Arab-Israeli Arab-Israeli Conflict ReviewConflict Review

Roots, 1900-1945Roots, 1900-1945 Slow dissolution of the Ottoman Slow dissolution of the Ottoman

Empire, “The Sick Man of Europe”Empire, “The Sick Man of Europe” Forced concessions to European powersForced concessions to European powers

European “Great Powers” rivalry for European “Great Powers” rivalry for territory in the Middle Eastterritory in the Middle East Increasing strategic importance of Mid-Increasing strategic importance of Mid-

EastEast Nationalist movementsNationalist movements

ZionismZionism Young TurksYoung Turks

BeforBeforee19191919

World War OneWorld War One British tried to foment revolution against British tried to foment revolution against

Ottoman Empire in the Middle EastOttoman Empire in the Middle East T.E. Lawrence, “Lawrence of Arabia”T.E. Lawrence, “Lawrence of Arabia”

Sykes-Picot Agreement, 1916Sykes-Picot Agreement, 1916 Drawn up during WWIDrawn up during WWI

Balfour Declaration, 1917Balfour Declaration, 1917 Resolution by British Foreign Secretary calling Resolution by British Foreign Secretary calling

for establishment of Jewish homeland in Palestinefor establishment of Jewish homeland in Palestine Mandate system confirmed by League of Mandate system confirmed by League of

Nations in 1920Nations in 1920 Arabs feel betrayedArabs feel betrayed

British Mandate, 1922-British Mandate, 1922-19451945

Increased Jewish immigrationIncreased Jewish immigration Wailing Wall Riots, 1929Wailing Wall Riots, 1929 Haganah and Irgun Revolts (Jewish Haganah and Irgun Revolts (Jewish

groups), 1930sgroups), 1930s Peel Report, 1937 – calling for a two-state Peel Report, 1937 – calling for a two-state

solution and limited Jewish immigrationsolution and limited Jewish immigration White Paper, 1939 – calling for White Paper, 1939 – calling for

independent Palestineindependent Palestine Increased Jewish immigration after Increased Jewish immigration after

Hitler’s rise to power in Germany - Hitler’s rise to power in Germany - HolocaustHolocaust

World War TwoWorld War Two Biltmore Program, 1942 – American Biltmore Program, 1942 – American

Zionist meetingZionist meeting Many Arab leaders had fled Palestine Many Arab leaders had fled Palestine

and some went to Germany to support and some went to Germany to support HitlerHitler

WWII and Holocaust led to massive WWII and Holocaust led to massive refugee problems in Europerefugee problems in Europe

UK was looking to get out of Palestine, as UK was looking to get out of Palestine, as their empire was in decline after WWIItheir empire was in decline after WWII

Britain and Mid East, Britain and Mid East, 1945-461945-46

Decline of the empire – financial difficultiesDecline of the empire – financial difficulties Emergence of US as a world power – and Emergence of US as a world power – and

Truman’s support of the Zionist causeTruman’s support of the Zionist cause Cold War impacts on the region and possible Cold War impacts on the region and possible

Soviet interestsSoviet interests Independence of India and PakistanIndependence of India and Pakistan Palestinian Zionist attacks against British Palestinian Zionist attacks against British

soldierssoldiers Jewish Agency was well-organized under Ben Jewish Agency was well-organized under Ben

GurionGurion King David Hotel Attack, 1946 – Terrorism or King David Hotel Attack, 1946 – Terrorism or

Freedom Fighters?Freedom Fighters?

From British to UN From British to UN MandateMandate

UNSCOP set up in 1947 to tour UNSCOP set up in 1947 to tour Palestine and make a recommendation Palestine and make a recommendation to the UNto the UN

UNSCOP calls for partition and for UNSCOP calls for partition and for Jerusalem to be governed under Jerusalem to be governed under international trusteeshipinternational trusteeship

Plan was rejected by Arabs, supported Plan was rejected by Arabs, supported by Jews, and passed in the UN by Jews, and passed in the UN General Assembly, 1947General Assembly, 1947

Partition to War, 1947-Partition to War, 1947-19481948

Holocaust, Truman, Holocaust, Truman, ExodusExodus Incident, and Incident, and Jewish diplomacy helped to push partition Jewish diplomacy helped to push partition throughthrough

