On June 5, 1967, the Middle East was on the brink of a major event. A clash between Israel and a group of Arab nations was about to change history. This war, known as the Six-Day War, would last just six days but have a lasting impact.
The war was fueled by long-standing tensions and border disputes. It would affect not just nations but also the lives of many people. In just six days, the Middle East was forever changed, leaving a lasting mark on the world.
Key Takeaways
- The Six-Day War was a turning point in the Middle East, making Israel the dominant military power.
- Israel gained control of the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, Old City of Jerusalem, and Golan Heights. This greatly expanded its territory.
- The war led to a Palestinian refugee crisis, making it a key issue in the Arab-Israeli conflict.
- The war marked a significant moment in the long-standing tensions between Israel and its Arab neighbors.
- The conflict’s legacy continues to influence the Middle East, with ongoing efforts for peace and stability.
Origins and Background
The middle east conflict started long ago. It began with arab-israeli tensions after Israel was formed in 1948. In the 1950s and 1960s, Palestinian groups attacked Israel from Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. Israel then had to take costly actions to defend itself.
Arab-Israeli Tensions in the 1950s and 1960s
Things got worse with border disputes and skirmishes. For example, in 1966, Israel bombed a Jordanian village, killing 18. In April 1967, Israel’s Air Force downed six Syrian MiG jets in a battle.
| Year | Palestinian Terrorist Attacks Against Israel |
|---|---|
| 1965 | 35 |
| 1966 | 41 |
| 1967 (first four months) | 37 |
These events led to the Six-Day War in June 1967. The growing arab-israeli tensions were a big part of it.
Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser declared in 1965 that the immediate aim was the eradication of Israel.
Border disputes and skirmishes between Israel and Arab neighbors were key. The growing hostility from Arab states also played a big role. This all led to the Six-Day War in 1967.
Rising Tensions and Military Buildup
In the 1960s, tensions between Israel and its Arab neighbors grew. The months before the Six-Day War were very tense. In May 1967, Soviet intelligence wrongly said Israel was going to attack Syria.
The Soviet Intelligence Warning
The Soviet government told Egypt that Israel was getting ready to fight Syria. But, they thought Israel was too weak to fight on two fronts.
Nasser’s Mobilization and Blockade
After hearing from the Soviets, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser acted fast. He moved Egyptian troops to the Sinai and asked the UN to leave. He also blocked the Strait of Tiran, stopping Israeli ships from reaching Elat.
King Hussein of Jordan went to Cairo to sign a defense pact with Egypt. This put Jordan’s army under Egypt’s control. The Middle East was on the brink of a big conflict.
Israel’s Preemptive Strike
On June 5, 1967, Israel launched a preemptive strike against its Arab neighbors. This bold move was a strategy to avoid being caught off guard. It marked a key moment in the Six-Day War.
The Israeli air force destroyed over 90% of Egypt’s planes while they were on the ground. Similar attacks crippled Syria’s air force. With their air power gone, Arab armies were open to Israeli ground attacks.
| Event | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Israeli Preemptive Air Strikes | June 5, 1967 | Destroyed 286 out of Egypt’s 420 combat aircraft, and incapacitated the Syrian air force |
| Capture of Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip | Within 3 days | Overwhelming victory for the IDF on the ground, following the loss of air cover for Arab forces |
The legality of Israel’s preemptive strike is a topic of debate. Israel said it was a defensive move, but others see it as aggression. Yet, the swift action helped Israel win the Six-Day War.
“The prevailing view among historians is that Israel’s attack was defensive in nature, though the debate on whether it was a legitimate preemptive strike or an act of aggression continues.”
The Air Campaigns
The Israeli preemptive air strikes on June 5th, 1967, were a huge success. They destroyed the air forces of Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq. By the end of the first day, Israeli pilots had control of the skies, destroying about 90% of the Egyptian air force while it was on the ground.
Similar attacks took out the air forces of Israel’s other Arab enemies. This left their ground forces open to Israeli attacks.
Decimation of Arab Air Forces
The Israel Air Force (IAF) had only 200 fighters but managed to destroy 391 enemy planes on the ground and 60 in dogfights. Over 3,300 sorties were flown by the IAF during the Six Day War, far more than the Arab air forces combined.
