Final answer:
The statement that Israel was attacked by neighboring Arab nations three days after declaring independence following the withdrawal of outside forces in 1948 is true. This began the First Arab-Israeli War, ending with Israel successfully defending its territory and expanding control.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that when the British mandate expired and their troops returned to the island in May 1948, Israel declared its independence and was attacked by neighboring Arab countries three days later. The Arab nations, including Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Transjordan (now Jordan), launched an invasion, beginning the First Arab-Israeli War. This conflict lasted ten months, resulting in a victory for Israel, which not only defended its existence but also expanded its control over more territory, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Arabs. The unexpected defeat of the well-armed Arab nations led to significant political changes in the region, particularly in Egypt, where it spurred the rise of Gamal Abdel Nasser after a military coup.
Learn more about First Arab-Israeli War