| The first independent Jewish State in 19
centuries was born in Tel Aviv as the British Mandate over Palestine came to an end at midnight on Friday, and it was immediately subjected to
the test of fire. As "Medinat Yisrael" (State of Israel) was proclaimed, the
battle for Jerusalem raged, with most of the city falling to the Jews. At the same time, President Truman announced that the United States would accord
recognition to the new State. A few hours later, Palestine was invaded by Moslem armies
from the south, east and north, and Tel Aviv was raided from
the air. On Friday the United Nations Special Assembly adjourned after adopting a
resolution to appoint a mediator but without taking any action on the Partition Resolution
of November 29. Yesterday the battle for the Jerusalem -
Tel Aviv road was still under way, and two Arab villages were taken. In the north, Acre town was captured, and the Jewish Army consolidated its
positions in Western Galilee.
Proclamation
by Head of Government
The creation of "Medinat Yisrael," the State of
Israel, was proclaimed at midnight on Friday by Mr. David Ben-Gurion, until then chairman
of the Jewish Agency Executive and now head of the State's Provisional Council
of Government.
The first act of the
Council of Government, as announced by its head, was to abolish all legislation of the
1939 White Paper of the late Mandatory Power,
particularly the Ordinances and Orders relating to immigration and
land transfer. In the declaration of
independence, Mr. Ben-Gurion called on the ARabs of Palestine to restore peace, assuring
them full civic rights and full representation in all governmental organs of the State.
Mr. Ben-Gurion prefaced the declaration with a review of the
historic connection of the Jewish people with the Land of Israel and of their efforts to
return, which never ceased throughout the generations of their dispersal, until the Nazi
holocaust proved anew the urgency of the need for a Jewish State.
The Balfour Declaration of 1917, confirmed by the League of
Nations, had given explicit international recognition to the right of the Jewish people to
reconstitute its National Home i Palestine, he said.
"On November 29, 1947," continued the declaration,
"the United nations decided on the establishment of a Jewish State and an Arab State
in Palestine and called upon the inhabitants of the country to take all steps necessary
for the establishment of the two States.
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