This page lists the 36 historical events in the game, in the order the player meets them. Each one shows first what happened, in the game's own text with its sources, then the decision the game puts to the player. The text and the sources are taken as they are from the repository's content folder, with the office names filled in.
The starting point
…אנו מכריזים בזאת על הקמת מדינה יהודית בארץ־ישראל, היא מדינת ישראל.
…HEREBY DECLARE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A JEWISH STATE IN ERETZ-ISRAEL, TO BE KNOWN AS THE STATE OF ISRAEL.
בעיר תל־אביב, היום הזה, ערב שבת, ה׳ אייר תש״ח, 14 במאי 1948.
IN THE CITY OF TEL-AVIV, ON THIS SABBATH EVE, THE 5TH DAY OF IYAR, 5708 (14TH MAY, 1948).
From the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel (Official Gazette No. 1, 14 May 1948) and its official English translation. These are the lines the game’s start screen quotes. Full text
The game starts the next day, on 15 May 1948, with you as prime minister.
The game deals with war, terror and the Holocaust as historical events. Its framing is Israeli. Every archival photograph on this page is a real photograph with its credit and licence; there are no AI-generated images on this page. How the game treats history
Archival photograph
Benno Rothenberg / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
1948
16 events
Show the 16 events of 1948Hide the events of 1948
Archival photograph
Benno Rothenberg / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
One million
On 20 December 1949 Israel marked Ingathering of the Exiles Day: its Jewish population had passed one million. A month earlier, with the arrival of 663 immigrants from Tripoli, the Ministry of Immigration had put the Jewish population at 1,000,000, with 321,991 newcomers since 15 May 1948.
Benno Rothenberg / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
The Road of Valour opens
The Road of Valour opened on 7 December 1948 as the permanent road that replaced the Burma Road track to Jerusalem. Its opening ceremony also commemorated those killed in the convoys.
The decision in the game
ContinueWhat happened
Sources (3) · Review status: fact-checked and sensitivity-reviewed
Moshe Marlin Levin / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
The Defence of Degania
On 18 May the Syrian army takes Samakh (Tzemah), at the south end of the Sea of Galilee, and the road north runs through Degania. The next evening a delegation from the Deganias asks the Prime Minister in Tel Aviv for reinforcements, but there are none to spare. The Prime Minister and the General Staff argue over where the Yishuv's only battery of old 65 millimetre mountain guns should go: Jerusalem, or the Jordan Valley. The Minister of Defense must decide where the guns go.
The decision in the game
Send the guns to the Jordan ValleyWhat happened
Send the guns to Jerusalem
Sources (2) · Review status: fact-checked and sensitivity-reviewed
Moshe Marlin Levin / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
One Army
The Irgun and Lehi still keep their own armed units. The Minister of Defense proposes an order that establishes the Israel Defense Forces and forbids any armed force other than the IDF.
The decision in the game
Issue the order and bring every armed force into the IDFWhat happened
Leave the Irgun and Lehi units outside the IDF for now
Regular passenger service between Haifa and Tel Aviv North began on 20 September 1949. Trains ran through Binyamina, Hadera East and Rosh HaAyin, using the new link from the Petah Tikva branch to Tel Aviv North.
Moshe Marlin Levin / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
The First Truce
The Security Council has called for a four-week cease-fire, supervised by the UN mediator, Count Folke Bernadotte. Neither side may bring fighting men or war material into Palestine or the Arab states, and the Council has warned of Chapter VII action if the terms are broken. The Prime Minister must decide whether Israel accepts.
Benno Rothenberg / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
The Altalena
The Altalena, a ship carrying arms for the Irgun, is due off the coast within days. Begin asks that a fifth of the arms go to the Irgun's battalion in Jerusalem and the rest to Irgun battalions inside the IDF. The Minister of Defense must decide.
The decision in the game
Grant the Jerusalem share, demand the rest for the IDF, and use force if necessaryWhat happened
Grant both requests, arming Irgun battalions inside the IDF
Sources (9) · Review status: fact-checked and sensitivity-reviewed
Boris Carmi / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
The Ten Days
The first truce has ended and the fighting has resumed, with Egypt attacking in the south. In the centre, Operation Dani under Yigal Allon has taken Lydda airport and is pushing to secure the road to Jerusalem. The Minister of Defense must decide where the main effort goes for the rest of the fighting.
The decision in the game
Keep the main effort in the centre with Operation Dani, toward the Jerusalem roadWhat happened
Shift the main effort south, against Egypt
Sources (13) · Review status: fact-checked and sensitivity-reviewed
Moshe Marlin Levin / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
Jerusalem
Count Bernadotte's proposals would put Jerusalem under UN authority, and he has suggested demilitarising the city. The alternative is to put the part of Jerusalem held by the IDF under Israeli military government, with Dov Yosef as military governor. The Prime Minister must decide.
