Recognition of Israel

In 1917 Great Britain issued a statement, the Balfour Declaration, that encouraged a homeland for the Jews in Palestine. It was ratified and appointed Britain to rule Palestine.

An influx of Jews, especially after Nazi persecution began, led to fighting between the Jews and Palestinians. In 1939, Great Britain limited Jewish resettlement in Palestine.

President Truman believed that after World War II, the Jews need a homeland; he sided with the Jews and accepted the Balfour Declaration. The War and State departments did not support the President; they were concerned that the Palestinians would ally with the Soviet Union.

In 1947, the United Nations created a special committee on Palestine, which recommended the end of British rule, and the partitioning of Palestine into two states. This plan was passed by the United Nations General Assembly.

On May 14, 1948, the provisional government proclaimed a state of Israel. It was recognized by President Truman the same day, but he did not notify the State Department before he recognized Israel.

On May 15, 1948, the first Arab-Israeli war began.

To find other items that the Marshall Foundation has on Israel, search “Israel” in the library catalog: https://www.marshallfoundation.org/library/results/

Digitized items in the George C. Marshall archives: