Israeli War of Independence

The Israeli War of Independence (1947-1949) was a conflict that ensued after the British withdrew from mandatory Palestine and the State of Israel proclaimed its independence. The fledgling state was attacked by Egypt, Transjordan, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia.

Israel gained some territory but did not manage to liberate all of Jerusalem, the West Bank, or the Gaza Strip before the opportunity of a cease fire. Wishing to avoid further bloodshed, David Ben Gurion accepted the cease fire hoping for peace.