1917 Balfour Declaration -- Britain gives their approval to establish a Jewish homeland in and around Palestine (British controlled territory). Jews had been returning to the Promise Land since 1820.
May 14, 1948 -- Britain, as well as the USA, support and help create the state of Israel by partitioning Palestine. Their support was founded on past promises religious rights, Jewish cooperation during WWII, and the atrocities they endured (Shoah)
May 15, 1948 -- Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon invade and occupy the newly created state in support of their fellow Muslim country.
Jan 7, 1949 -- the US steps in and brokers an uneasy cease fire. The invading countries reluctantly withdraw.
July -Dec 1956 -- Egpyt prevents Israeli shipping from passing through the Suez Canal. In retaliation Israeli forces, supported by France and Britain, invade and occupy the Gaza and the Sinai Peninsula all the way to the east bank of the Suez. A cease fire was signed on Nov 6. Israel gained full shipping rights and established itself as a dominant military force in the Middle East. Lester B Pearson (Canadian PM won the Nobel Peace Prize for the cease fire and is credited with inventing the concept of a peace keeping force).
July 5-10, 1967 -- 6 Day War, due to mobilization of military forces in Syria, Jordan, and Egypt; Israel launches pre-emptive strikes wiping out key air bases in all three countries.
June 9, 1982 -- after years of terrorist attacks attributed to the PLO, Israel launches massive attacks on PLO bases in southern Lebanon
May 17, 1983 -- the US gov't steps in to try a broker a cease fire between Israel, the PLO, and Lebanon. Lebanon backs out at the last minute because surrounding Arab countries did not support the concessions.
1997-2008 -- After years of no violence, Hamas begins a rash of terrorist activities, claiming economic and social destruction at the hands of Israelis. Israel counters with massive air and artillery strikes into the occupied territories (Gaza, West Bank, and Golan Heights) and Lebanon.
Dec 27, 2008 - Jan 18, 2009 -- Operation Cast Lead. After months have terror strikes and rocket launches from Gaza into Israel, the IDF launched massive air and ground assaults. Israel pull out after much international criticism. Death toll: Palestinians = 1400, Israelis = 13