Fact Check: The Palestinians started the first Arab-Israeli war in 1947

The Claim: "The Palestinians started the first Arab-Israeli war in 1947"

Introduction

The assertion that "the Palestinians started the first Arab-Israeli war in 1947" suggests that Palestinian actions were the primary catalyst for the conflict that erupted in the region. This claim is contentious and requires a nuanced examination of the historical context, the events leading up to the war, and the perspectives of various stakeholders involved.

What We Know

1. Historical Context: The roots of the Arab-Israeli conflict can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with rising nationalist movements among both Jews and Arabs in Palestine. The 1947 United Nations Partition Plan aimed to create separate Jewish and Arab states, which was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by Arab leaders, including Palestinians 47.

2. Initial Violence: Following the UN Partition Plan's announcement on November 29, 1947, violence erupted between Jewish and Arab communities in Palestine. The first significant clashes occurred shortly thereafter, with Palestinian Arab groups attacking Jewish targets, including a notable ambush on a bus carrying Jewish passengers on November 30, 1947 10. This period is often referred to as the 1947-1948 civil war in Mandatory Palestine 4.

3. International Response: The UN's proposal was met with mixed reactions. While Jewish leaders accepted the partition, Arab leaders, including those representing Palestinians, rejected it, leading to increased tensions and violence 57. The civil strife escalated into a broader conflict after Israel declared independence on May 14, 1948, which prompted military intervention from neighboring Arab states 3.

4. Terminology: The conflict is referred to differently by various groups. Israelis often call it the War of Independence, while Palestinians refer to it as the Nakba, or "catastrophe," highlighting the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians during this period 59.

Analysis

The claim that Palestinians initiated the first Arab-Israeli war is complex and heavily debated among historians and scholars.

• Supporting Evidence: Sources like the Wikipedia entry on the 1948 Arab-Israeli War indicate that violence began with attacks by Palestinian Arab groups, which could be interpreted as the start of hostilities 2. Additionally, the ambush on the bus is frequently cited as an early act of aggression that contributed to the escalation of violence 10.

• Contradicting Evidence: However, this perspective may oversimplify the situation. The violence was not one-sided; Jewish paramilitary groups also engaged in retaliatory attacks, and the broader context of Arab rejection of the partition plan played a significant role in the conflict's escalation 6. The BBC outlines that the situation was fueled by mutual hostilities and the failure of diplomatic solutions 3.

• Source Reliability: The sources cited vary in reliability. Historical accounts from established institutions like the BBC and Britannica are generally considered credible due to their editorial standards and fact-checking processes. However, Wikipedia, while useful for a general overview, can be edited by anyone and may contain biases or inaccuracies. The UN source discussing the Nakba is authoritative but reflects a Palestinian perspective, which could introduce bias 9.

• Potential Conflicts of Interest: Some sources may have inherent biases based on their national or political affiliations. For example, narratives from Israeli or Palestinian perspectives may frame events in a way that supports their respective national narratives, which could influence the interpretation of who "started" the conflict.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that "the Palestinians started the first Arab-Israeli war in 1947" is partially true, as there is evidence indicating that Palestinian Arab groups engaged in violent actions following the UN Partition Plan's announcement. However, this assertion is complicated by the fact that violence was reciprocal, with Jewish groups also participating in hostilities, and the broader context of Arab rejection of the partition plan significantly contributed to the escalation of conflict.

It is important to recognize that the historical narrative surrounding this conflict is deeply contested, and perspectives vary widely depending on political and national affiliations. The evidence available does not provide a definitive answer, as it reflects a complex interplay of actions and reactions from multiple parties involved.

Readers should be aware of the limitations in the available evidence and the potential biases inherent in different sources. Critical evaluation of information is essential when navigating historical claims, particularly in contentious contexts such as the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Sources

1. Milestones: The Arab-Israeli War of 1948. U.S. Department of State. Link
2. 1948 Arab–Israeli War - Wikipedia. Link
3. Israel and the Palestinians: History of the conflict explained. BBC News. Link
4. 1947–1948 civil war in Mandatory Palestine. Wikipedia. Link
5. Israel-Palestine Conflict Explained: History, Maps, & Dates. Britannica. Link
6. Arab-Israeli wars | History, Conflict, Causes, Summary, & ... Britannica. Link
7. The 1947-1949 Palestine War - War Wings Daily. Link
8. Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Timeline | CFR Education. Link
9. About the Nakba - Question of Palestine. United Nations. Link
10. 1948 Arab-Israeli War | Summary, Outcome, Casualties, & ... Britannica. Link