Israel becomes an official State (1948) and what happened

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On May 14, 1948, the state of Israel officially declared its independence, following the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine which had been adopted on November 29, 1947. The declaration of independence was made by David Ben-Gurion, who became the first Prime Minister of Israel.

Immediately following the declaration of independence, neighboring Arab states, including Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq, launched a military invasion of the newly formed state of Israel in an attempt to prevent its establishment. This led to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, which lasted until 1949.

Despite being significantly outnumbered and outgunned, the Israeli forces managed to repel the Arab armies and even expand their territory. Ultimately, Israel emerged victorious from the war, gaining control over a larger area than had been designated for them in the UN Partition Plan.

The establishment of the state of Israel had a profound impact on the region, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who became refugees in neighboring countries. The conflict also laid the groundwork for decades of tension and violence between Israelis and Palestinians, as well as ongoing conflicts with neighboring Arab states.

Overall, the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 marked a significant turning point in the history of the Middle East, with lasting consequences that continue to shape the region to this day.