The decision in the game
Declare military government and appoint Dov Yosef governorWhat happened
Ben Merk / Anefo, Nationaal Archief (Anefo 934-6899) · CC0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
The Second Truce
The Security Council has found a threat to the peace under Article 39 of the Charter and ordered a cease-fire within three days, and an immediate cease-fire in Jerusalem. The Prime Minister must decide whether Israel complies.
Boris Carmi / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
Latrun
The Prime Minister proposes to the cabinet that the IDF break the truce to attack and take Latrun. Most ministers, among them the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Immigration, oppose it.
The decision in the game
Accept the cabinet's vote and keep the truceWhat happened
Benno Rothenberg / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
The Mediator Assassinated
Lehi gunmen assassinated the UN mediator, Count Folke Bernadotte, in Jerusalem on 17 September, a day after he completed his second plan. Emergency regulations proclaimed Lehi a terrorist organisation, about 250 of its members were arrested, and the Irgun battalions in Jerusalem were given 24 hours to disband into the IDF. The Prime Minister must decide whether the government keeps up the crackdown.
The decision in the game
Keep Lehi outlawed and its members under arrest, and hold the Irgun in Jerusalem to disbanding into the IDFWhat happened
Ease the crackdown and leave the killing to the investigation
Sources (11) · Review status: fact-checked and sensitivity-reviewed
Benno Rothenberg / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
Operation Yoav
An Israeli supply convoy was fired on as it passed the Egyptian positions on 15 October, and the offensive the cabinet approved on 6 October is under way under Yigal Allon. The Minister of Defense must decide how far it goes.
The decision in the game
Stop at the cease-fire and stay out of the Hebron hillsWhat happened
Let Allon push on into the Hebron hills and the Jericho valley
Sources (8) · Review status: fact-checked and sensitivity-reviewed
Boris Carmi / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
Operation Hiram
In breach of the truce, the Arab Liberation Army attacked the Sheikh Abd position above Kibbutz Manara on 22 October. Between 29 and 31 October Moshe Carmel's forces drove it out of the Upper Galilee in Operation Hiram, and a cease-fire took effect on 31 October. The Minister of Defense must decide whether the forces stop at the cease-fire or advance further into Lebanon.
The decision in the game
Stop at the cease-fire and hold the Upper GalileeWhat happened
Advance further into Lebanon
Sources (12) · Review status: fact-checked and sensitivity-reviewed
Willem van de Poll, Nationaal Archief (Van de Poll 255-0327) · CC0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
Cease-fire in Jerusalem
After talks that began on 28 November, Dayan and Abdullah el-Tell signed a full cease-fire for the Jerusalem area at Government House on 30 November, with UN observers present. The Prime Minister must decide whether Israel keeps to it.
Benno Rothenberg / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
Operation Horev
The Minister of Defense proposes an offensive against the Egyptian army in the south, under Yigal Allon, with five brigades.
The decision in the game
Launch Operation HorevWhat happened
Hold the lines and wait for talks with Egypt
Sources (4) · Review status: fact-checked and sensitivity-reviewed
Benno Rothenberg / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
1949
8 events
Show the 8 events of 1949Hide the events of 1949
In the game from
The British Ultimatum
Israeli forces crossed into Sinai and reached the outskirts of El-Arish airfield. The Security Council called for a cease-fire, the United States added its pressure, and Britain threatened to act against Israel under its 1936 treaty with Egypt. By 2 January most forces had pulled back to the Negev frontier, but a force remained west of Rafah, blocking the Rafah-El-Arish road. The Prime Minister must decide whether to complete the pullback.
The decision in the game
Keep the forces behind the Negev frontierWhat happened
Refuse to pull back the force cutting off the Egyptian army at Rafah
By 6 January Egypt and Israel had both accepted a cease-fire followed by direct talks under UN chairmanship, and the cease-fire took effect on 7 January. The talks are to open at Rhodes. The Minister of Foreign Affairs must decide whether Israel sends a delegation.
The decision in the game
Send a delegation to RhodesWhat happened
Decline talks for now and keep the pressure on Egypt
Benno Rothenberg / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
Electing the Constituent Assembly
The Provisional State Council has set the Constituent Assembly at 120 seats, elected nationwide by proportional representation, and a national registration taken under curfew on 8 November built the voters' roll. Postponed because of the war, the vote is set for 25 January.
Benno Rothenberg / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
Armistice with Egypt
Talks in Rhodes have produced an armistice agreement with Egypt. The Prime Minister must decide whether Israel signs.
Benno Rothenberg / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
Armistice with Jordan
Negotiators have reached an armistice agreement with Jordan. The Prime Minister must decide whether Israel signs.
Benno Rothenberg / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
Austerity
Food and foreign currency cannot keep pace with the immigrants arriving every week. The Minister responsible for rationing, heading the new Ministry of Rationing and Supply, proposes strict rationing.
Benno Rothenberg / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection / Israel State Archives · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
1950
5 events
Show the 5 events of 1950Hide the events of 1950
Archival photograph
Benno Rothenberg / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection / Israel State Archives · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
Education in the Immigrant Camps
Religious Yemenite parents report coercion in the immigrant-camp schools, which the uniform system put under the Culture Department, including the cutting of sidelocks. The religious parties demand action. The Prime Minister must decide whether to appoint an inquiry.
