Arab-Israeli Conflict

Partition Plan

Formulated by the UN in 1947, in order to create a Jewish and Palestinian state at the end of the British Mandate.

1947

The year in which the UN adopted the Partition Plan for Palestine.

Resolution 181

The alternative name for the UN Partition Plan for Palestine, which was adopted in 1947

Economic union

A condition of the UN Partition Plan for Palestine, meant to provide for the future prosperity of Israel and Palestine. Never really implemented.

Jewish Agency

The governing body of the Zionist movement in Palestine during the British mandate. Founded in 1929. It accepted the terms of the Partition Plan for Palestine.

Arab Higher Committee

Main organising group of various Arab Factions, formed in 1936. It represented the wishes of the Palestinian people in the devising of the Partition Plan for Palestine.

Jerusalem

The contested capital of Israel/Palestine. This would have been given the status of 'Special International Regime' under the UN Partition Plan.

Zionism

A worldwide movement, originating in the 19th century that sought to establish and develop a Jewish nation in Palestine. Since 1948, its function has been to support the state of Israel.

67%

The proportion of the population of Palestine that were non-Jewish at the time of the Partition Plan.

33%

The proportion of the population of Palestine that were Jewish at the time of the Partition Plan.

56%

The proportion of land allocated to Israel in the Partition Plan. This contrasted with the 7% owned by Jewish people prior to the plan.

1948

The date for the beginning of the first Arab-Israeli War, which occurred in response to the Partition Plan.

First Arab Israeli War

Event of 1948, in which Arab states attacked Israel, with the intention of 'driving the Jews into the sea'.

al Nakba

A term meaning 'The Catastrophe' in Arabic. This refers jointly to the creation of the State of Israel and the First Arab-Israeli War.

Refugees

Thousands of these were created after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, resulting in (unimplemented) UN Resolution 194, which allowed for their peaceful return.

Green Line

The demarcation line between the territory captured by Israel in the 1948 War and that occupied by Jordan (West Bank) and Egypt (Gaza Strip).

78%

The percentage of territory which was taken by Israel after the 1948 War.

Suez Crisis

Also known as the Second Arab-Israeli War, this 1956 event was a clash between Israel/Britain/France against Egypt. It resulted in a victory for Israel/Britain/France which was minimised at UN and US insistence.

Nasser

The President of Egypt at the time of the Suez Crisis. His dislike for Israel and desire to achieve the status of 'dominant Arab State' for Egypt contributed to the war.

Six Day War

Event of 1967 in which Israel defeated the combined forces of Egypt, Jordan and Syria, resulting in their capture of the Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights. Significant expansion of Israel occurred at this time.

Gaza Strip

Palestinian territory under Egyptian control, which came under Israeli occupation after the Six Day War (along with the Sinai Peninsula).

Sinai

Extensive desert region buffering Israel and Egypt. Came under Israeli occupation following the Six Day War.

West Bank

Palestinian territory under Jordanian control, which came under Israeli occupation after the Six Day War (along with East Jerusalem).

Golan Heights

Syrian territory which was captured in the time of the Six Day War.

Resolution 242

Adopted by the UN in 1967, this called for Israel to withdraw from all occupied territories and for all states to 'terminate states of belligerency'. It provided 'land for peace' in which each state was to be able to live 'within secure and recognised boundaries free from threats or acts of force'.

Resolution 242

Adopted by the UN in 1967, this document is considered to the basis for most future negotiations in the conflict in Israel-Palestine.

Yom Kippur War

This was a war fought by Israel and neighboring Arab nations in 1973, where the Arabs launched a surprise attack during the holy festival of Yom Kippur. U.S. support for Israel during the war led to OPEC boycotting the U.S., creating an energy crisis.

Camp David Accords

A two part framework for peace in the Middle East from 1978. The first dealt with the Palestinian Territories and was unsuccessful. The second resulted in the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty

Menachem Begin

Leader of Israel who signed a peace treaty with Egypt withdrawing from Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip and returning them to Egypt.

Anwar Sadat

Former President of Egypt and the first Arab leader to visit, recognize and make peace with Israel. He was assassinated 1981 for 'treachery' against the Arab world.

Jimmy Carter

President of the USA whose time in office saw the signing of the 'Camp David Accords'.

Madrid Peace Conference

An unsuccessful meeting in 1991, sponsored by George H W Bush in Spain. It aimed to refocus the peace process in Israel/Palestine through a meeting of Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and the PLO in the aftermath of the Gulf War. Building upon the 'land for peace' formula of Resolution 242, it was considered to be a failure but lay the groundwork for much of the Oslo Accords.

George H W Bush

This US President was sponsor of the failed 1991 Madrid Peace Conference.

Yitzak Shamir

Likud Party PM of Israel in 1986-92, who attended the Madrid Peace Conference. Supporter of settlements. Former member of Stern Gang and a Mossad Agent.

Oslo Accords

Document of 1993, provided for the creation of Palestinian interim self-govt, phased withdrawal of the IDF and planned negotiation over tougher issues.

Yitzhak Rabin

Labour Party PM of Israel, who oversaw the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993. He was later assassinated.

Yasser Arafat

PLO leader and later President of the Palestinian Authority. He oversaw the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993.

Bill Clinton

The President of the USA who brokered the Oslo Agreements of 1993.

"Permanent Issues"

The major sticking points of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Namely Jerusalem, Palestinian refugees and the right of return, Israeli settlements, security & borders.

Oslo II

Document of 1995 which followed the significant Oslo Accord I. This gave Palestinian self rule in selected areas.

Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace

Document of 1994, which followed the Oslo Accords. Established peace between Jordan and Israel.

Camp David 2000

The second summit to be held at this venue, this time sponsored by President Bill Clinton. It involved a substantial, but conditional offer by PM Ehud Barrack which was rejected by Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat. Resulted only in a statement of future intention, which referenced UN Resolution 242.

Road Map for Peace

Plan of 2002 sponsored by the EU, UN, US and Russia, which called for the Palestinians to crack down on terrorism and to maintain security, in return for Israeli withdrawal from settlements, of the IDF and lifting of curfews and restrictions. Only really resulted in an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.