1881: Mass immigration of Jews to the Holy Land.
1896-1897: Zionism begins.
1916-1947: UK rule of Palestine.
1947: UN votes to partition Palestine, against Arab wishes.
1948: State of Israel, is proclaimed. Arab nations fight Israel.
1949-1950: Israel defeats Arab armies and seizes land. Receives US aid.
1956-1957: Suez canal debacle.
1967: The Six-Day War. Israel illegally seizes land. US becomes Israel's primary supporter.
1973: Yom Kippur War, Egypt and Syria try to retake stolen territory.
1977-1979: Peace process between Israel and Egypt ending in Camp David Agreement. Israel only partialy complies.
1982: Israel invades Lebanon with US backing.
1986: Israel's nuclear weapons program is exposed.
2000 on: US & UK support Israel's increasingly violent actions.
2003: Israel starts division wall.
2006: Hamas wins Palestian elections. Israel attacks Gaza and invades Lebanon, US & UK support Israel.
2007: Hamas government confined to Gaza strip.
2008-2009: Major assault on Gaza Strip.
2010: Israel attacks aid vessels.