Since the birth of the Israeli nation-state in 1948, violence and conflict have played an important role in Israel's short history. In the sixty-one years Israel has been a recognized nation-state, it has fought in 6 interstate wars, 2 civil wars, and over 144 militarized dyadic interstate disputes (MIDs) with some displays of military force against other states (Maoz 5). Israel has been involved in ongoing conflicts over the past half century. Israel's tension against other Middle Eastern states has spurred a broad economic, social, and political unity that has fostered a sense of nationalism and unity in Israel not found in most other states. In the next few pages I will try to analyze the reasons why the nation state of Israel emerged in constant conflict and how this conflict helped to promote national unity and identity among the people of Israel. Israel's involvement in the war is nothing new. phenomenon. Military conflict has been present throughout the history of the Jewish nation. In biblical times the Jewish people were continually engaged in military conflict, often the aggressor, as Yahweh called them to fight to establish themselves in the “promised land” (Joshua 8:1-2 New International Version). The first military conflict of the Children of Israel occurred in 1445 BC against the Amalekites during the time of the Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 17:10 NIV). Over the next two centuries, the Israelites conquered most of the territory now known as Israel while fighting many different tribes in what was almost constant military conflict (NIV). The tribes of Israel were unified by the establishment of a monarchical system led by Saul in 1020 BC (Benhaim np). David, the second king of Israel, created a c...... middle of paper ...... thousands of years from the time of nomadic tribes to kings who ruled over millions of people. While the land covered was vast and the people numerous, one thing was a constant in the history of the Jewish people: conflict. The conflict that the people of Israel faced caused much destruction and horror in the lives of many, however Israel turned the history of the conflict into a positive light in order to create a united nation behind it. Israel has created a rapid military force that provides thousands of jobs both in factories and within the army itself. They have also created an economic system that creates vast productions of quality goods to compete with other countries in the Middle East and around the world. Israel has transformed the devastation of war and the concerns of ongoing conflict into constructive action that has kept Israel alive and powerful.