Arab – Israeli Wars

LEQ’s

1. What is the UN and why was it established?

2. What led to the establishment of the modern state of Israel in 1948?

3. What are the continuing conflicts between the Arabs and Israelis today?

Before we can begin looking at the creation

of Israel and the conflict in the Middle East region, we must first know about the

UN.So – let’s take a look!

To sum up … To help keep

peace throughout the world!

To sum up … UN is the 2nd attempt at a world organization to

help keep peace throughout the world!

Why do the Jews believe this land belongs to them?

Why do the Arabs believe this land belongs to them?

However … there is a problem!An Arab/Muslim people – who call themselves Palestinians –

already live here!

Point of interest … Palestine was NEVER a country! Only a

“territory” with a border drawn by British Christians based on

their reading of the Jewish Bible. However, the Palestinian Muslims

now interpreted this “map” as God-given and unchangeable! –

See more at: http://hnn.us/article/139168#sthash.pjbbmoQk

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Many folks proposed to SPLIT this region in half – give half to the Palestinians and the other half to the Jews.

Looking at the physical features of Israel, why would this present a problem?

Problem 1 – MOST of the supply of fresh water lies on the eastern border with the Jordan River; therefore, can’t split it down the middle! One group would not have access to fresh

water!

Problem 2 – MOST of the southern region is desert land – not suitable for farming/raising animals. Therefore, can’t split across the middle because one group would end up

with useless land!

Problem 3 – would YOU just give up your home and land?

To sum up … • Israel gained it’s independence on

May 14, 1948• Same night – Arab countries

attacked & Israel at war!• 8 months later – Israel won!• Israel claimed much of the land the

UN had given to Palestine!

New problem … Palestinians NOW are a people without a land to call their own! Sound familiar?

Israel became an active member of the UNHowever, Arab nations still refused to

recognize Israel as a legitimate nation. This region suffered through many battles and

skirmishes.

And then, in 1956, Egypt cut off Israel’s only access to the Red Sea – the Suez Canal.

The Israelis attacked resulting

in the Suez War.

Suez War 1956 Suez War 1956

Egypt

President Nasser closes Suez

Canal to Israel

Supported by Soviet Union, Syria, Jordan

Israel

Invades Sinai Peninsula

Supported by Britain & France

Results … War over in 1

week!

Israel maintains reputation of powerful

military force!

Egypt maintains control of Suez Canal.

To sum up …• Israel sees a pending attack

and attack first!• War over in 6 days!• Israel wins – gains control of

Sinai Peninsula and Palestinian territories!

One day in September

… 11 Israeli athletic team members were murdered.

To sum up …• Israel wins again!• War over in 2 days!• However … Arabs place oil

embargo against US!

To punish the Israeli supporters during this war, the Arabs placed an embargo

oil.

This created a severe oil shortage – results – gasoline shortage and price

increase!

To sum up …• Hamas – Palestinian

terrorist• Al-Qaeda – terrorist that

followed Osama bin LadenPoint of interest … interesting to see that BOTH of these terrorist

groups came back into the picture years later!!

Since the 1970’s, the US has played a huge role in negotiating peace

between the Arabs and Israelis.

Let’s take a look …

People, places, and events to know … • UN – organization of countries around the

world•West Bank – Palestinian territory located

along the west banks of the Jordan River• Gaza Strip – Palestinian territory that

borders the Mediterranean Sea and Egypt • Sinai – peninsula located in Egypt

Words to know …

• Embargo – a trade barrier where a government stops trading with another country in order to force a political change with the other country• Zionism – a worldwide Jewish

movement that resulted in the establishment of Israel

Can you answer our LEQ’s?

1. What is the UN and why was it established?

2. What led to the establishment of the modern state of Israel in 1948?

3. What are the continuing conflicts between the Arabs and Israelis?