Israel is country in southwestern Asia surrounded by unfriendly Muslim neighbors. She was formed during the 1940s as a Jewish state in the historic region of ancient Canaan, and located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Israel is bounded on the north by Lebanon, on the northeast by Syria, on the east by Jordan, and on the southwest by Egypt. Its southernmost tip extends to the Gulf of Aqaba, an arm of the Red Sea. Israel’s isolated position as a Jewish state surrounded by Arab and predominantly Islamic countries has influenced nearly every aspect of its foreign relations, demography, and economic policy throughout its history.
Israel from 1948 to 1956
In 1948, the nation of Israel was declared by the United Nations and Prime Minister David Ben Gurion; Arab nations invade the young country, but Israel wins the War of Independence. From1948 to 1952, a massive Jewish migration commenced from around the world, where Jewish people immigrated into Israel. In 1949, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon sign Armistice. In 1956, France, Great Britain, and Israel lead Sinai Campaign against Egypt over Nasser’s nationalization of the Suez Canal.
Israel from 1967 to 1995
In 1967, Israeli Defense Force (IDF) defeats a large Arab coalition during the Six Days War; additional territories became occupied by the IDF; Jerusalem became reunited with Israel. In 1973, Israel defeats Arab coalition in Yom Kippur War. In 1978, the Camp David Accords hosted by U.S. President Jimmy Carter concludes the hostilities between Egypt and Israel. In 1979, formal peace treaty between Egypt and Israel was made.
In 1982, Israel withdraws from occupied territory in the Sinai Peninsula. In 1987, the first Intifada begins, where Palestinians threw stones and conducted suicide operations against the IDF and civilians. In 1989, Russian Jewish migrants enter Israel from former Soviet Republics. In 1991, Iraq attacks Israel with Scud missiles during the Gulf War. In 1994, Israel signs historic peace treaty with Jordan. In 1995, the celebrated Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated by Jewish right-wing extremist.
Israel from 2000 to 2006
In 2000, Palestinian and others began the Second Intifada; terrorists strike civilian targets all over Israel. In 2003, the United States, the United Nations, the EU, and Russia develop a two-state solution to the Palestine problem known as the “Roadmap to Peace.” In 2006, famous Prime Minister Ariel Sharon suffers stroke and is incapacitated; Ehud Olmert becomes prime minister; Kadima party wins elections; Israel fights extensive ground war in southern Lebanon with terrorist organization, Hizballah.
Analysis: Israel
Today the Israeli relationship with her surrounding Arab neighbors remain delicate, but the Israelis are determined to maintain a homeland for themselves following generations of anti-Jewish worldwide persecution. Despite peace treaty after peace treaty, current tensions between the Arabs and the Israelis remain high and are indicators of an imminent conflict within the near term. Iran’s current nuclear weapon’s development program creates an existential threat to the Israeli state because Iranian leader Mahmound Ahmadinejad and other radical Muslims have vowed to wipe Israel of the map.
Sources:
Middle East Conflict; Michell G. Bard, Ph.D.; 2008.
World History; Timothy C. Hall, M.A.; 2008.
Eliot Elwar - This author enjoys studying ancient military history, reading biblical eschatology, analyzing Greek mythology, and illustrating military ...
