1948

Israel declares independence

Following the United Nations' historic partition plan in 1947, which recommended the creation of separate Jewish and Arab states in the British Mandate of Palestine, Israel declared its independence on May 14, 1948. However, the immediate aftermath of independence was marred by conflict with neighboring Arab states, leading to the first Arab-Israeli War. Israel's victory in the war helped it secure parts of the Palestinian territories designated by the UN partition plan. The war caused at least 700,000 Palestinian refugees to flee their homes in a mass exodus.

1967

Six-Day War

The Six-Day War, which occurred in June 1967, was a brief but highly significant conflict that involved Israel, Egypt, Jordan and Syria. Over the course of six days, Israel achieved a swift and significant military victory, capturing the Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip from Egypt, the West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan, and the Golan Heights from Syria. On November 22, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 242, which called for Israeli withdrawal from territories it gained from the conflict.

1973

Yom Kippur War

The Yom Kippur War, also known as the October War or the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, was a pivotal conflict that erupted on October 6, 1973, as Egypt and Syria attempted to take back the Israeli-occupied Sinai Peninsula and Golan Heights. Meanwhile, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) began an oil embargo on countries that support Israel, and the price of oil skyrocketed. After a ceasefire was brokered by the United States and the Soviet Union, the war ended on October 25, 1973. The UN Security Council passed Resolution 338, which called for implementing Resolution 242.

1978

Camp David Accords

The Camp David Accords were a historic agreement between Egypt and Israel signed at the Camp David presidential retreat. The accords led to the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the subsequent Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty in 1979. This groundbreaking agreement marked the first time an Arab nation officially recognized the state of Israel, and in return, Israel withdrew from the Sinai Peninsula, which it had occupied since the Six-Day War in 1967.

1987

First intifada

The first intifada was a significant Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation that began in December 1987 and continued into the early 1990s. Sparked by frustration with Israeli policies, particularly in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, it featured widespread protests, civil disobedience, strikes and sporadic violence. It had a grassroots nature, with a notable absence of centralized leadership. The intifada raised international awareness of the Palestinian struggle and played a crucial role in fostering negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.

1993

Oslo Accords

The Oslo Accords, signed in 1993 and 1995, were a series of agreements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Brokered by the United States and Norway, it laid the groundwork for limited Palestinian self-governance in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The accords established the Palestinian Authority, which enabled the Palestinians to administer their own affairs in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.

2000

Second intifada

Triggered by the provocative visit of Ariel Sharon to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, the second intifada featured a wave of Palestinian protests, suicide bombings and Israeli military responses. It resulted in a substantial loss of life on both sides and widespread destruction. The violence and instability during this period had a profound impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, contributing to a hardening of positions, a heightened sense of insecurity and further obstacles to peace negotiations.

2002

Israel builds barrier

Israel's construction of a security barrier began in the early 2000s as a response to the second intifada. The barrier, consisting of fences and walls, is controversial because it, in parts, cut deep into Palestinian territories in the West Bank to protect Israeli settlements. Besides, many are cut off from Jerusalem and cannot get to work or school. In 2022, the barrier stretched over 700 kilometers, with parts of it replaced by concrete walls that rise nine meters above ground. Despite the order by Israel's Supreme Court to reroute, the barrier continues to impede the movement of Palestinians, affecting their daily lives in major ways.

2005

Israel's disengagement with Gaza

In 2005, Israel, under Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, decided to withdraw its military forces and evacuate Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip. Following the withdrawal, Israel maintained control over Gaza's borders, airspace and coastline, enforcing a restrictive blockade that impacted the flow of goods and people in and out of the territory.

Multiple Gaza conflicts

Periodic clashes between Israel and Hamas in Gaza result in casualties and destruction (e.g., 2008-2009, 2012, 2014).

2014

Operation Protective Edge

Operation Protective Edge, conducted by Israel, involved extensive airstrikes on Gaza and a limited ground incursion. The conflict resulted in significant casualties, with thousands of Palestinians and dozens of Israelis killed. The operation represented a major escalation of tensions between both sides and drew international attention and condemnation for the extensive humanitarian crisis it caused in Gaza. A ceasefire agreement was eventually brokered by Egypt, ending the 50-day conflict but leaving the underlying issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict unresolved.

2017

U.S. recognizes Jerusalem as capital of Israel

Diverting from long-standing U.S. policy and international norms, the Donald Trump administration formally recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Many leaders, including those of Egypt, France, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Kingdom, as well as the United Nations, condemned the unilateral move.

2020

Abraham Accords

The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco signed a series of agreements with Israel that normalized diplomatic relations. Israel also announced the suspension of its plans to annex territory in the West Bank.

2021

Conflict reignites

In May, protests erupted over an anticipated decision by the Israel Supreme Court to evict six Palestinian families from a neighborhood in East Jerusalem. Despite international recognition of the area as being part of Palestine, Israel has annexed the area since 1980. Israeli police later stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque and fired tear gas and rubber bullets, which escalated hostilities with Hamas and sparked wider protests in the region and around the world.