Disunity Among Israel's Enemies: A Decisive Factor in the 1948-49 War
TITLE
How important was disunity between Israel’s enemies in determining the outcome of the 1948–49 war?
ESSAY
The outcome of the 1948–49 war between Israel and its neighboring Arab states was influenced by a combination of factors related to both disunity among Israel's enemies and strengths within the Israeli forces. The disunity among the Arab forces did play a role in determining the outcome of the conflict, but it was not the sole or primary factor.
On one hand, the disunity among Israel's enemies did have a significant impact on the war. Arab forces were divided geographically and politically, with a northern force composed of Syrian and Palestinian troops and another force centered around Jerusalem with little coordination between them. The Arab League refused to fund the forces in Jerusalem, and King Abdullah of Transjordan acted independently by taking parts of Jerusalem and Palestine for himself. Additionally, the Arab forces were poorly led by their respective leaders, with differing aims and objectives, and Syria and Lebanon contributed minimally to the actual fighting.
However, it is vital to note that the Israeli forces also had several strengths that played a crucial role in determining the outcome of the war. The Israelis outnumbered the Arab forces and had superior military training and experience, with the Haganah having fought in World War II and possessing stockpiled weapons and equipment. Israel also enjoyed total air superiority and had quality military leadership throughout the campaign. The determination of the Israeli people to create a Jewish state, along with political and financial support from the USA, boosted morale. The Jewish Agency successfully controlled communication routes, and terror tactics used by groups like Lehi and Irgun furthered their strategic goals. Additionally, Israel secured heavy artillery and tanks from Czechoslovakia.
In conclusion, while the disunity among Israel's enemies did impact the outcome of the 1948–49 war, it was not the sole determining factor. The strengths and advantages held by the Israeli forces, including military training, supplies, air superiority, leadership, and popular support, were equally crucial in securing their victory. The combination of these factors ultimately led to the establishment of the State of Israel.
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How important was disunity between Israel’s enemies in determining the outcome of the 1948–49 war? Explain your answer.
YES:
- Arab forces divided between a northern force (Syria and Palestinian) and one based around Jerusalem with very little coordination
- Other Arab states did little to help and the Arab League refused to fund the forces in Jerusalem
- King Abdullah of Transjordan acted independently and took parts of Jerusalem and Palestine for himself
- Arab forces were poorly led by their respective leaders with differing aims and objectives
- Syria and Lebanon engaged very little in the actual fighting
- Syria and Lebanon only provided a very small number of troops to the Civil War, etc.
NO:
- More important: Israeli forces outnumbered the Arab forces by over 7000 troops
- Arabs had poor supply lines and medical supplies were overstretched
- Lack of military experience in the Arab armies compared to Israeli forces
- Haganah had experience of fighting in WWII and had stockpiled weapons and equipment
- Israel enjoyed total air superiority and had quality military leadership throughout the campaign
- Determination of Israeli people who were united behind the cause to create a Jewish state
- Morale was boosted by political and financial support from the USA
- Jewish Agency’s success in controlling the communication routes after Plan D
- Terror tactics used by Lehi and Irgun to force Palestinians from their homes
- Israelis secured heavy artillery and tanks from Czechoslovakia, etc.