Fact Check: In the 1948 war of independence israel was attacked by multiple arab nations, and had no right to declare independence

The Claim: "In the 1948 war of independence, Israel was attacked by multiple Arab nations, and had no right to declare independence."

Introduction

The claim posits that during the 1948 war of independence, Israel was attacked by several Arab nations and suggests that Israel lacked the legitimacy to declare its independence. This assertion touches on complex historical, political, and territorial disputes that have persisted since the establishment of the State of Israel. To evaluate this claim, it is essential to consider the historical context, the events leading up to the war, and the perspectives of various stakeholders involved.

What We Know

1. Historical Context: The 1948 Arab-Israeli War, also known as the War of Independence in Israel, followed the United Nations' partition plan for Palestine in November 1947, which proposed the establishment of separate Jewish and Arab states. The plan was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by Arab leaders, leading to escalating tensions and violence between Jewish and Arab communities in the region 19.

2. Declaration of Independence: Israel declared independence on May 14, 1948. The following day, five Arab nations—Egypt, Jordan (then Transjordan), Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq—invaded the newly declared state 210. This military action was framed by the Arab states as a response to the establishment of Israel and the perceived threat it posed to the Arab population in Palestine.

3. Casualties and Outcomes: The war resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with estimates of around 6,000 Jewish deaths and approximately 15,000 Arab deaths 39. The conflict concluded with armistice agreements in 1949, leading to the establishment of Israel's borders, which were not recognized by the Arab states.

4. Claims of Legitimacy: The assertion that Israel had "no right to declare independence" is a matter of ongoing debate. Supporters of Israel argue that the declaration was legitimate under international law, particularly following the UN partition plan. Critics, however, contend that the declaration was made unilaterally and without the consent of the Arab population, leading to the displacement of many Palestinians 45.

Analysis

The sources available present a range of perspectives on the events surrounding Israel's declaration of independence and the subsequent war.

• Credibility of Sources:

  • The Office of the Historian (a U.S. government resource) provides a neutral overview of the events and is generally considered reliable due to its academic rigor 25.
  • The Wikipedia articles offer a broad summary but are subject to editing and may reflect biases depending on contributors 16.
  • The Israeli government sources (e.g., the Israeli Embassy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs) present a narrative that emphasizes Israel's right to defend itself and the legitimacy of its statehood, which may introduce bias 34.

• Conflicts of Interest: The Israeli government sources may be seen as having a clear agenda to promote Israel's narrative, potentially downplaying the perspectives of Palestinian Arabs and the implications of their displacement. Conversely, sources critical of Israel may emphasize the illegitimacy of its actions without acknowledging the historical context of Jewish claims to the land.

• Methodological Considerations: Many historical accounts rely on primary sources, such as government documents, military records, and eyewitness testimonies. However, the interpretation of these events can vary widely based on the political and ideological leanings of the authors.

• Contradicting Perspectives: While some sources emphasize the Arab states' military aggression against Israel, others highlight the context of colonialism, displacement, and the rights of Palestinians, suggesting that the narrative is not as straightforward as it may appear 89.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that Israel was attacked by multiple Arab nations during the 1948 war of independence is supported by historical evidence, as five Arab states did invade Israel following its declaration of independence. However, the assertion that Israel had "no right to declare independence" is more contentious and reflects ongoing debates about legitimacy and rights in the context of international law and historical grievances.

The complexity of the situation is underscored by the fact that while the UN partition plan was accepted by Jewish leaders, it was rejected by Arab leaders, leading to a conflict that involved significant loss of life and displacement of populations. The legitimacy of Israel's declaration of independence is viewed differently depending on the perspective taken, with some arguing it was a legitimate act under international law, while others contend it was unilateral and disregarded the rights of the Arab population.

It is important to acknowledge the limitations of the available evidence, as historical interpretations can vary widely based on ideological perspectives. The sources consulted provide a range of viewpoints, but they may also reflect biases that complicate a straightforward assessment of the claim.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives when examining historical events, particularly those as complex and contentious as the establishment of Israel and the subsequent conflict.

Sources

1. 1948 Arab-Israeli War - Wikipedia. Link
2. Milestones: The Arab-Israeli War of 1948 - Office of the Historian. Link
3. The War of Independence (1948) - Israel Embassy in Washington. Link
4. The War of Independence (1948) - Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Link
5. Creation of Israel, 1948 - Office of the Historian. Link
6. Terms for Palestinian citizens of Israel - Wikipedia. Link
7. 1947–1948 civil war in Mandatory Palestine - Wikipedia. Link
8. Why did Five Arab states attack Israel after its creation in 1948. Link
9. 1948 Arab-Israeli War | Summary, Outcome, Casualties, & Timeline. Link
10. Arab Armies Invade (May 1948) - Jewish Virtual Library. Link