The Arab-Israeli Conflict Final

UN Resolution 242

A United Nations Security Council resolution passed in 1967, calling for the withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories occupied in the Six-Day War and the recognition of every state's right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries.

UN Resolution 338

A United Nations Security Council resolution passed in 1973, calling for a ceasefire in the Yom Kippur War and the implementation of UN Resolution 242.

One-State Solution

A proposed resolution to the Arab-Israeli conflict advocating for a single state encompassing both Israelis and Palestinians, where all citizens would have equal rights.

Two-State Solution

A proposed resolution to the Arab-Israeli conflict advocating for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside the state of Israel, allowing both peoples to coexist peacefully.

Truman’s Recognition of Israel

On May 14, 1948, President Harry S. Truman officially recognized the state of Israel, shortly after its declaration of independence, marking a significant moment in U.S.-Israeli relations.

Trump’s Jerusalem embassy move

In December 2017, President Donald Trump announced the relocation of the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and sparking international controversy.

USSR/Russia Support for Arab States

The Soviet Union and later Russia have historically provided military, economic, and political support to various Arab states in the region, often as part of their broader strategy to counter Western influence and support for Israel.

Arab League

A regional organization founded in 1945 to promote political, economic, cultural, and military cooperation among its member states, primarily consisting of Arab countries.

Khartoum Resolution

A 1967 declaration by Arab leaders following the Six-Day War, stating the three "no's": no peace with Israel, no recognition of Israel, and no negotiations with Israel.

Arab Peace Initiative

A proposal introduced by the Arab League in 2002, offering normalization of relations with Israel in exchange for withdrawal from occupied territories and a just solution for Palestinian refugees.

Balfour Declaration

A 1917 statement by the British government expressing support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine, while also stating that nothing should prejudice the rights of existing non-Jewish communities.

British Mandate

A legal commission granted to Britain to govern Palestine after World War I, facilitating the administration of the territory until its eventual independence.

1948 War (Nakba)

The conflict that arose following the declaration of the State of Israel, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians and significant territorial changes.

1956 Suez Crisis

A conflict involving Egypt, Israel, Britain, and France over control of the Suez Canal.

1967 Six-Day War

A brief conflict between Israel and its neighboring Arab states, resulting in Israel's significant territorial expansion, including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Golan Heights.

UN Resolution 242

A United Nations resolution calling for the withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories occupied in the 1967 conflict and emphasizing the need for peace and recognition of all states in the region.

Black September

refers to the conflict in 1970 between the Jordanian government and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), leading to significant violence and the expulsion of the PLO from Jordan.

Yom Kippur War

A conflict in 1973 between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria, initiated on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur, aimed at regaining territories lost in the Six-Day War.

Camp David Accords

A peace agreement between Israel and Egypt, facilitated by U.S. President Jimmy Carter in 1978, leading to the normalization of relations and Israel's withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula.

First Intifada (1987-1993)

A Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation, characterized by protests, civil disobedience, and violence, leading to significant political changes.

Rise of Hamas (1987)

The emergence of Hamas as a significant political and militant organization in the Palestinian territories, advocating for resistance against Israeli occupation and the establishment of an Islamic state.

Madrid Conference (1991)

An international peace conference aimed at resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict, involving Israel, the Palestinians, and neighboring Arab states, with U.S. and Soviet support.

Oslo Accords (1993-1995)

A series of agreements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) aimed at achieving a peace process and establishing Palestinian self-governance in parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Jordan-Israel Peace Treaty (1994)

A peace agreement between Jordan and Israel that normalized relations and resolved territorial disputes, making Jordan the second Arab country to officially recognize Israel.

Second Intifada (2000-2005)

A period of intensified Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation, marked by violence and significant casualties on both sides, leading to a breakdown in peace talks. It began in September 2000 and was characterized by widespread protests, clashes, and military actions.

Gaza Disengagement (2005)

Israel's unilateral withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, which involved evacuating all Israeli settlements and military presence, aiming to reduce conflict and improve security.

Lebanon War (2006)

A conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, marked by cross-border attacks and heavy fighting in Lebanon, resulting in significant civilian casualties and displacement.

Arab Spring (2011)

A series of anti-government protests and uprisings across the Arab world, sparked by demands for political reform, democracy, and social justice, leading to significant political changes in several countries.

Abraham Accords (2020)

A series of normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, aimed at fostering diplomatic relations and cooperation in various sectors.

October 7 Events (2024)

A series of attacks by Hamas on Israel, leading to widespread violence and a significant military response from Israel, escalating the ongoing conflict.

Yasser Arafat

A Palestinian political leader and a key figure in the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), he played a significant role in the struggle for Palestinian statehood and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994.

Anwar Sadat

The third President of Egypt, known for his role in the 1978 Camp David Accords, which led to a peace treaty with Israel and marked a significant shift in Arab-Israeli relations.

Golda Meir

The fourth Prime Minister of Israel, known for her strong leadership during the Yom Kippur War and her efforts to secure Israel's position on the global stage.

Hafez and Bashar al-Assad

Hafez al-Assad was the President of Syria from 1971 to 2000, known for his authoritarian rule and the consolidation of power in Syria. Bashar al-Assad, his son, succeeded him and has been in power since 2000, continuing many of his father's policies amid the Syrian civil war.

Benjamin Netanyahu

Long-serving Israeli PM; pro-settlements

Mahmoud Abbas

Palestinian Authority leader; advocate of Oslo process

Hezbollah

Lebanese Shia group, significant in Lebanon-Israel conflict

UNRWA

Provides aid to Palestinian refugees

Jerusalem

• Sacred sites: Al-Aqsa Mosque, Western Wall.

• Contested sovereignty: East Jerusalem claimed by Palestinians

Settlements

• West Bank expansion challenges two-state solution.

• International law violations cited (e.g., Geneva Conventions)

Refugees

Palestinian right of return vs. Israeli demographic concerns

Gamal Abdel Nasser

Egyptian President who nationalized the Suez Canal and led Egypt in the Six-Day War; a central figure in Arab nationalism.