During Operation Moked, the IAF destroyed 189 planes in the first wave and 107 more in the second. This nearly halved the Egyptian air force. Only 12 Israeli planes were kept back to protect the skies during the operation.
The air campaigns were key to Israel’s victory. They crippled the Arab air forces, allowing Israeli ground forces to move forward with little opposition. The air campaigns and the decimation of the Arab air forces were vital to Israel’s success in the Six Day War.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total territory occupied by Israel | 70,000 km2 (27,000 sq mi) |
| Total Israeli troops | 264,000 |
| Total Arab troops | 465,000 |
| Israeli aircraft | 250-300 combat aircraft |
| Arab aircraft | 420 aircraft |
| Israeli tanks | 800 |
| Arab tanks | 2,504 |
| Israeli casualties | 776-983 killed, 4,517 wounded, 15 captured |
| Arab casualties | 11,500-17,500 killed or missing, 4,705 captured |
“The air campaigns were a decisive factor in the Israeli victory, as they crippled the Arab air forces and allowed the Israeli ground forces to advance with minimal aerial opposition.”
Ground Offensives and Capture of Territories
After the air campaigns, Israel launched ground attacks on several fronts. They aimed to take key areas in the region. In the south, Israeli forces moved into the Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip. They faced Egyptian forces, causing heavy losses.
In the east, Jordan’s West Bank and East Jerusalem faced Israeli attacks. Israeli troops took the Old City of Jerusalem on June 7th, 1967. This victory gave Israel more control over the area.
Invasion of the Sinai Peninsula
The Sinai Peninsula was a key battle area in the south. Israeli forces quickly defeated the Egyptian army. This move gave Israel control over the Sinai, a long-disputed area.
Battle for Jerusalem and the West Bank
The West Bank and East Jerusalem saw intense fighting. Israeli troops captured the Old City of Jerusalem on June 7th. This victory helped Israel solidify its hold on the region.
The ground attacks and the capture of these territories expanded Israel’s control. This move created long-term diplomatic issues in the Middle East. It raised questions about the occupied territories and the Palestinian people living there.
| Key Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Israeli Casualties | Fewer than 1,000 |
| Arab Casualties | Over 20,000 |
| Palestinians Fleeing the West Bank | 300,000 |
| Syrians Becoming Refugees | Approximately 100,000 |
| Territories Gained by Israel | Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, West Bank, East Jerusalem, Golan Heights |
The Golan Heights Front
The final phase of the Six-Day War happened along Israel’s northeastern border with Syria. On June 9, Israeli tanks and infantry attacked the Golan Heights after a big air strike. They took control of it from Syrian forces after a tough day of fighting. This victory made Israel even stronger in the area.
The Golan Heights is about 1,000 sq km and is 60km (40 miles) south-west of Damascus in Syria. It’s a key spot on the Israeli-Syrian border. It lets Israel watch Syrian moves and acts as a shield against threats. There are about 20,000 Israelis and 20,000 Syrians, mostly Druze Arabs, living there.
Israel’s win in the Golan Heights was a big victory in the Six-Day War. Arab forces lost 20,000 soldiers, while Israel lost only 800. But, the Yom Kippur War in 1973 was tough for Israel. They lost many air and ground forces to missiles. Israel made the Golan Heights its own in 1981, a move not accepted by the world until the US in 2019.
“The strategic location of the Golan Heights allows Israel to monitor Syrian movements and creates a natural buffer against military threats from Syria.”
Six Day War
The Six-Day War took place from June 5-10, 1967. It was a key moment in the Middle East’s history. Israel’s military quickly defeated Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, gaining control over the Sinai, Gaza, West Bank, Jerusalem’s Old City, and Golan Heights.
Israel’s victory came through air strikes and ground attacks. The Arab armies suffered greatly, with Egypt losing over 11,000 soldiers. Israel’s losses were much lower, with around 700 casualties.
This victory changed the Middle East’s power balance. The Arab public and leaders were shocked by Israel’s strength. Israel became the dominant force in the region, gaining key territories.
| Participant | Total Troops | Casualties | Tanks | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Israel | 264,000 | 776-983 killed, 4,517 wounded | 800 | 250-300 |
| Egypt | 160,000 | 9,800-15,000 killed or missing | 900-950 | 420 |
| Jordan | 55,000 | 696-700 killed, 2,500 wounded | 270 | N/A |
| Syria | 75,000 | 1,000 | N/A | N/A |
The Six-Day War had a lasting impact on the Middle East. It led to ongoing conflicts over territories like the Golan Heights, West Bank, and Gaza. These disputes continue to cause instability and concern worldwide.
