Timeline of Israel/Palestine

Timeline of Israel/Palestine

Ellie F.Ellie F.

The Jewish KingdomsThe Jewish Kingdoms

Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, and they conquered Canaan. King David created an Israelite Kingdom separated into two parts in about 1000 B.C. The north was Israel and the south was Judah. The Assyrians conquered Israel and the Babylonians conquered Judah between 722 and 586 B.C. After King David established the two kingdoms, the control over the land changed very often during early civilizations.

Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, and they conquered Canaan. King David created an Israelite Kingdom separated into two parts in about 1000 B.C. The north was Israel and the south was Judah. The Assyrians conquered Israel and the Babylonians conquered Judah between 722 and 586 B.C. After King David established the two kingdoms, the control over the land changed very often during early civilizations.

Shift In PowerShift In Power

In 61 B.C., Roman troops took over control of Jerusalem. The Romans drove out the Jews and put down Jewish revolts, and gave the area the name Palestine. During the 7th century, Muslim Arabs moved north and conquered Palestine. Control of the land shifted from Turks, to Egyptians, to Crusaders, and finally to the Muslims when they captured Acre in 1921. The Mamelukes (soldier-slaves of Egyptian Arabs) created an empire that included area in Palestine. The Ottoman Empire defeated the Mamelukes in 1517, and Palestine was now part of the Ottoman empire.

In 61 B.C., Roman troops took over control of Jerusalem. The Romans drove out the Jews and put down Jewish revolts, and gave the area the name Palestine. During the 7th century, Muslim Arabs moved north and conquered Palestine. Control of the land shifted from Turks, to Egyptians, to Crusaders, and finally to the Muslims when they captured Acre in 1921. The Mamelukes (soldier-slaves of Egyptian Arabs) created an empire that included area in Palestine. The Ottoman Empire defeated the Mamelukes in 1517, and Palestine was now part of the Ottoman empire.

The Zionist MovementThe Zionist Movement

Time: Beginning in 1880, and still a widespread belief to this day.

With the persecution of European Jews, a movement was founded that called for all Jews to return to the homeland in Palestine. A wave of anti-Jewish violence took place in Russia in 1881 that sparked the birth of pro-Jewish groups like BILU and Hibbat Tyzion; These groups and many people supported the idea for a nation for Jews in Palestine. November 2nd, 1917, The Balfour Declaration is written. It a Pro-Zionist letter to Lord Rothschild, and it was a “declaration of sympathy” for the Zionist cause. It is seen as support for the establishment of a place for the Jewish people and is seen by Zionists as the “green light” from Britain for an established homeland in the Palestine area.

Time: Beginning in 1880, and still a widespread belief to this day.

With the persecution of European Jews, a movement was founded that called for all Jews to return to the homeland in Palestine. A wave of anti-Jewish violence took place in Russia in 1881 that sparked the birth of pro-Jewish groups like BILU and Hibbat Tyzion; These groups and many people supported the idea for a nation for Jews in Palestine. November 2nd, 1917, The Balfour Declaration is written. It a Pro-Zionist letter to Lord Rothschild, and it was a “declaration of sympathy” for the Zionist cause. It is seen as support for the establishment of a place for the Jewish people and is seen by Zionists as the “green light” from Britain for an established homeland in the Palestine area.

British MandateBritish MandateTime: (officially in) 1922

After WWI, the League of Nations gave Britain a mandate over the area in Palestine, that had previously belonged to the Ottoman Empire, which was defeated in the war. The opening line of the mandate declares that the intent to create a state for Jewish communities is recognized. However, it also says that “nothing should be done which might prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine”. Britain remained in control of the area from 1918 to 1948. In 1921, Britain gave the land east of the Jordan River to Emir Abdullah, and this land eventually became Jordan.

Time: (officially in) 1922After WWI, the League of

Nations gave Britain a mandate over the area in Palestine, that had previously belonged to the Ottoman Empire, which was defeated in the war. The opening line of the mandate declares that the intent to create a state for Jewish communities is recognized. However, it also says that “nothing should be done which might prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine”. Britain remained in control of the area from 1918 to 1948. In 1921, Britain gave the land east of the Jordan River to Emir Abdullah, and this land eventually became Jordan.