The decision in the game
Appoint a commission of inquiry and move camp education from the Culture Department to the Education DepartmentWhat happened
Benno Rothenberg / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
Transit Camps
The immigrant camps, which house and feed new arrivals free of charge, are overflowing. Levi Eshkol of the Jewish Agency Settlement Department proposes transit camps near towns and work, where residents earn their own living. The Prime Minister must decide.
The decision in the game
Build transit camps where residents work for their livingWhat happened
Benno Rothenberg / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
Rationing Clothes and Shoes
Prices on the black market are climbing. The Minister responsible for rationing proposes extending rationing to clothing and footwear and fighting the black market.
Benno Rothenberg / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
The Law of Return
The Knesset is ready to vote on the Law of Return, which gives every Jew the right to come to Israel as an oleh. The Prime Minister must decide whether the government backs it.
The decision in the game
Enact the right of every Jew to immigrateWhat happened
Benno Rothenberg / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
Closing the Ministry of Rationing
Mapai is divided over closing the Ministry of Rationing and Supply, and the Prime Minister wants a businessman, Ya'akov Geri, who is not a Knesset member, at Trade and Industry. Under the law of the time, adding a minister means the government must resign and win a new vote of confidence.
The decision in the game
Resign, close the ministry and form a new governmentWhat happened
Benno Rothenberg / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
1951
7 events
Show the 7 events of 1951Hide the events of 1951
In the game from
Schools in the Transit Camps
The coalition is split over schooling for immigrant children in the transit camps: the religious parties oppose a religious stream run by the labour movement. The Minister of Education and Culture brings a registration plan to the Knesset.
The decision in the game
Press the registration plan and go to early elections if it failsWhat happened
The Minister of Foreign Affairs proposes a note to the four occupying powers claiming 1.5 billion dollars from Germany: the cost of absorbing 500,000 survivors of the Holocaust, at 3,000 dollars each.
The decision in the game
Send the claim to the four powersWhat happened
Refuse any dealings with Germany
Sources (5) · Review status: fact-checked and sensitivity-reviewed
Benno Rothenberg / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
Draining the Hula
Drainage works south of Lake Hula, under the Palestine Land Development Company's concession, reach into the demilitarised zone with Syria. Syria has complained, and the chairman of the armistice commission asks that work stop pending agreement. The Prime Minister must decide.
The decision in the game
Continue the works and assert Israel's rights in the zoneWhat happened
Benno Rothenberg / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
The Jews of Iraq
Iraq has frozen the assets of the Jews who gave up their citizenship to leave, and some 64,000 people are still waiting to fly. The transit camps are already crowded. The Minister of Immigration asks whether to bring everyone at once.
The decision in the game
Bring everyone as fast as aircraft allowWhat happened
Abbie Rowe, National Park Service / U.S. National Archives (NARA 200318) · public domain · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
Israel Bonds
The Knesset authorised a bond issue in February; it launches on 10 May. The Minister of Finance proposes selling State of Israel bonds to Jews abroad, alongside the United Jewish Appeal donations.
The decision in the game
Launch the bond issue in the United StatesWhat happened
Drought has forced larger wheat imports, immigration in the first half of the year far exceeded the plan, and about 45 million dollars of short-term credit falls due by December. The Minister of Finance proposes asking the United States for about 15 million dollars in immediate aid.
Benno Rothenberg / Meitar Collection / National Library of Israel / The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection · CC BY 4.0 · graded and cropped · Wikimedia Commons
In the game from
Talks with Germany
The Prime Minister asks the Knesset to let the government negotiate directly with West Germany over reparations for the Holocaust, on Israel's claim of 1.5 billion dollars. Herut, the General Zionists and Mapam oppose any dealings with Bonn, and Herut asks for a referendum first. The debate opens on 7 January 1952.
The decision in the game
Ask the Knesset to authorise direct talks with GermanyWhat happened
Rule out any negotiation with Germany
Put the question to the people in a referendum first
Sources (4) · Review status: fact-checked and sensitivity-reviewed
Each event opens in a date window. When a turn reaches the window, the game puts the card to the minister in charge, and the player picks an option. The option marked “What happened” here is the historical choice; the others are alternatives that were on the table or design assumptions, and the comments in the event file note where an option is an assumption.
Each option has effects on the game’s indicators, such as security, morale and international support. Those values are game balance, not historical facts, and the “Why?” panel shows each turn what changed and why.
Every event has been checked against its sources. 10 events with sensitive tags (war casualties, terror, the Holocaust) have also had a sensitivity review, and the build tools refuse to package a shareable build without it. No historian has reviewed the game yet; that is planned for M4.
Because GDD v0.1 is now the design of record, this will change: under the GDD, completing an objective brings up a card about the historical event tied to it, with its real date.
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
