How Israel Was Created

Summary

In 1917, Britain's Balfour Declaration promised a Jewish homeland in Palestine, setting the stage for decades of conflict. Amid World War I, Britain made contradictory promises to both Jews and Arabs, resulting in tensions that escalated with Jewish immigration and the growth of Zionism. The British mandate over Palestine, followed by violent uprisings and failed peace efforts, led to the eventual establishment of Israel in 1948. This triggered the Nakba, displacing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, and the conflict continues today. The story reveals the deep complexities of colonialism, nationalism, and the struggle for identity and sovereignty.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Balfour Declaration, issued by British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour in 1917, promised the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine, despite the majority of the population being non-Jewish at the time.
• 😀 The British made multiple promises during World War I, including a Jewish homeland in Palestine and Arab independence, which were contradictory and ultimately led to conflict.
• 😀 Zionism, a movement advocating for a Jewish homeland in Palestine, gained traction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially after Theodor Herzl’s influential 1896 book, ‘Der Judenstaat.’
• 😀 Many British leaders, including Prime Minister Lloyd George and Foreign Secretary Balfour, supported Zionism, sometimes due to personal or religious motivations, such as the belief that a Jewish homeland would hasten the return of Christ.
• 😀 The League of Nations Mandate System, established after World War I, gave Britain control over Palestine, but Palestinians were not consulted in the decision-making process, leading to frustration and conflict.
• 😀 British rule in Palestine facilitated Zionist immigration and settlement, which increasingly alienated the Palestinian population, leading to uprisings and violent repression by British forces.
• 😀 The 1939 White Paper introduced a conflict between Britain and Zionist leaders by limiting Jewish immigration and proposing a shared governance plan, which was rejected by Zionists.
• 😀 The aftermath of World War II, including the Holocaust, led to an influx of Jewish refugees into Palestine, exacerbating tensions with the Palestinian population and British authorities.
• 😀 In 1947, the United Nations proposed a partition plan for Palestine, creating a Jewish state despite the fact that half the population was Palestinian, which was rejected by Palestinians and Arabs.
• 😀 Following the British withdrawal in 1948, the newly established State of Israel used military force to expand its territory and expel Palestinians, leading to the mass displacement of Palestinian people, an event known as the Nakba.
• 😀 Despite Israel’s military victories, the ongoing struggle over the land has continued, with Israel maintaining control over Palestinian territories like the West Bank and Gaza, resulting in a system where Palestinians lack rights and independence, leading to accusations of apartheid.

Q & A

What was the significance of the Balfour Declaration in 1917?

The Balfour Declaration, written by Britain's Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour, promised to support the establishment of a Jewish national home in Palestine. This declaration played a critical role in setting the stage for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as it was made at a time when the majority of Palestine's population was Arab, and it fueled tensions over land and sovereignty.

Why were the British making promises about Palestine?

During World War I, Britain was engaged in strategic alliances and sought to gain support from different groups. Britain promised a Jewish homeland to Zionists and Arab independence to Arab leaders, each group being seen as valuable in the context of the war and British imperial interests.

How did Zionism emerge and why was it significant?

Zionism, a movement advocating for a Jewish homeland in Palestine, gained momentum through figures like Theodor Herzl, who argued that Jews needed their own country to escape European anti-Semitism. The movement's rise was crucial in pushing for the establishment of Israel, leading to large-scale Jewish immigration to Palestine.

What was the Peel Commission, and what was its proposed solution?

The Peel Commission, sent by Britain in 1936 to address growing tensions in Palestine, suggested partitioning the land into separate Jewish and Palestinian states. However, it also proposed forcibly removing 250,000 Palestinians to make space for the Jewish state, a solution that failed to ease the conflict.

What impact did World War II have on the Zionist movement and Palestine?

World War II, especially the Holocaust, led to an influx of Jewish refugees seeking safety in Palestine. This escalated tensions, as the British had set immigration limits, leading to direct confrontation between Zionists and British authorities. The Zionists saw the war as an opportunity to push for their goals in Palestine.

What was the 1939 White Paper and how did it affect relations between Britain and the Zionists?

The 1939 White Paper, issued by Britain, limited Jewish immigration and land purchases in Palestine, rejecting the idea of partition and calling for Palestinian independence. The Zionists saw this as a betrayal, leading to violent resistance, including bombings of British and Palestinian targets.

How did the UN's partition plan in 1947 affect the situation in Palestine?

In 1947, the UN voted to partition Palestine into separate Jewish and Palestinian states, giving Jews 55% of the land despite them being a minority in the area. This plan was rejected by Palestinians and Arabs, while the Zionists accepted it, believing they could use the situation to seize more territory.

What happened in the period leading up to the creation of Israel in 1948?

In the lead-up to the establishment of Israel in 1948, Zionist militias engaged in violent campaigns, including massacres like Deir Yassin, to force Palestinians out of their homes. This violence, combined with the British withdrawal, resulted in mass displacement of Palestinians and the founding of the State of Israel.

What is the Nakba, and how does it relate to the creation of Israel?

The Nakba, or 'catastrophe,' refers to the mass displacement and suffering of Palestinians during and after the creation of Israel in 1948. Over 700,000 Palestinians became refugees, and entire communities were erased or transformed as Israel expanded its territory.

How has the situation in Palestine evolved since 1948?

Since 1948, the situation has remained contentious, with Israel continuing to expand its territory, especially after the 1967 war, when it occupied the West Bank and Gaza. Palestinians continue to live under occupation with limited rights, while Israel struggles with a growing demographic of Palestinians under its control, without offering them citizenship or independence.