First Arab-Israeli War

Question 1

When did the war begin?

Answer 1

May 14 1948 (same day Israel declared a nation)

Question 2

Who fought the war?

Answer 2

Israeli Defence Force (Haganah) and Arab forces from Iraq, Syria, Jordan and Egypt

Question 3

When did the war end?

Answer 3

April 1949

Question 4

What were the Israeli goals?

Answer 4

to establish and secure their new nation from the Arab threat, while attempting to limit Palestinian settlement in Jewish territory

Question 5

What were the Arab goals?

Answer 5

complete and utter annihilation of the Jewish state and the re-settlement and dominance of the Palestinians in Palestine

Question 6

How did a newly established country (Israel) with an army of only 30 000 defeat a much larger and better equipped enemy?

Answer 6

Israel forces were united and determined, they had a central and well ordered command structure, they were fighting for Israel’s right to exist

Arab forces were drawn from various nations and as a result lacked unity, they had to travel long distances to get to the front, some nations fought to increase their own power and influence, rather than liberate the Palestinian people