Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty. Israel invades Hamas positions and cities within Lebanon after a Hezbollah rocket attack on northern Israel injures 40 people. Israeli Independence Day, as observed by Arabs in the Occupied Territories. The first Arab-Israeli war begins shortly after the State of Israel was proclaimed. Israel is proclaimed a state, as the British mandate in Palestine expires.
Arab armies launch attacks on Israel immediately following the proclamation.
Palestinian Struggle Day. Israel signs an accord with Lebanon for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from most of south Lebanon. A lone Israeli gunman kills eight Arab laborers in Rishon le Ziyyon, south of Tel Aviv. Nine workers are injured. The gunman was identified as a discharged Israeli soldier.