Arab leaders offered no unified response Arab leaders offered no unified response except the threat of warexcept the threat of war

In plans for war, Arabs did not have a In plans for war, Arabs did not have a coordinated strategy, while Jews had WWII coordinated strategy, while Jews had WWII experience and “Plan D” strategyexperience and “Plan D” strategy

Deir Yassin – Massacre of Arab village that led Deir Yassin – Massacre of Arab village that led to Palestinian refugee flight and decision of to Palestinian refugee flight and decision of Arab states to intervene against declaration of Arab states to intervene against declaration of Israeli statehoodIsraeli statehood

War of Independence, War of Independence, 19481948

14 May 1948 State of Israel Declared in Tel 14 May 1948 State of Israel Declared in Tel AvivAviv

Arab League aimed to “liberate Palestine” Arab League aimed to “liberate Palestine” and “drive the Jews into the sea”and “drive the Jews into the sea”

Arab League nations had differing objectives Arab League nations had differing objectives and were unsuccessful on the battlefieldand were unsuccessful on the battlefield

Count Bernadotte was sent by UN to broker Count Bernadotte was sent by UN to broker peace, but he was assassinated by Lehipeace, but he was assassinated by Lehi

Al-Nakba = Palestinians unable to return Al-Nakba = Palestinians unable to return home after the war, i.e. “day of catastrophe”home after the war, i.e. “day of catastrophe”

Eretz Israel = Land of IsraelEretz Israel = Land of Israel

Refugees, 1947 to todayRefugees, 1947 to today Beginning with Deir Yassin massacreBeginning with Deir Yassin massacre Known by Palestinians as Al-NakbaKnown by Palestinians as Al-Nakba Haganah’s Plan D may or may not have Haganah’s Plan D may or may not have

called for deliberate displacement of called for deliberate displacement of Arabs – It did call for disallowing Arabs – It did call for disallowing Palestinians to returnPalestinians to return

2 million live in Jordan, another 2 million 2 million live in Jordan, another 2 million in West Bank and Gazain West Bank and Gaza

35% of Palestinians remain in UN refugee 35% of Palestinians remain in UN refugee camps, others have become citizens of camps, others have become citizens of surrounding Arab nations (or elsewhere)surrounding Arab nations (or elsewhere)

Jewish Immigration and Jewish Immigration and DevelopmentDevelopment

1950 Law of Return and 1952 Citizenship Law 1950 Law of Return and 1952 Citizenship Law gave immediate citizenship to immigrants, gave immediate citizenship to immigrants, while refugees were forbidden from returningwhile refugees were forbidden from returning

In early years, Israel benefited from well-In early years, Israel benefited from well-educated and skilled immigrantseducated and skilled immigrants

Few natural resources necessitated imports of Few natural resources necessitated imports of raw materialsraw materials

Early support came from the US, West Early support came from the US, West Germany, and Jewish businessmen from Germany, and Jewish businessmen from AmericaAmerica

Over a million Jews immigrated from USSR Over a million Jews immigrated from USSR after its collapseafter its collapse

More Palestinians became refugees after More Palestinians became refugees after 1967 war, while those who stayed have 1967 war, while those who stayed have limited political and economic rightslimited political and economic rights

Egyptian RevolutionEgyptian Revolution 1952 military coup and overthrow of Egyptian 1952 military coup and overthrow of Egyptian

monarchy – propels Gamal Abdul Nasser to monarchy – propels Gamal Abdul Nasser to power in Egyptpower in Egypt

King Farouk was already unpopular for King Farouk was already unpopular for cooperating with Britain and losing in the cooperating with Britain and losing in the 1948-49 War of Independence against Israel1948-49 War of Independence against Israel

Initially, Nasser was perceived by the West Initially, Nasser was perceived by the West and Israel as educated, modern, and moderateand Israel as educated, modern, and moderate

Nasser redistributed land in Egypt and Nasser redistributed land in Egypt and embarked on massive economic plansembarked on massive economic plans Aswan Dam project (funded by America and Aswan Dam project (funded by America and

