Question

After Israel was declared an independent state, what was the response of its neighboring countries?

1) They made an alliance with the Soviet Union.
2) They declared war and launched a series of attacks against Israel.
3) They began a series of peaceful protests in the United Nations.
4) They developed good relations and sent representatives to congratulate the Israelis.

Answer 1

Neighboring Arab countries responded to Israel's declaration of independence by declaring war, which led to Israel's victory and territorial gains in the First Arab-Israeli War. Subsequent conflicts further shaped the region's geopolitical landscape.

Step-by-step explanation:

After Israel declared its independence, neighboring Arab countries, including Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Transjordan (now Jordan), responded by declaring war and launching a series of attacks against Israel. This series of confrontations is known as the First Arab-Israeli War, which lasted ten months. Eventually, Israel emerged victorious in March 1949, not only defending its very existence but also gaining additional territory that had been initially reserved for Arab settlement by the United Nations.

Israel's victory led to a significant number of Arabs leaving what had become part of Israel for adjacent countries, resulting in a refugee crisis. Over time, Israel would continue to face challenges from its neighbors, with subsequent conflicts like the Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War further defining the region's borders and political dynamics.