Israel's International Relations:
International Recognition of Israel

International Relations: Table of Contents | With the United States | With Europe

Tweet

On May 14, 1948, the day in which the British Mandate over Palestine expired, the Jewish People's Council officially approved a proclamation declaring the establishment and independence of the State of Israel.

The newly created Jewish state was granted de-facto recgnition by American President Harry Truman eleven minutes after the proclamation, making the United States the first country in the world to recognize Israel. Three days later, the USSR granted Israel its first de-jure recognition. Nearly a year after its creation, on May 11, 1949, Israel was admitted as the 59th member of the United Nations.

Today, at least 149 countries officially recognize Israel, though a number of these states have suspended or even completely severed their bilateral diplomatic relations with Israel. Twenty-five countries have never formally recognized Israel.

The following documents the international recognition of Israel, dates listed are the first recognition, whether de-facto or de-jure:

May 14, 1948 (Independence) - December 31, 1948 | January 1, 1949 - May 11, 1949 (UN Admittance)
May 12, 1949 - November 2011 | Countries to Never Recognize Israel | Appendix

 

**- Iran, Chad, Cuba, Morocco, Tunisia, Oman and Qatar recognized Israel on the above dates but have since rescinded that recognition.

Unverified dates of recognition or non-recognition: Lesotho, Ghana, Gambia, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Madagascar, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Togo, Tanzania, Zambia, Equatorial Guinea, Botswana, Bhutan, Central African Republic and Burundi

Back to Top