Unveiling the Hidden Hand: Secret Diplomacy in the Creation of Israel

Reuven Shiloah - the Man Behind the Mossad: Secret Diplomacy in the Creation of Israel

by Haggai Eshed

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3070 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	398 pages
Paperback	:	28 pages
Item Weight	:	1.92 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.07 x 9 inches

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The birth of Israel in 1948 was a pivotal moment in world history. The creation of a Jewish state in the Middle East was the culmination of centuries of aspiration and the result of a complex interplay of political, social, and economic factors.

However, behind the scenes of this momentous event lay a web of secret diplomacy that played a crucial role in shaping its outcome. This article delves into the lesser-known intricacies of the covert negotiations, clandestine meetings, and geopolitical maneuvers that shaped the creation of Israel.

The Balfour Declaration: A Pivotal Promise

The Balfour Declaration of 1917 was a landmark document in the history of secret diplomacy. Issued by the British government, it pledged support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine.

The declaration was the result of a series of secret negotiations between British officials and Zionist leaders. Chaim Weizmann, a prominent Zionist leader, played a key role in securing British support. The declaration was a significant victory for the Zionist movement, but it also laid the groundwork for future conflict in the region.

The Sykes-Picot Agreement: Dividing the Middle East

In 1916, the British and French governments secretly negotiated the Sykes-Picot Agreement. This agreement divided the Middle East into spheres of influence, with Britain controlling Palestine and France gaining control of Syria and Lebanon.

The Sykes-Picot Agreement was kept secret from the Arab population, who had been promised independence by the British during the Arab Revolt. The agreement sowed the seeds of distrust and resentment among the Arabs, who saw it as a betrayal of their aspirations.

The British Mandate: A Troubled Administration

Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I, the League of Nations granted Britain a mandate to administer Palestine. The British Mandate was a period of turmoil and conflict, with both Arabs and Jews vying for control of the territory.

The British authorities struggled to maintain order, and their policies often alienated both the Arab and Jewish populations. The Balfour Declaration had promised a Jewish homeland, but the British government also sought to appease the Arab majority.

The Jewish Agency: A Shadow Government

In the absence of a Jewish state, the Jewish Agency acted as a de facto government for the Jewish community in Palestine. The agency was responsible for a wide range of issues, including immigration, settlement, and economic development.

The Jewish Agency maintained close ties with the British authorities, but it also pursued its own independent agenda. The agency played a key role in preparing for the establishment of an independent Jewish state.

The Arab Revolt: A Challenge to British Rule

In 1936, the Arab population of Palestine launched a major revolt against British rule. The revolt was sparked by Arab fears that the British were favoring the Jewish community. The revolt was eventually suppressed, but it weakened British authority and increased tensions in the region.

The United Nations Partition Plan: Dividing Palestine

In 1947, the United Nations voted to partition Palestine into two states, one Jewish and one Arab. The partition plan was opposed by both Arabs and Jews, but it was seen as the only way to end the violence and create a stable peace.

The partition plan was never implemented, as the Arab states refused to accept it. The Jewish community, however, accepted the plan and declared independence in 1948.

The Truman Declaration: American Recognition

The United States played a key role in the creation of Israel. In 1948, President Harry Truman issued a declaration recognizing the independence of Israel. This declaration was a major boost for the new state, and it helped to secure its international legitimacy.

The Independence of Israel: A Dream Fulfilled

On May 14, 1948, the State of Israel was declared independent. The creation of Israel was a watershed moment in the history of the Jewish people. It was the culmination of centuries of aspiration and the realization of a dream.

However, the creation of Israel also came at a great cost. The Arab-Israeli conflict that followed has been a source of violence and instability in the region for decades.

The story of the creation of Israel is a complex and controversial one. Secret diplomacy played a key role in shaping the outcome of this momentous event. The decisions made during this time continue to have a profound impact on the region today.

By understanding the secret diplomacy that led to the creation of Israel, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the Middle East conflict and the challenges that lie ahead.

References

• Avi Shlaim, "The Iron Wall: Israel and the Arab World"
• Benny Morris, "1948: A History of the First Arab-Israeli War"
• Chaim Weizmann, "Trial and Error"
• David Fromkin, "A Peace to End All Peace: The Fall of the Ottoman Empire and the Creation of the Modern Middle East"
• George Antonius, "The Arab Awakening"

Reuven Shiloah - the Man Behind the Mossad: Secret Diplomacy in the Creation of Israel

by Haggai Eshed

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3070 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	398 pages
Paperback	:	28 pages
Item Weight	:	1.92 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.07 x 9 inches

FREE