Balfour Agreement

The Balfour Agreement contained key points that would have lasting implications for the region, including support for a Jewish homeland and the recognition of the rights of non-Jewish communities in Palestine.

• Jewish Homeland: The British government expressed its support for the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine.
• Non-Jewish Communities: The declaration also stated that the rights of non-Jewish communities in Palestine should not be prejudiced.
• Diplomatic Implications: The agreement was a diplomatic victory for the Zionist movement, gaining formal support from a major world power.

The Balfour Agreement later became part of the British Mandate for Palestine, with Britain given the responsibility of implementing the terms of the declaration while governing Palestine under League of Nations auspices.

• Mandate System: The League of Nations granted Britain the mandate to govern Palestine, with the goal of preparing the territory for self-rule.
• Implementation Challenges: Britain faced significant challenges in implementing the Balfour Declaration, as tensions between Jews and Arabs escalated.
• Conflicting Promises: The Balfour Agreement conflicted with earlier promises made to Arab leaders during World War I, contributing to Arab discontent.