Israeli Declaration of Independence Following the 1947-1948 Civil War in Mandatory Palestine

On 14 May 1948, David Ben-Gurion, representing the Jewish People's Council, proclaimed the establishment of a Jewish state in Eretz Israel, officially named the State of Israel. This significant declaration followed the United Nations' partition plan, which aimed to create separate Jewish and Arab states in the region. However, the announcement was met with immediate resistance from neighboring Arab states, which sought to prevent the partition and support the Palestinian Arab population. In the ensuing conflict, Transjordan and Egypt seized control of territories designated for the future Arab state, while Syrian and Iraqi forces launched attacks against Israel, albeit without success. Intense battles erupted, particularly over Jerusalem, where Jordanian and Israeli forces clashed. A truce was accepted on 11 June 1948, allowing Israel to bolster its military capabilities. Following this, a series of military operations enabled Israel to gain control over key areas, including the Galilee region, Lydda, Ramle, and the Negev, while also securing a vital road linking Jerusalem to the rest of Israel. During this tumultuous period, it is estimated that between 150,000 and 350,000 Arab Palestinians fled or were expelled from the newly conquered territories, marking a significant demographic shift in the region.