Introduction
Since its inception in 1948, Israel has transformed into the premier military force in the Middle East, largely due to its strategic alliances with Western powers like Britain, France, and most significantly, the United States.
Early Alliances and the Formation of Israel
Balfour Declaration (1917):
The seeds of Israel’s friendships were sown with this significant expression of British support for a ‘Jewish National Home’ in Palestine. This declaration set in motion events that led to the establishment of Israel.
The British-Israeli historian Jonathan Spyer notes that the sympathy for Zionist aims expressed in the Balfour Declaration enabled the Zionists to build up the Jewish population in Mandatory Palestine from 55,000 in 1917 to just over 162,000 in 1929.
Note: Zionist is someone who belongs to or supports a political movement that had as its original aim the creation of a country for Jewish people, and that now supports the state of Israel. In simplistic terms, Zionism is a movement to create a Jewish presence in Israel. The term Zion is a Hebrew word that refers to Jerusalem.
Deteriorating Relations
Beginning in the 1930s, relations between the British authorities and the Jews in Palestine began to deteriorate.
Britain’s strategic interests during the First World War led to the Balfour Declaration, but shifting alliances in the 1930s prioritized relationships with Arab leaders over Zionists.
UN Partition Plan for US and Israel (1947)
With British support waning, the United Nations proposed the Partition Plan for Palestine, leading to the formal establishment of Israel on May 14, 1948.
The United States extended de facto recognition within 11 minutes of its creation, followed by the Soviet Union and other nations.
The Suez Crisis and Shifts in Alliances
Suez Canal Crisis (1956): Marked the first significant military cooperation between Israel, Britain, and France against Egypt. President Gamal Abdel Nasser's nationalization of the Suez Canal prompted this alliance.
US Intervention: Despite Israel’s military success, the US, under President Dwight Eisenhower, rebuked Britain and France, concerned that the conflict would drive Arab states towards the Soviet Union.
Outcome: The Suez Crisis underscored Israel's military capabilities, making it a valuable strategic ally for the West, despite the strained relations with Britain and France post-crisis.
The Six-Day War and Changing Dynamics
Six-Day War (1967): Israel’s victory against a coalition of Arab states solidified its military reputation but strained relations with Britain and France. The British Foreign Secretary, George Brown, demanded Israel’s evacuation from the Occupied Territories, signaling a shift in Britain’s stance.
French Embargo: France’s decision to impose an embargo on Israel during the war marked the end of its military support, pivoting its alliances towards Arab states.
The US and Israel Special Relationship
Post-1967: The Six-Day War marked a turning point in US-Israel relations. The US, concerned about Middle Eastern stability amid the Cold War, recognized Israel’s strategic value.
Yom Kippur War (1973): President Richard Nixon’s full-fledged support for Israel during this conflict solidified the US-Israel alliance.
Ronald Reagan Era: Reagan emphasized the strategic partnership, particularly in the context of the Cold War, stating that Israel played a critical role in US strategic interests.
Military and Economic Aid: The US provided extensive military aid, starting with weapons and loans in the 1980s and 1990s, and later formalized through multi-billion-dollar aid packages, reaching $4 billion annually in recent years.
Note:
The Yom Kippur war, or the October war, or the Ramadan war, was fought between Israel on one side and Egypt and Syria on the other, from October 6 to 25, 1973.
Yom Kippur is the holiest day in Judaism and Samaritanism.
It is also known as the Day of Atonement. It is observed on the 10th day of the lunar month of Tishri, which falls in September or early October.
It is also called the Fourth Arab-Israeli war, coming after three wars in 1949, 1956, and 1967.
Modern Diplomatic Relations
Global Ties: Israel’s diplomatic relations now span globally, with strong trade and defense ties with India, China, Russia, and a free trade agreement with the European Union.
US Recognition of Jerusalem: Under Donald Trump, the US officially recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital, further cementing the relationship.
2023 Israel-Hamas Conflict: Demonstrated Israel’s global diplomatic significance, with leaders from Canada, India, the UK, France, and Germany affirming Israel’s right to self-defense.
Conclusion
The West's support for Israel is rooted in historical alliances, strategic interests, and geopolitical dynamics. Israel's military strength and strategic location have cemented its role as a key ally for Western powers, particularly the United States.
The enduring relationship, marked by significant military and economic aid, underscores the importance of Israel in global geopolitics.
Note: In this CAPF essay, the world limit has been crossed to give you more information, you can take relevant portions as per your need. Further, we have given subheadings for your reference. When you write in the UPSC exam, you don't need to do that.
Importance of this Essay
This article is vital for UPSC CAPF, Assistant Commandant, and other competitive exams such as CDS, NDA, SSB, AFCAT, CSE, IAS, and IB ACIO. Understanding the geopolitical dynamics and historical alliances that shape current international relations is crucial for UPSC CAPF AC exam preparation
It provides insights into UPSC CAPF current affairs, fitting within the UPSC CAPF AC syllabus 2024, and offers valuable content for essay writing, Group Discussions, and Interviews.
Knowledge of such topics enhances analytical skills and aids in crafting well-rounded responses, making it essential for success in these exams.
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