How did divisions among Arab states affect the 1948 war?

Divisions among Arab states significantly hindered their military effectiveness during the 1948 war. Although armies from Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon entered the conflict, the war effort remained decentralized, and the forces never succeeded in mounting a common, coordinated offensive.12

These divisions were rooted in conflicting national objectives. King Abdullah I of Jordan sought to expand his rule over the areas of Palestine allotted to Arab control and strongly opposed the creation of an independent Palestinian state led by his rival, Hajj Amin al-Husseini. Meanwhile, Egypt was deeply suspicious of Jordanian ambitions and directed its own military efforts in part to prevent a Jordanian takeover of Palestinian territories.23

This lack of unity prevented the Arab forces from capitalizing on their initial gains. By the time the first truce began in June 1948, the Arab forces had largely exhausted their capabilities, allowing the Israel Defense Forces to reorganize and eventually take the initiative in subsequent fighting.2