Britain leaves – Jews announce creation of Israel – Arabs upset – Israel recognized by major world powers Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon – Sent in separate forces  Defeated by Israel

Palestinian Refugees 500,000 + Arabs driven from Palestine – Many live in small temporary camps Poor sanitation and housing Became permanent

Continued Conflict 1956 – Israel, Britain, France attack Egypt – Done after Egypt nationalized Suez Canal 1967 – Six Day War – Israel makes territorial gains  Sinai Peninsula and Gaza strip from Egypt Golan Heights from Syria West Bank from Jordan East Jerusalem from Arabs Syria and Egypt partially regain lands lost in Six Day War – UN negotiates cease fire

Superpower Involvement Cold War Fuels Arab-Israeli Conflict – US gives arms and $ to Israel – USSR gives arms and $ to Syria, Iraq, Egypt Following each conflict both superpowers rearmed the Middle East Peace efforts met resistance – Arab nations refused to recognize Israel

PLO- Palestinian Liberation Organization Fate of Palestinian Arabs was key to peace Numbers grew in crowded refugee camps Many Palestinians lived in occupied territories 1964 PLO is formed – Goal to reclaim Palestine and destroy Israel – Waged guerrilla war against Israel

Spread of Conflict 1970’s – PLO and other groups spread conflict beyond Middle East – Lash out at USA and other countries that support Israel – Committed acts of terror  bombings, hijackings Received funding from Iran, Syria, and other ME countries Israel strikes back – Struck PLO bases in Lebanon – Invades Lebanon – Many casualties