Historical Events tagged with "israel"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

John Demjanjuk Sentenced for War Crimes

April 18th, 1988 36 years ago

John Demjanjuk, a retired autoworker, was sentenced to death in Israel for alleged war crimes, including his role as a guard at the Treblinka extermination camp during World War II. Despite the conviction, the case proved controversial, with claims of mistaken identity and misidentification, leading to a complex legal battle. The international attention on the trial showcased issues related to justice for Holocaust victims and the difficulties of prosecuting war crimes decades after the events.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

First Intifada Begins in Gaza and West Bank

December 9th, 1987 37 years ago

The First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation, commenced in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. Sparked by frustrations over political and economic conditions, it involved widespread protests, civil disobedience, and violent clashes. The uprising was characterized by large-scale mobilization of Palestinians, with youth at the forefront. Its impact would resonate through subsequent negotiations and efforts toward peace.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Israeli Tank Transporter Causes Fatal Accident

December 8th, 1987 37 years ago

A traffic incident at the Erez Crossing leads to the deaths of four Palestinian refugees and injuries to seven others. The incident involved an Israeli army tank transporter during a tense period marked by escalating violence and resentment in the region. The event drew immediate attention and highlighted the dangers faced by Palestinians at the border, contributing to rising tensions that would soon culminate in broader civil unrest.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Secrecy Surrounds Peres-Hussein Agreement

April 11th, 1987 37 years ago

Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Shimon Peres and King Hussein of Jordan secretly signed an agreement aimed at promoting peace and cooperation between Israel and Jordan. The talks focused on mutual interests and stability in the region, addressing key issues and fostering diplomatic relations. This event marked an important step in the ongoing Israeli-Jordanian dialogue and was seen as a potential framework for future peace initiatives.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Trial of John Demjanjuk in Jerusalem Begins

November 26th, 1986 38 years ago

The trial of John Demjanjuk commenced in Jerusalem, where he faced charges of war crimes. Accused of being a guard at the Treblinka extermination camp, Demjanjuk's trial drew significant attention as it raised questions about justice for Holocaust victims. The courtroom proceedings featured testimonies from survivors, delving into the atrocities of the Nazi regime during World War II. The case became a focal point for discussions surrounding accountability and memory.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Mordechai Vanunu Exposes Israel's Nuclear Secrets

October 5th, 1986 38 years ago

Mordechai Vanunu, a former Israeli nuclear technician, provided The Sunday Times with classified information revealing the existence and capabilities of Israel's nuclear weapons program. This information detailed the construction of nuclear facilities at Dimona, showcasing Israel's advanced nuclear arsenal, which had been shrouded in secrecy. The revelations prompted international debate on nuclear non-proliferation and Israel's ambiguous stance on its nuclear capabilities.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Jonathan Pollard's Espionage Guilty Plea

June 4th, 1986 38 years ago

Jonathan Pollard, a former U.S. intelligence analyst, pleaded guilty to espionage after being charged with selling classified military information to Israel. He was arrested in 1985 and later admitted in a plea bargain that he had provided sensitive documents that compromised U.S. intelligence. Pollard's actions raised significant concerns over national security and U.S.-Israel relations, prompting a controversial debate about espionage and loyalty.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Jonathan Pollard Arrested for Spying

November 21st, 1985 39 years ago

Jonathan Pollard, a United States Navy intelligence analyst, was arrested for espionage after being found guilty of providing Israel with classified information regarding Arab nations. His actions had significant implications for U.S.-Israel relations and heightened tensions regarding intelligence sharing. Pollard's espionage activities were carried out while he was stationed in Washington, D.C., raising concerns about security and betrayal within the U.S. intelligence community. The case brought to light the complexities of U.S. alliances and the risks associated with espionage.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Israel Attacks PLO Headquarters in Tunisia

October 1st, 1985 39 years ago

Israel conducted a military operation against the Palestine Liberation Organization's (PLO) headquarters located in Tunis, Tunisia. This operation, dubbed Operation Wooden Leg, was a response to a Palestinian attack on Israeli citizens. The Israeli Air Force launched airstrikes targeting the PLO leadership, causing significant damage and casualties. The operation demonstrated Israel's willingness to extend its military reach beyond its borders in response to perceived threats from militant groups operating worldwide.

Continue Reading