The Illustrated London News 1948
The First Arab Israel War (part 3)
(Part 1)
As Britain withdrew from Palestine, the Illustrated London News reported with a unique mixture
of imperial detachment, visual power, and documentary depth. It covered:
The departure of British forces
The declaration of Israeli independence
The early battles for Jerusalem and the Negev / Negeb
The human cost for refugees and civilians
The eventual armistice lines drawn across the map of the Middle East
The photographs in this series represent how a prominent British publication of the time viewed and portrayed this complex conflict to its readers.
This is a non-commercial project. All material is shared for educational and historical interest, and to honour the work of the journalists, artists,
and photographers who captured world events in an era before television news and digital media.
I present the images here as part of a curated historical record. (NB Dates are generally the publication date)
Photographs from January 1st 1949 - 1949
Acclaimed as "King of Palestine and Transjordan": King Abdullah of Transjordan
having tea with the Papal Legate during his tour of Bethlehem January 1st 1949
The growth of Israels military strength. Jewish columns that invaded Egyptian soil January 15th 1949
British forces at Akaba: Precautions at Transjordan's only port January 22nd 1949
Tansjordan's outlet to the sea under British protection: Views of the strategic Red Sea port of Akaba and it's hinterland January 22nd 1949
The Israeli at war in the Negeb:Troops and a captured "Spitfire"January 29th 1949
Jewish immigrants reaching Haifa from Cyprus, where they had been detained in camps for a considerable period:
The joyful scene as Galila docked at Haifa February 5th 1949
A modern tragedy:The plight of Arab refugees in the Middle East February 5th 1949
An "Aunt Sally" for hostile criticism of our Palestine policy (Mr. Ernest Bevin) February 5th 1949
The triumph of Israel: Dr. Chaim Weizmann, who has been elected first president of the new state,
addressingthe inaugural meeting of the constituent assembly in Jerusalem on February 14th 1949
top. Planting trees in the Jerusalem hills on Arbor day February 14th: A general view of the ceremony which takes place annually
on the day when the sap is believed to rise in the trees. Over six million trees were planted throughout Israel
bottom. The opening of the first session of the Israel constituent assembly in Jerusalem: Members of the assembly rising from their seats to sing
the Jewish National Anthem, Ha'tiqva, in the hall of the Jewish agency building February 26th 1949
top left. Air lift in Arabia February 26th 1949
Discussing the exchange of prisoners: Lieut.-Col. Moshe Dayan (left), an Israeli Commander,
with Lieut.-Col. Adul El Tel, The Arab Legion Military Governor March 5th 1949
The solitary dissenting hand: The Egyptian delegate (centre) voting agains the Israeli application for membership of the United Nations March 12th 1949
(top left) Where the frontiers of Egypt, Palestine and Transjordan adjoin: A map of the Akaba area (Top right) Where
British and Israeli soldiers face each one another : A view across the Wadi Araba, Fifty miles North of Akaba (lower)
where Israeli troop movements may constitute a threat to Transjordan: A view of the Gulf of Akaba taken from the barren
Transjordan mountains to the East, and showing (1) The Egyptian shore of Sinai (2) Palestinian territory (3) The Gulf of Akaba
(4) The village of Akaba (5) The mountains of Transjordan March 19th 1949
Guarding Transjordan's only port: The British Garrison at Akaba March 26th 1949
The hand of friendship: Mr. Shiloah (L.) Leader of the Israeli delegation
and Colonel Dayan, Leader of the Transjordan delegation, in Rhodes April 9th 1950
(L) Israel becomes the Fifty- Ninth member of the United Nations: The Shield of David flag of Israel among those of the other member nations
(R) Congratulated on his speech in which he requested that Israel should be admitted to membership of the United Nations: Mr. Aubrey Eban, the
Israeli spokesman (seated), and Mr. Davib Hacohen (right) May 21st 1949
Another "Iron Curtain" : Erecting a barrier across a road between
Arab- and Jewish held Jerusalem June 11th 1949
top. Not a giant mortar but a concrete mixing "Gun" in use in
Israel in conjunction with a mobile mould which "Lays"
prefabricated houses in a piece.
mid. The "Tournalayer" in action in Palestine: This device enables
concrete houses, like that in the left background, to be caste on site.
bottom. Here the mould has raised itself, and the "New laid" concrete shell
of a simple house is seen in situ and ready for carpenters, plasters and the like.
October 1st 1949
Note - these types of houses are still being made all over the world in the 21st century
See Peoria,Illinois
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