Israel: History

Britain seizes Palestine from the Ottomans and gives support to a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine through the Balfour Declaration. 

Israel declares independence as the British mandate ends.

Israel's War of Independence ends with armistice agreements between Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria; Israeli territory increases by 50%.

Israel, along with Britain and France, invades Egypt during the Suez Crisis to re-open the canal to Israeli shipping.

Israeli forces strike targets in Egypt, Jordan, and Syria in response to a buildup of Arab armies along Israel's border. Israel gains control of the Sinai Peninsula, the Golan Heights, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.

A new austerity program is implemented to tackle hyperinflation and stabilize Israel's currency.  Subsequently, a new currency, the New Israeli Shekel, introduced.  

Israeli and Palestinian leaders participate in an international conference in Annapolis, Maryland, and commit to launch negotiations towards the establishment of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza with a realization of peace.

Major offshore natural gas deposits are discovered. 

Nine Turkish pro-Palestinian activists killed in clashes during Israeli boarding of ships attempting to break blockade of Gaza. Relations with Turkey approach breaking point. Israel apologises for deaths in 2013.

Rising prices prompt major protests. Government improves competition in food market and makes cheaper housing more available.

Israel launches week-long military campaign against Gaza-based armed groups following months of escalating rocket attacks on Israeli towns.

 Mr Netanyahu replaces most religious Jewish groups with centrist and secular parties in government after the latter's strong showing in January elections.

Energy and Water Minister Silvan Shalom attends renewable energy conference in Abu Dhabi, leading a business delegation in first visit to United Arab Emirates since 2010.

Prime Minister Netanyahu forms a new coalition government after March elections with right-wing Bayit Yehudi (Jewish Home) party. Another right-wing party, Yisrael Beitenu, joins the following year.

Israel and Turkey reach agreement over 2010 Gaza flotilla raid and normalise relations.

US President Donald Trump recognises Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, upsetting the Arab world and some Western allies.

The United Arab Emirates become the first Gulf state to establish diplomatic relations with Israel.

Naftali Bennett of the Jewish nationalist Yamina party forms a broad coalition to oust Benjamin Netanyahu.