The PartitionThe Partition

Time: 1947The United Nations

recommended a partition between an Arab state and a Jewish state in 1947. Jerusalem would remain an international area, not belonging to either. The Zionist leaders accepted the partition. The Palestinian leaders felt it didn’t fully represent the amount of Palestinians living in the area, so they rejected it, as did the surrounding Arab countries. The UN General Assembly accepted the partition on November 29th.

Time: 1947The United Nations

recommended a partition between an Arab state and a Jewish state in 1947. Jerusalem would remain an international area, not belonging to either. The Zionist leaders accepted the partition. The Palestinian leaders felt it didn’t fully represent the amount of Palestinians living in the area, so they rejected it, as did the surrounding Arab countries. The UN General Assembly accepted the partition on November 29th.

Zionists Proclaim IsraelZionists Proclaim Israel

Time: 1948Zionist leaders

proclaim the state of Israel in May. Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, makes the announcement in Tel Aviv. The Jewish Agency made the announcement the day before the end of the British mandate in Palestine. This declaration sparks violence in the area due to opposition, which led to the war in 1948.

Time: 1948Zionist leaders

proclaim the state of Israel in May. Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, makes the announcement in Tel Aviv. The Jewish Agency made the announcement the day before the end of the British mandate in Palestine. This declaration sparks violence in the area due to opposition, which led to the war in 1948.

Violence in 1948Violence in 1948The outbreak of violence is

referred to as the “War of Independence” by the Israeli’s, but it is known as “the Catastrophe” to the Palestinians. Israel gains 30% more land than they had before the war, and has somewhat control of Jerusalem. The closer map to the left shows the newly acquired land for Israel in light purple on the second map (after the war), so the outbreak of violence against the Israelis led to a larger state of Israel. Jordan has control of the West Bank and Egypt has the Gaza Strip. The previously international city of Jerusalem is split in half, with Israel controlling the left and Jordan controlling the right. The significance of this war is that.

The outbreak of violence is referred to as the “War of Independence” by the Israeli’s, but it is known as “the Catastrophe” to the Palestinians. Israel gains 30% more land than they had before the war, and has somewhat control of Jerusalem. The closer map to the left shows the newly acquired land for Israel in light purple on the second map (after the war), so the outbreak of violence against the Israelis led to a larger state of Israel. Jordan has control of the West Bank and Egypt has the Gaza Strip. The previously international city of Jerusalem is split in half, with Israel controlling the left and Jordan controlling the right. The significance of this war is that.

Violence in 1967Violence in 1967This war (“Six Day War” for the Israeli’s and “the Setback” for the Palestinians), like the others, dramatically changed the map of Israel. Israel occupies the West Bank, the Sinai Peninsula, Golan Heights, and Gaza after the war. Israel’s pre-emptive attack on Egypt led to the nation tripling its size between June 5th and June 11th. The UN Security Council passes Resolution 242, which calls for a ceasefire and Israel to withdraw from territories in the recent conflict. In these occupied lands, Israel begins to establish settlements for their people and considers these settlements “biblical lands” for their people; Palestinians view them as a violation of international law.

This war (“Six Day War” for the Israeli’s and “the Setback” for the Palestinians), like the others, dramatically changed the map of Israel. Israel occupies the West Bank, the Sinai Peninsula, Golan Heights, and Gaza after the war. Israel’s pre-emptive attack on Egypt led to the nation tripling its size between June 5th and June 11th. The UN Security Council passes Resolution 242, which calls for a ceasefire and Israel to withdraw from territories in the recent conflict. In these occupied lands, Israel begins to establish settlements for their people and considers these settlements “biblical lands” for their people; Palestinians view them as a violation of international law.

