Arab-Israeli Conflict: Countries Involved & Historical Context

The Arab-Israeli conflict involves the State of Israel and numerous Arab League states, spanning wars, peace treaties, and ongoing disputes since 1948.

Core Belligerents (Direct Military Engagement)

• Israel (est. 1948)
• Egypt – Wars: 1948, 1956, 1967, 1973; Peace treaty 1979.
• Syria – Wars: 1948, 1967, 1973; Golan Heights dispute.
• Jordan – 1948, 1967; Peace treaty 1994.
• Lebanon – 1948, 1982, 2006 (Hezbollah); no peace treaty.
• Iraq – Expeditionary forces 1948, 1967, 1973; no direct border.

Arab League Members (Political/Financial Support)

• Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Yemen
• Libya, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Mauritania, Sudan
• Plus: Palestine (PLO/PA), Comoros, Djibouti, Somalia

Key Conflict Phases

1. 1948–49 War of Independence / Nakba – Armistice lines (Green Line).
2. 1956 Suez Crisis – Israel/UK/France vs. Egypt.
3. 1967 Six-Day War – Israel captures Sinai, Gaza, West Bank, Golan.
4. 1973 Yom Kippur War – Egypt/Syria surprise attack; near-nuclear escalation.
5. 1982 Lebanon War – Israel vs. PLO/Syria in Lebanon.
6. 1987–93 First Intifada – Palestinian uprising.
7. 1993–2000 Oslo Process – PA creation; failed final status talks.
8. 2000–05 Second Intifada – Suicide bombings, barrier construction.
9. 2006–present – Gaza wars (2008, 2012, 2014, 2021, 2023–), Iran proxy axis.

Current Alignment (2024)

• Peace with Israel: Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan (Abraham Accords).
• Hostile/No Relations: Syria, Lebanon (state), Iran, Iraq, Yemen (Houthis), Algeria.
• Quiet Cooperation: Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, others—security/intel ties.

Core Issues

Borders, Jerusalem, refugees, settlements, security, mutual recognition, water, Gaza blockade.