December 13, 1949
The Mossad Is Established
On 13 December 1949, David Ben-Gurion authorized the institute that became the Mossad.
Israel
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
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February 14, 1949
First Knesset Convenes
On this day, February 14, 1949, Israel’s First Knesset held its inaugural session in Jerusalem. Yosef Sprinzak was elected speaker.
Israel · Zionism · Jews in Politics
Middle East
January 25, 1949
Israel Holds Its First Knesset Election
On this day, January 25, 1949, Israel held its first national election. Mapai, led by David Ben-Gurion, won the largest share of the 120-seat assembly.
Israel · Jews in Politics · Zionism
Israel
October 28, 1948
Israel Adopts Its Flag
On October 28, 1948, the Provisional Council of State adopted the Zionist flag as the flag of Israel.
Israel
October 15, 1948
Operation Yoav Begins
On 15 October 1948, the Israel Defense Forces opened Operation Yoav in the Negev.
Israel
June 22, 1948
The IDF Shells the Altalena
On June 22, 1948, IDF guns set the Altalena on fire off Tel Aviv. Sixteen Irgun fighters and three soldiers were killed in the confrontation.
Israel
June 3, 1948
Mordechai Alon Attacks Egyptian Bombers Over Tel Aviv
On 3 June 1948, Mordechai Alon attacked Egyptian bombers over Tel Aviv in the air force's only serviceable fighter.
Israel
May 26, 1948
The Israel Defense Forces Are Established
On May 26, 1948, David Ben-Gurion signed the ordinance that established the Israel Defense Forces and barred any other armed force.
Israel · Antisemitism · Zionism · Jews in Politics
Israel
May 15, 1948
Arab Armies Invade Israel
On 15 May 1948, the armies of five Arab states invaded Israel, the day after independence.
Israel
May 14, 1948
Israel Declares Independence
On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion read the Declaration of Independence at the Tel Aviv Museum, eight hours before the British Mandate ended.
Israel · Holocaust · Zionism · Jews in Politics
Israel
May 13, 1948
Kfar Etzion Falls
On May 13, 1948, Kfar Etzion fell. Defenders who had gathered after a cease-fire were fired on, and only four survived.
Israel
April 9, 1948
Irgun and Lehi Attack Deir Yassin
On April 9, 1948, the Irgun and Lehi attacked Deir Yassin. Later counts of the dead cluster around 100, not the early figure of about 250.
Israel