Violence in 1973Violence in 1973

This three week war, beginning in early October of 1973, began with a surprise Egyptian and Syrian attack on Israeli militants in the Sinai Peninsula and Golan Heights. The Jews call it the “Yom Kippur War” and the Arabs call it the “Ramadan War”. UN zones were set up in the Sinai Peninsula and in Golan Heights. Resolution 338 was passed in response, which called for an immediate ceasefire. Israel maintained the land they occupied, but Egypt learned weaknesses about the Israeli army and gained control of the Suez Canal.

This three week war, beginning in early October of 1973, began with a surprise Egyptian and Syrian attack on Israeli militants in the Sinai Peninsula and Golan Heights. The Jews call it the “Yom Kippur War” and the Arabs call it the “Ramadan War”. UN zones were set up in the Sinai Peninsula and in Golan Heights. Resolution 338 was passed in response, which called for an immediate ceasefire. Israel maintained the land they occupied, but Egypt learned weaknesses about the Israeli army and gained control of the Suez Canal.

Camp David AccordsCamp David Accords

Time: 1978-1981President Jimmy Carter

brings President Anwar Sadat of Egypt and Prime Minister Menachem Begin of Israel to Camp David to work on agreements. Egypt gives Israel peace and recognition, and gets the Sinai Peninsula in return. This meant recognition of Israel because it was the first time an Arab nation signed a peace treaty with the country. Egypt, as a result of the Camp David accords, is expelled from the Arab League, Sadat becomes an extremely unpopular president, and he was assassinated in 1981.

Time: 1978-1981President Jimmy Carter

brings President Anwar Sadat of Egypt and Prime Minister Menachem Begin of Israel to Camp David to work on agreements. Egypt gives Israel peace and recognition, and gets the Sinai Peninsula in return. This meant recognition of Israel because it was the first time an Arab nation signed a peace treaty with the country. Egypt, as a result of the Camp David accords, is expelled from the Arab League, Sadat becomes an extremely unpopular president, and he was assassinated in 1981.

The IntifadaThe Intifada

Time: 1987-1993“Intifada” means

“uprising” in Arabic. Palestinians reacted to the continued Israeli occupation through riots and violence. The pictures to the left shows an Arab stoning an Israeli official and tank, which was a common symbolic reaction. The protests continued for six years, and injuries and deaths amount to over 20,000 people. These uprisings changed the views of the Israeli population to be somewhat in favor of negotiations with Palestinians.

Time: 1987-1993“Intifada” means

“uprising” in Arabic. Palestinians reacted to the continued Israeli occupation through riots and violence. The pictures to the left shows an Arab stoning an Israeli official and tank, which was a common symbolic reaction. The protests continued for six years, and injuries and deaths amount to over 20,000 people. These uprisings changed the views of the Israeli population to be somewhat in favor of negotiations with Palestinians.

Madrid Peace ConferenceMadrid Peace Conference

In October of 1991, Middle East nations come to Madrid for peace talks. Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinians (represented) take part in multi-lateral and bi-lateral peace talks. This is the first time that many Arab nations have talked to Israel to achieve peace. The common theme of trading land for peace, which has taken place in every peace talk prior, can be seen here too. The Madrid Conference is a significant step towards peace because of the cooperation from all of the countries.

In October of 1991, Middle East nations come to Madrid for peace talks. Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinians (represented) take part in multi-lateral and bi-lateral peace talks. This is the first time that many Arab nations have talked to Israel to achieve peace. The common theme of trading land for peace, which has taken place in every peace talk prior, can be seen here too. The Madrid Conference is a significant step towards peace because of the cooperation from all of the countries.

The Oslo Peace ProcessThe Oslo Peace Process

Major steps were again taken between January and September of in 1993 in Oslo, Norway through the Oslo Peace Accords. Israel recognized the Palestinian Liberation Organization and gave them autonomy in Gaza and West Bank and in return, the Palestinians ended the Intifada and established security in those lands. This was a very big step in the walk towards peace in Palestine because of the establishment of recognition and land. Again, trading land for peace has been a solution. This was a significant moment in the history of the area because each participant recognized the existence of the other.

