This programme looks at the beginnings of the Zionist movement in Europe, and the early steps it took in 'Eretz Israel'-the 'Land of Israel' - itself
The Balfour Declaration of 2 November 1917 was the expression of British support for Zionism and was to be of immense importance to it. It sprang from the crises and diplomatic manoeuvrings of the First World War. It was calculated to serve British interests.
Sir Herbert Samuel arrived in Palestine in 1920 to rule it for Britain and to encourage the establishment of ' a Jewish National Home' without detriment to the interests of ' the non-Jewish Community '. The terms of the Mandate were not easy to apply.
In the late 30s, the British vigorously suppressed an Arab revolt. But as the war in Europe loomed, it seemed necessary to make concessions to the Arabs. Zionism no longer served British interests.
Thousands of Jewish refugees survived the Holocaust and the United States pressed Britain to admit them to Palestine. The Anglo-American dispute over these desperate people was the political fact which led, in the end, to Britain's departure from Palestine and to the creation of the State of Israel.
In 1948 the new state of Israel faced defeated but hostile neighbours. The second war in the conflict breaks out in 1956. From now on the super-powers are involved.
President Nasser tries to create a unified and radical Arab world under his leadership. But the Pan-Arab dream is shattered by the June War of 1967. How did it come about and what were its consequences?
Since 1948 the fortunes of the Palestinians have been complicated by, and bound up with, the competing interests of the Arab states, as well as those of Israel. This programme outlines the main events of that story.
Sixty years ago. the conflict was of minor, local sigr' 'nee. Bit by bit it grew larger. By 1973 it had produced, in the United States, a nuclear alert. This final programme looks again at some key moments in its extraordinary growth.