The War of Independence

The War of Independence (Hebrew: מלחמת העצמאות), also known as War of Liberation, was the first in a series of wars fought between the State of Israel and its Arab neighbors in the continuing Arab–Israeli conflict.
The first assaults began on January 9, 1948, when approximately 1,000 Arabs attacked Jewish communities in northern Palestine. By February, the British turned over bases and arms to Arab irregulars and the Arab Legion.

In the first phase of the war, lasting from November 29, 1947, until April 1, 1948, the Palestinian Arabs took the offensive, with help from volunteers from neighboring countries. The Jews suffered severe casualties and passage along most of their major roadways was disrupted.

The UN blamed the Arabs for the violence. The UN Palestine Commission was never permitted by the Arabs or British to go to Palestine to implement the resolution.

Despite the disadvantages in number, organization, and weapons, the Jews began to take the initiative in the weeks from April 1st until the declaration of independence on May 14. The Haganah captured several major towns including Tiberia and Haifa and temporarily opened the road to Jerusalem.

The Arab countries signed armistice agreements with Israel in 1949, starting with Egypt, followed by Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria.

Photo:www.jerusalemshots.com

Credit: jewishvirtuallibrary