The 50 Years War: Israel and the Arabs

Decision-makers from Israel, the Arab states, Russia, and the U.S. tell the inside story of the Arab-Israel conflict. Charts the evolution of tensions, violence, and peace efforts from 1948 to 1998.

DocumentaryWar & Politics

Seasons

1. 1948–56

Air Date: 1998-05-10

In 1948, the state of Israel was proclaimed. This episode recounts how the US, later Israel's greatest ally, came close to stopping the creation of the new state.

2. 1967

Air Date: 1998-05-17

Tracing the pattern of dramatic and covert events leading to the Six Day War of June 1967.

3. 1967–1982

Air Date: 1998-05-24

The Palestinian story, beginning with Yasser Arafat's first secret crossing of the River Jordan to launch raids on Israel and ending with his exile to Tunis.

4. 1970–79

Air Date: 1998-05-31

Israel was not prepared for the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War. Ex-US president Jimmy Carter recalls how, in 1978, he managed to broker the Arab-Israel agreement.

5. 1987–1991

Air Date: 1998-06-07

The protracted search for peace was repeatedly sabotaged. The deadlock was finally broken by the Intifada - a Palestinian uprising in the occupied territories.