Britain)Britain)

Preceding IssuesPreceding Issues 1954 UK agreed to withdraw forces from the 1954 UK agreed to withdraw forces from the

Suez Canal Zone within 20 monthsSuez Canal Zone within 20 months Baghdad Pact, 1955 – isolate Nasser, or keep Baghdad Pact, 1955 – isolate Nasser, or keep

out Soviet influence?out Soviet influence? 1955 Nasser accepted military aid from the 1955 Nasser accepted military aid from the

Soviets, and money for the Aswan DamSoviets, and money for the Aswan Dam Nasser supported Algerian rebels against the Nasser supported Algerian rebels against the

FrenchFrench Israel began searching for Western help in Israel began searching for Western help in

the form of military aidthe form of military aid Nasser formally recognized Communist ChinaNasser formally recognized Communist China

The CanalThe Canal Feeling threatened by Nasser, US and UK Feeling threatened by Nasser, US and UK

withdrew funding for the Aswan Damwithdrew funding for the Aswan Dam July 1956, Nasser nationalized the Suez July 1956, Nasser nationalized the Suez

Canal to raise funds to pay for the Aswan Canal to raise funds to pay for the Aswan Dam projectDam project

Realignment of power after 1948 Realignment of power after 1948 significantly impacted the region:significantly impacted the region: Decline of British influenceDecline of British influence Cold War, with Middle East as a battlefieldCold War, with Middle East as a battlefield Arab nationalismArab nationalism

1956 War1956 War British PM Eden compared Nasser to HitlerBritish PM Eden compared Nasser to Hitler Losing Suez Canal would cut off British oil Losing Suez Canal would cut off British oil

and other Middle East interestsand other Middle East interests Initially, the British and French made Initially, the British and French made

military plans that did not involve the military plans that did not involve the Israelis, but that changed laterIsraelis, but that changed later

Operation Musketeer: Israel invades canal Operation Musketeer: Israel invades canal zone, Britain and France intervene to “stop zone, Britain and France intervene to “stop the hostilities” and then depose Nasserthe hostilities” and then depose Nasser

Egyptian forces were quickly defeated, but Egyptian forces were quickly defeated, but the diplomatic war was not overthe diplomatic war was not over

Consequences of the Consequences of the Suez WarSuez War

Embarrassment for the British and French, Embarrassment for the British and French, and a wave of anti-colonial nationalismand a wave of anti-colonial nationalism

Brought the US into the Middle EastBrought the US into the Middle East Soviets appeared as defenders of the Arab Soviets appeared as defenders of the Arab

causecause Israel returned conquered territories and Israel returned conquered territories and

was guaranteed security of the Straits of was guaranteed security of the Straits of TiranTiran

Nasser emerged as a leader for all Arab Nasser emerged as a leader for all Arab nationalistsnationalists

The Cold War was clearly in play in the Mid The Cold War was clearly in play in the Mid EastEast

Causes of the Six Day Causes of the Six Day WarWar

Nasser’s closure of the Straits of Tiran in May Nasser’s closure of the Straits of Tiran in May 19671967

Withdrawal of UN forces from SinaiWithdrawal of UN forces from Sinai Israeli perceptions of their own vulnerabilityIsraeli perceptions of their own vulnerability Brinkmanship era of the Cold WarBrinkmanship era of the Cold War Residual anger from the Suez CrisisResidual anger from the Suez Crisis Ongoing neglect of Palestinians and formation Ongoing neglect of Palestinians and formation

of the PLOof the PLO Israeli shooting down of Syrian MIG jetIsraeli shooting down of Syrian MIG jet False information provided by Soviets to ArabsFalse information provided by Soviets to Arabs Israeli plans to pre-empt NasserIsraeli plans to pre-empt Nasser

Course of the Six Day Course of the Six Day WarWar

Israeli air force immediately destroyed air Israeli air force immediately destroyed air forces of Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Syria – a plan forces of Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Syria – a plan created years agocreated years ago

Egypt quickly lost 15000 soldiers, 800 tanks, Egypt quickly lost 15000 soldiers, 800 tanks, over 300 aircraftover 300 aircraft

