Video: 'Israel Birth of a Nation Documentary' (May 15, 1948, at 34:47)

(Saturday, May 15, 1948) — Hours after declaring its independence, the new state of Israel was attacked today by Transjordan, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Lebanon, launching the 10-month 1948 Arab–Israeli War.

The invading forces took control of the Arab areas and immediately attacked Israeli forces and several Jewish settlements.

Video: 'The first Arab-Israeli war explained'