The establishment of Israel and the 1948 War

of Independence

The growth of Zionism From the late 1890’s, Zionism grew. What is Zionism? Zionism – the idea of national Jewish

liberation and a return to Palestine

After the defeat of the Ottoman’s in World War 1, Britain takes control of Palestine, Transjordan, and Iraq. France takes control of Syria.

British and French Mandates

Towards a formation of a Jewish State: Jewish Immigration

In 1917 – British issue the Balfour declaration.

This recognized the right of Jews to have a national homeland in Palestine.

From 1920 onwards, Jewish immigration to Palestine increased the Jewish population tremendously:

1922 – 84 000 Jews in Palestine 1932 – 180 000 Jews in Palestine 1936 – 384 000 Jews in Palestine 1948 – 640 000 Jews in Palestine

The Arabs revolt (1920’s and 1930’s)

Arabs begin rioting and attacking Jews in response to increased immigration.

Some further explanation: The Arabs were upset at British authority (they

had been promised independence after ww1) They were worried that arable land would be

taken by Jews and they would be displaced by Jewish immigration.

Property and water rights are a constant source of friction

Arab riots were successful in getting Britain to restrict Jewish immigration.

The Jews defend themselves

1920 - Jews form the Haganah This is a defense force / military force

to defend against attacks. After ineffectively defending Jews in

anti Jewish riots in 1929, Jews also form the Irgun.

The Irgun actively retaliated against Jewish attacks using terrorist methods.

Trying to find a solution (do not write down)

Before World War 2, British try to solve the rising Arab-Jewish violence in Palestine.

1922 – Churchill issues the White Paper. It reaffirms the right to a Jewish homeland but puts limits on Jewish Immigration

1930 – After a major Pogrom (violent action against Jews) in 1926, the British issue the Passfield Paper. Again the British try to restrict Jewish immigration.

1936 – Peel Commission. Early proponent of a two state solution to solve the Jewish – Arab issues.

Pre World War 2 1938 – In an attempt to appease the Arabs,

the British restrict Jewish immigration to 3000.

1939 – The British issue the White Paper. It called for the establishment of a Palestinian state and major restrictions to Jewish immigration.

(what’s missing here?) Zionist leaders were shocked and rejected

it. How do these events affect World War 2?

Palestine during World War 2

As the British blockaded Jewish immigration, the Haganah and the Irgun start to attack the British.

Also, as news of the Holocaust emerged, militant Jews start to see the British as complicit with the Holocaust.

(What is the connection?) The Irgun split, with the more militant members forming the

Lehi Examples of violence (do not write down) Feb 1944 – the Lehi attacked British immigration offices in

Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa. Lehi members shot British officers who were trying to arrest

them (for putting up posters) Irgun bombed income tax offices in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and

Haifa. A Lehi member was killed for resisting arrest, and four days

later the Lehi retaliated by by killing two officers.

1946 and British retaliation By 1946, the British were fighting a

guerilla war against the Jewish population. Palestine was dotted with military checkpoints, army bases, and concrete fortresses.

British security forces began to harass all Jews, who they believed supported the terrorists.

Attack on the King David Hotel The British

Headquarters in Jerusalem was located in the Kind David Hotel.

1946 – The Irgun bombed the hotel. Despite calls to the hotel warning of the bombing, 91 people were killed.

A possible UN solution As the British felt

increasingly helpless to stop the guerilla war, they turned to the UN to come up with a solution.

In 1947, the UN adopts the Partition Plan with a vote of 33 – 13 and 10 abstentions.

Violence continues In the months, between the UN vote and

Israeli independence, Arab attacks against the Jews begin.

Israel is declared a state on May 14, 1948. On May 14, 1948, the Haganah and Lehi

are absorbed into the Israeli Defence Forces.

On May 15, 1948, Egypt, Syria, Transjordan, Lebanon, and Iraq invaded Israel.