The answer to this question depends on what time period and definition of "attack" we are considering.
Ancient History:
- The Philistines: In ancient times, the Philistines were a major threat to the Israelites, as described in the Bible. They engaged in frequent battles with the Israelites, culminating in the famous story of David and Goliath.
- Other Neighboring Peoples: Other ancient peoples, such as the Canaanites, Moabites, Ammonites, and Egyptians, also engaged in conflict with the Israelites, with varying degrees of intensity and duration.
Modern History:
- The 1948 Arab-Israeli War: The first major conflict after the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 was a war against neighboring Arab states. This war was triggered by the Arab rejection of the UN Partition Plan for Palestine, which proposed dividing the land into Jewish and Arab states.
- The Six-Day War (1967): While not the first attack on Israel, the Six-Day War was a pivotal conflict that significantly altered the geopolitical landscape of the region. It involved Israel fighting against Egypt, Syria, and Jordan.
Defining "Attack":
It's important to note that "attack" can be interpreted in various ways. It can refer to:
- Military aggression: This includes full-scale wars, border skirmishes, and incursions.
- Terrorist attacks: These are acts of violence carried out by non-state actors, often targeting civilians.
- Economic sanctions: These are measures taken to exert economic pressure on a country.
- Diplomatic pressure: This includes actions taken to isolate or undermine a country's international standing.
Therefore, depending on the definition of "attack," the answer to the question could vary.
