Israel and The Arab World

Arab-Israeli War of 1948

Conflict between Israel and neighboring Arab states that began after Israel's declaration of independence.

May 15, 1948

Date when Arab nations invaded Israel following its declaration of independence.

Outcome of the Arab-Israeli War (1948)

Israel won the war; over 600,000 Palestinians fled, becoming refugees.

Suez Crisis (1956)

Conflict resulting from Egypt's nationalization of the Suez Canal, leading to military action by Israel, Great Britain, and France.

Gamal Abdel Nasser

President of Egypt who nationalized the Suez Canal in 1956.

Six-Day War (1967)

Conflict where Israel launched a preemptive strike, resulting in significant territorial gains.

Territorial gains from Six-Day War

Israel gained control of Jerusalem, Sinai Peninsula, Golan Heights, and West Bank.

Anwar Sadat

President of Egypt during the Yom Kippur War of 1973.

Yom Kippur War dates

October 6-25, 1973, when Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel.

Golda Meir

Prime Minister of Israel during the Yom Kippur War.

Outcome of the Yom Kippur War

Ended in a cease-fire, and borders mostly remained unchanged.

Egypt's control of Gaza Strip

Following the 1948 War, Egypt took control of the Gaza Strip.

Transjordan's action after the 1948 War

Transjordan annexed the West Bank after the war.

Refugee crisis in 1948

More than 600,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes.

Modern terrorism in relation to Arab-Israeli conflict

Some modern terrorists view Arab military failures in these wars as punishment for forsaking Islam.