The American Leader's View on the Partition Debates in the Israel War of 1948 and Its Aftermath - Essay Example

The paper "The American Leader's View on the Partition Debates in the Israel War of 1948 and Its Aftermath" is an outstanding example of an essay on history.  The Israel conflict refers to the political tensions and open hostilities between the Arab peoples and the Jewish community that occurred in1948. Some trace the beginning of the conflict to large-scale Jewish settlement in Palestine, especially after the establishment of the Zionist Movement which intensified with the creation of the modern State of Israel in 1948.

The creation of Israel was the culmination of the Zionist movement, whose aim was a homeland for Jews scattered all over the world following the Diaspora. After the Nazi Holocaust, pressure grew for the international recognition of a Jewish state, and in 1948 Israel came into being. The American leaders had varied views about the partitions in the war. Early political and community leaders expressed support for the reestablishment of a Jewish homeland, often based on biblical and restorationist principles.

The leaders such as the then president of the US Harry Truman Recognized the new state of Israel minutes after independence was declared. Although the United States vigorously supported the partition resolution, the State Department did not want to provide the Jews with the means to defend themselves. "Otherwise," Undersecretary of State Robert Lovett argued, "the Arabs might use arms of U.S. origin against Jews, or Jews might use them against Arabs." Consequently, on December 5, 1947, the U.S. imposed an arms embargo on the region (Scott, 10-40).

The arms embargo was seen as a means of obstructing partition by the US government and also as a means of averting bloodshed in Israel. The American government has been in support of the Israel government both economically and financially. The military grants are part of the American support to the Israel government. The US government has since recognized Israel as a sovereign state and has accorded the state with all the assistance possible. The broad issues of Arab-Israeli peace have been a major focus in the U.S.-Israeli relationship. U.S.

efforts to reach a Middle East peace settlement are based on UN Security Council Resolutions and have been based on the premise that as Israel takes calculated risks for peace the United States will help minimize those risks. On a bilateral level, relations between the United States and Israel are continually strengthening in every field. In addition to the Joint Political-Military, there are: bilateral science and technology efforts (including the Binational Science Foundation and the Binational Agricultural Research and Development Foundation); the U.S.-Israeli Education Foundation, which sponsors educational and cultural programs; the Joint Economic Development Group, which maintains a high-level dialogue on economic issues; the Joint Counterterrorism Group, designed to enhance cooperation in fighting terrorism; and a high-level Strategic Dialogue.

( Carol3-10) The United States may regard Israel as its primary ally in the Middle East, based on common democratic values, religious affinities, and security interests. Their bilateral relations are multidimensional and the United States is the principal proponent of the Arab-Israeli peace process. However, the United States and Israel views differ on some issues such as Golan Heights, Jerusalem, and settlements. However, Carol attributes the Israeli military victories to a combination of better planning, better logistics, better preparation, better motivation, better training, fighting along "interior lines”,( 10-13)this contrasts the common belief that the US was at the forefront in the apparent victory.

Carol also states that the Americas caused displacement and segregation of the indigenous inhabitants into “reservations” where many continue to reside in rank and disgraceful conditions. This has created a sharp contrast between what the American leaders believe in and the Israel author. (13-17) In conclusion, the American government and/or the leaders have actively been involved in the peacekeeping mission in the war that has lasted for several decades. This has majorly been through giving of donations and grants to the Israel government in order to stimulate economic growth and also the establishment of closer economic ties with the government of Israel.