Focus

Discuss IN A 6-7 SENTENCE PARAGRAGH what happens after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in the Middle East Region. Who is involved here and why?

Arab- Israeli Conflict

Creation of Israel

After the 1948 U.N. petition to carve out Israel, the Arabs declared war on Jews(Israel)After the War for Independence, Israel’s size increases.Jerusalem was initially divided militarily with the East side going to Jordan and the West to Israel(which became its capital)

Cont…

During the Cold War’s early stages, the Middle East begins to side with either U.S. or Soviets.Egypt antagonized the U.S. by getting arms from the Czechs while Iraq institutes the Baghdad Pact-an alliance vs. communismU.S. pulls funds from the Aswan damn project in Egypt; Soviets fund them in 55-56.1956-Suez Canal war between Israel and Palestine

Cont…

Israel wins and takes control of Gaza in the East.Britain and France had helped Israel and take control of the Suez canal; U.S. wants them out of Egypt.1967-Six-Day War between Arabs and Israelis– Syria and Israel begin fighting between water

resources– Egypt moves into the Gaza Strip after U.N.

Peacekeeping troops leave the area

Cont..

Jordan eventually joins the war and Israel was now faced with fighting all three countries.Israel’s air power destroyed Egypt/Syria’s Air ForceIsrael defeats all three nations in six days!War results in: Israel controlling occupied territory of Gaza, Sinai Peninsula(Between Egypt and Israel), West Bank, Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights(Syria)

Cont…

More refugees are created Suez canal closed until 1975By 1963, the U.S. was selling Arms to Israel and after some time, become their number 1 ally1969-70=War of Attrition-Right of the Suez canal between Egypt and Israel– High Casualty rate and ends with negotiations– Soviets had helped Egypt in war where they gain air

bases, air space, and station troops there.

Cont…

No Territorial gains but Israel technically wins1973-Yom Kippur War– Egypt crosses canal into Israel with troops to take

Sinai– Syria attacks to regain Golan Heights– Israel is unprepared because of the Holiday and they

cannot move their reserves(no radio/TV); however, they regroup and win again!

Cont…

After war of 73, Israel gains more land(U.S. arms to Israel; Soviets to Egypt/Syria)Israel gains west side of Suez, cutting of Food/oil/arms to Egypt.Oil Embargo by Arab countries on Europe/U.S.=energy crisis for support of Israel during the war.