Jerusalem and West Bank taken from Jordan by Jerusalem and West Bank taken from Jordan by the IDFthe IDF

Golan Heights taken from Syria just as UN Golan Heights taken from Syria just as UN cease-fire went into effectcease-fire went into effect

US and USSR both tried to bring an end to the US and USSR both tried to bring an end to the conflictconflict

Consequences of Six Day Consequences of Six Day WarWar

State of Israel tripled in size and became State of Israel tripled in size and became most powerful state in middle eastmost powerful state in middle east

Humiliation of Arab cause and NasserHumiliation of Arab cause and Nasser Decline of Pan-Arabism, rise of Decline of Pan-Arabism, rise of

fundamentalism and Islamic nationalismfundamentalism and Islamic nationalism More refugees – fewer concessions by More refugees – fewer concessions by

IsraelIsrael USSR’s allies were beaten, Israel was USSR’s allies were beaten, Israel was

confirmed as US’s ally in the regionconfirmed as US’s ally in the region Resolution 242 declared by UNResolution 242 declared by UN

Between Wars, 1967-Between Wars, 1967-19731973

Israel offered to return territory in Israel offered to return territory in exchange for security – Palestinians to exchange for security – Palestinians to be dealt with laterbe dealt with later

War of Attrition, 1967-1970War of Attrition, 1967-1970 Sadat succeeds Nasser in EgyptSadat succeeds Nasser in Egypt Sadat began looking to US – removed Sadat began looking to US – removed

Russian advisorsRussian advisors Egypt and Syria agree to go to war with Egypt and Syria agree to go to war with

Israel, 1972Israel, 1972

October 1973, Yom October 1973, Yom KippurKippur

Sadat determined to force territorial Sadat determined to force territorial issuesissues

Dual attack by Syria and Egypt – Dual attack by Syria and Egypt – “give me 10cm of the Sinai”“give me 10cm of the Sinai”

Israeli overconfidence initially gave Israeli overconfidence initially gave way to Arab victoriesway to Arab victories

Kissinger’s “shuttle diplomacy” – Kissinger’s “shuttle diplomacy” – ceasefireceasefire

Consequences of 1973 Consequences of 1973 WarWar

Israel could be beatenIsrael could be beaten Political victory for Sadat and ArabsPolitical victory for Sadat and Arabs UN Resolution 338 – ceasefire and UN Resolution 338 – ceasefire and

implementation of 242implementation of 242 Promoted fears of an Arab oil Promoted fears of an Arab oil

embargoembargo Sadat agrees to meet with Israel for Sadat agrees to meet with Israel for

direct talksdirect talks

Peace Developments, Peace Developments, 1974-771974-77

Call for Geneva Talks – Ford frustrated Call for Geneva Talks – Ford frustrated by Israelis unwillingness to negotiateby Israelis unwillingness to negotiate

UN Resolution 3379UN Resolution 3379 Recognition and raised profile of PLORecognition and raised profile of PLO 1976 civil war in Lebanon1976 civil war in Lebanon Carter elected in USCarter elected in US Called for continuation of Geneva TalksCalled for continuation of Geneva Talks Conservatives elected in IsraelConservatives elected in Israel

19771977 Sadat visits Israel – first Arab leader Sadat visits Israel – first Arab leader

to do soto do so Offered recognition of Israel is Arab Offered recognition of Israel is Arab

lands restoredlands restored Invitation to Camp DavidInvitation to Camp David

Camp David, September Camp David, September 19781978

Issue of West Bank and Palestinian homeland Issue of West Bank and Palestinian homeland were most contentiouswere most contentious

Egypt stood to lose much more than Israel Egypt stood to lose much more than Israel from the negotiationsfrom the negotiations

Big goal for Egypt was return to pre-1967 Big goal for Egypt was return to pre-1967 bordersborders

Jerusalem excluded from the final agreementJerusalem excluded from the final agreement Final agreement restored land to Egypt, who Final agreement restored land to Egypt, who

recognized Israel’s statehoodrecognized Israel’s statehood Regarded as a betrayal to Arabs and Regarded as a betrayal to Arabs and

PalestiniansPalestinians Sadat assassinated, 1981Sadat assassinated, 1981