History of Eilat

Eilat is Israel's southern gateway - a port city and tourist resort bordering Jordan and Egypt. The city's strategic location strngly appealed to many of the occupiers throughout the city's history. Eilat is mentioned a few times in the Bible, as a stop over on the Children of Israel's journey through the desert and as a strategic invasion and occupation loaction for both King David and King Solomon. Archaeological findings discovered around the city indicate that Eilat was dominated by the ancient Egyptians, Midianites, Romans, Nabataeans, Byzantines, Mamluks, the Crusaders, the Turks and the British. Eilat's modern history: 1949 - Um Rash Rash was conquered and occupied by the Palmach Negev Brigade. The raising of the ink flag marked the end of the War of Independence and the founding of the city of Eilat. 1950 - early fifties, Eilat was a small community with mostly port employees, military personnel and former prisoners. 1956 - Suez Crisis Kadesh Operation. Following the war, Eilat boosted and the local council, tourism and port rapidly developed. 1959 - a decade after the conquest, Eilat was declared a city. 1967 - Six-Day war. Eilat strategic location was of utmost importance. 1968 - Yoseftal hospital was established to serve the residents of Eilat and the Arava and soldiers from bases in the region. Factories were established that included: Dea Sea Plant, Electric Company, and copper mines. 1979 - signing of the peace agreement with Egypt, in which Israel gave up it's right to the Sinai Peninsula. 1982 - Israel withdrew completely from Sinai . Eilat becomes the Red Sea's exclusive tourism resort. 1980-1999 - tourist attractions and new hotels are established in Eilat. It's distance from the centre of the country and the spectacular views of the Red Sea, makes Eilat a leading tourism destination for both domestic and international tourism.