King Hussein of Jordan Officially Disassociates from the West Bank
King Hussein of Jordan announces his intention to politically disengage from the West Bank, leaving the PLO to fill the political vacuum.
PLO Militant Khalil al-Wazir Is Killed in His Home in Tunis
PLO leader Khalil al-Wazir, the architect of a number notorious terrorist attacks against Israelis, is killed by Israeli Special Forces in his home in Tunis.
First Intifada Breaks Out
December 9, 1987 Riots erupt in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank in what comes to be recognized as the start of the First Intifada, an Arabic word meaning “awakening” or “uprising.” The immediate…
Israelis Participate in Conference With Moroccan Jews
In 1984, there were approximately 20,000 Jews in Morocco. Both Israelis and Arabs were suspicious of the May 13-14 Conference on the Jewish Communities of Morocco which was held in Rabat.
Abu Musa Declares a Palestinian Revolt Against Arafat
Palestinian militant factions unsuccessfully challenge Arafat’s control during the First Lebanon War.
Knesset Votes in Favor of Golan Heights Law
In a quickly organized and somewhat surprising move, the Knesset votes to annex the Golan Heights by a vote of 63-21.
Moshe Dayan Dies at 66
Moshe Dayan, Israel’s iconic military and political leader, passes away from a heart attack in a Tel Aviv hospital at the age of 66.
Israel Passes Basic Law on Jerusalem
In 1950, the Knesset passes a law that states, “Whereas with establishment of the state of Israel, Jerusalem once more becomes the capital.” In 1980, the Knesset elevates the law to a Basic Law, giving the political status of Jerusalem increased legislative weight.
Jewish Underground Bombs Palestinian Officials
June 2, 1980 HaMakhteret HaYehudit (the Jewish Underground), a terrorist group formed by members of the Orthodox Gush Emunim movement, launches its first round of car-bomb attacks on West Bank Palestinian officials. Bassam Shakaa, the…
Saudi Foreign Minister Tells President Carter They Are Prepared To Recognize Israel
After Egyptian President Anwar Sadat’s diplomatic opening with Israel, almost all Arab states publicly criticized his engagement with Jerusalem.
Yigal Allon Dies
Yigal Alon, born in 1918 in Kfar Tabor, begins his career in the Haganah. Later elected to the Knesset in 1954, he remains a parliament member until his death.
Menachem Begin Is First Israeli PM to Visit Arab Capital
As a follow-up to the peace treaty with Egypt, Menachem Begin becomes the first Israeli prime minister to visit an Arab capital.
Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty Is Signed
Sixteen months after Egyptian President Anwar Sadat’s historic visit to Jerusalem and Knesset address, the Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty is signed at the White House in Washington.
Begin and Sadat Win the Nobel Peace Prize
Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin are jointly awarded the 1978 Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to bring about peace between Israel and Egypt.
Camp David Summit Begins
September 5, 1978 The Camp David Summit begins at the Catoctin Mountain presidential retreat in Hauvers, Maryland. Conducted within the framework of U.N. Security Council Resolution 242, enacted in 1967 after the Six-Day War, the…
Egyptian President Sadat Says Agreement with Israel Urgently Needed
Six months after his historic visit to Jerusalem, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat invites Israel’s Foreign Minister Ezer Weizmann to meet with him in Salzburg, Austria.
U.S. Sympathizes with Israel’s Fear of an Independent Palestinian State
After Egyptian President Sadat’s historic visit to Jerusalem in November 1977, the United States seeks to move negotiations closer to an agreement between Israel and Egypt.
38 Killed in Coastal Road Massacre
A group of eleven Palestinian terrorists, who had departed from Lebanon by boat, land on a beachhead north of Tel Aviv and embark on one of the worst terrorist attacks in Israel’s history.
Sadat Addresses the Knesset
One day after arriving from Egypt for his historic visit to Jerusalem, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat addresses a specially arranged sitting of the Knesset.
Sadat Arrives in Jerusalem
Egyptian President Anwar Sadat lands in Israel for a historic 36-hour visit, most of it spent in Jerusalem.
Dayan and Tuhami Engage in Secret Talks
Israeli Foreign Minister Moshe Dayan conducts secret talks with Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister Hassan Tuhami in Morocco.
Carter’s Interpretation of UN Resolution 242 Strains Relationship with Begin
Zgibniew Brzezinski, President Carter’s National Security Adviser, wrote a memorandum redefining the Carter administration’s position on resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict, and advocating for a Palestinian homeland.
Carter Foreign Policy Team Crafts Middle East Policy
Five major points regarding Israel were made at the White House Middle East Policy review meeting on April 19, 1977.
Kissinger Suggests Smaller Israel in Meeting With Iraqi Official
In a Paris meeting, United States Secretary of State Henry Kissinger tells Foreign Minister Hammadi that the United States would not negotiate Israel’s existence but could “reduce its size to historical proportions.”