Major steps were again taken between January and September of in 1993 in Oslo, Norway through the Oslo Peace Accords. Israel recognized the Palestinian Liberation Organization and gave them autonomy in Gaza and West Bank and in return, the Palestinians ended the Intifada and established security in those lands. This was a very big step in the walk towards peace in Palestine because of the establishment of recognition and land. Again, trading land for peace has been a solution. This was a significant moment in the history of the area because each participant recognized the existence of the other.

The Assassination of Yitzhak Rabin

The Assassination of Yitzhak Rabin

On November 4th, 1995, Yitzhak Rabin, Israel’s prime minister, was assassinated. Rabin was a major player in the quest for peace with Palestinians. A couple weeks before, he signed the Taba agreement, which allowed Palestinian elections in West Bank and Gaza. He was shot by a Jewish student, opposed to Israeli withdrawal. Shimon Peres takes his place and became the next Israeli prime minister.

On November 4th, 1995, Yitzhak Rabin, Israel’s prime minister, was assassinated. Rabin was a major player in the quest for peace with Palestinians. A couple weeks before, he signed the Taba agreement, which allowed Palestinian elections in West Bank and Gaza. He was shot by a Jewish student, opposed to Israeli withdrawal. Shimon Peres takes his place and became the next Israeli prime minister.

Operation Cast LeadOperation Cast Lead

On December 27th, 2008, Israel began a military campaign on the Gaza Strip. Months of planning have gone into the bombings which aim to take out Hamas terrorism. Thousands of Gaza civilians have been killed from the bombings. Israel has imposed an economic blockade on Gaza since Hamas took over in 2007: Gaza has been short on medicine and supplies since the blockade and the bombings are just another result of the Hamas take over. A ceasefire was called on the day of Barack Obama’s inauguration.

On December 27th, 2008, Israel began a military campaign on the Gaza Strip. Months of planning have gone into the bombings which aim to take out Hamas terrorism. Thousands of Gaza civilians have been killed from the bombings. Israel has imposed an economic blockade on Gaza since Hamas took over in 2007: Gaza has been short on medicine and supplies since the blockade and the bombings are just another result of the Hamas take over. A ceasefire was called on the day of Barack Obama’s inauguration.

Works CitedWorks Cited

“Ancient Israel.” The Ancientweb. 28 Jan. 2009 <http://www.ancientweb.org/Israel/index.aspx>.

“Israel Timeline.” BBC World. 10 May 1999. BBC News. 1 Feb. 2009 <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/329643.stm>.

Isseroff, Ami. “Israel and Palestine: A Brief History - Part I.” MidEastWeb. 24 Jan. 2009 <http://www.mideastweb.org/briefhistory.htm>.

Ravid, Barak. “Operation ‘Cast Lead’: Israeli Air Force Strike Followed Months of Planning.” Global Research. 3 Feb. 2009. 3 Feb. 2009 <http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=11521>.

Schapiro, Justine, B. Z. Goldberg, and Carlos Bolado. “Promises: A History of the Israeli - Palestinian Conflict.” PBS.org. Public Broadcasting Systems. 3 Feb. 2009 <http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2001/promises/timeline2.html>.

“Ancient Israel.” The Ancientweb. 28 Jan. 2009 <http://www.ancientweb.org/Israel/index.aspx>.

“Israel Timeline.” BBC World. 10 May 1999. BBC News. 1 Feb. 2009 <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/329643.stm>.

Isseroff, Ami. “Israel and Palestine: A Brief History - Part I.” MidEastWeb. 24 Jan. 2009 <http://www.mideastweb.org/briefhistory.htm>.

Ravid, Barak. “Operation ‘Cast Lead’: Israeli Air Force Strike Followed Months of Planning.” Global Research. 3 Feb. 2009. 3 Feb. 2009 <http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=11521>.

Schapiro, Justine, B. Z. Goldberg, and Carlos Bolado. “Promises: A History of the Israeli - Palestinian Conflict.” PBS.org. Public Broadcasting Systems. 3 Feb. 2009 <http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2001/promises/timeline2.html>.