In 'Israel's Border Wars, 1949-1956', Benny Morris delves deep into the tumultuous early years of Israel's history, exploring the complex and often turbulent border conflicts that shaped the nation. Through meticulous research and compelling narratives, he uncovers the often-overlooked struggles between Israeli forces and neighboring Arab states. Morris reveals the motivations and narratives that fueled these conflicts, providing a nuanced understanding of the regional tensions that persist today. His insights challenge conventional perspectives and raise provocative questions about identity, sovereignty, and the lasting impact of war. A must-read for anyone seeking to grasp the intricacies of Israeli-Palestinian relations and the broader Middle Eastern landscape.
By Benny Morris
Published: 1993
"In the heart of conflict lies a truth often forgotten: peace cannot flourish in the shadows of unacknowledged histories."
This book looks at the development of Israeli-Arab relations during the formative years 1949 to 1956, focusing on Arab infiltration into Israel and Israeli retaliation. Palestinian refugee raiding and cross-border attacks by Egyptian-controlled irregulars and commandos were a core phenomenon during this period and one of the chief causes of Israel's invasion of Sinai and the Gaza strip in 1956. Benny Morris probes the types of Arab infiltration and the attitude of Arab governments towards the phenomenon, and traces the evolution of Israel's defensive and offensive responses. He analyzes Israeli decision-making processes, including the emergence and ultimate failure of Foreign Minister Moshe Sharett's dissident policy of moderation, and describes in detail the history of the Arab infiltration, including the terrorist-guerrilla raids by state-organized Fedayeen in 1955-6, and of the IDF raids of Qibya, Nahhalin, Kinneret, and the Sabha. This was a precedent-setting period in the making of Israeli defense policy, and this pattern of raiding and counter-raiding served to define Israeli-Arab relations during the subsequent four decades. In this pioneering study Morris deepens our understanding of the current tuation in the Middle East and of the prospects for a lasting peace there.
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“In the heart of conflict lies a truth often forgotten: peace cannot flourish in the shadows of unacknowledged histories.”
Israel's Border Wars, 1949-1956
By Benny Morris
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Benny Morris is a renowned Israeli historian and author, celebrated for his extensive work on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Morris's notable works include "The Birth of the Palestinian Refugee Problem, 1947-1949" and "1948: A History of the First Arab-Israeli War," both of which have been instrumental in shaping the discourse on the origins and implications of the conflict. He is known for his rigorous archival research and a controversial approach that often challenges conventional narratives. Morris's writing style combines scholarly analysis with a vivid narrative, making complex historical events accessible to a wider audience. His contributions to history have earned him recognition as one of the leading figures in modern Israeli historiography.
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