Aftermath and Legacy
The Six-Day War changed everything for the Arab states and Israel. Egypt, Jordan, and Syria faced huge losses in lives and equipment. They lost over 11,000 soldiers, 6,000 from Jordan, and 1,000 from Syria, while Israel lost just 700.
This defeat was a big blow to the Arab armies. It made Egyptian President Nasser step down, but he came back after people protested. For Israel, the war was a turning point. They went from fighting for survival to becoming a strong occupier, expanding their territory by four times.
Israel’s Territorial Gains
Israel’s gains in the Six-Day War were huge. They became a major power in the Middle East. They took control of key areas, including:
- Sinai Peninsula
- Gaza Strip
- West Bank
- Old City of Jerusalem
- Golan Heights
This change in power led to more fights and conflicts with Arab neighbors. It’s a legacy that continues to affect the region today.
“The war led to Israeli forces quickly occupying the West Bank, Gaza, the Golan Heights, and the Sinai Peninsula.”
The Palestinian Refugee Crisis
The Six-Day War had a huge impact on Palestinians, creating hundreds of thousands of refugees. Over one million Palestinians now live under Israeli rule. The rights of Palestinians have become a major issue in the Arab-Israeli conflict.
When the war started, about 1,400,000 Arabs lived in Palestine. Estimates say 520,000 to 1,000,000 Arabs were displaced, with over 700,000 likely. By 1949, more than half of the Arab population, over 700,000, lived in the West Bank.
Between 160,000 and 190,000 Arabs fled to the Gaza Strip. Around 150,000 Arabs stayed in Israel after it was established in 1948. About one-fifth of Palestinian Arabs left, with many going to Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, and Iraq.
The palestinian refugee crisis had a lasting effect. UNRWA set up 53 refugee camps in 1950 to help over 650,000 Arab refugees. By 1951, they were teaching over 40,000 students.
Today, the palestinian refugee crisis is complex and contentious. The United Nations says over 5.6 million Palestinian refugees are registered. More than 1.5 million live in UNRWA camps. An additional 1,050,000 to 1,380,000 people, descendants of displaced individuals, are not registered.
“The palestinian refugee crisis had a lasting impact, with UNRWA establishing 53 refugee camps in various areas to assist over 650,000 Arab refugees in 1950.”
The palestinian refugee crisis has had a deep and lasting impact. It has shaped the political and humanitarian landscape for decades. The rights of Palestinians and the status of occupied territories are key issues in the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Renewed Arab-Israeli Hostilities
The defeat of Arab forces in the Six-Day War of 1967 was a huge blow. Arab leaders met in Khartoum, Sudan, in August 1967. They signed the Khartoum Resolution. This said “no peace, no recognition and no negotiation” with Israel.
This resolution led to more arab-israeli hostilities in the years that followed.
Tensions kept rising, with fights and border issues between Israel and its Arab neighbors. In 1969, Egypt started the War of Attrition. It was a series of small attacks and counterattacks along the Suez Canal. This war lasted until 1970 and caused big losses for both sides, with no clear winner.
The Khartoum Resolution
The Khartoum Resolution was a key moment after the Six-Day War. Arab leaders signed it, refusing to make peace, recognize, or negotiate with Israel. This hard stance made the conflict worse and set the stage for more fights.
| Key Events After the Six-Day War | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Khartoum Resolution (1967) | Arab leaders reject peace, recognition, and negotiations with Israel |
| War of Attrition (1969-1970) | Conflict between Egypt and Israel along the Suez Canal, no clear victor |
| Yom Kippur War (1973) | Egypt and Syria launch a surprise attack on Israel, leading to another Arab-Israeli conflict |
The Six-Day War’s aftermath led to a new era of arab-israeli hostilities. The Khartoum Resolution was a key reason for more conflict. This period saw ongoing tensions, small wars, and failed peace talks between Israel and its Arab neighbors.
Territorial Disputes and Peace Efforts
The lands Israel took in the Six-Day War, like the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Golan Heights, are key to ending the Arab-Israeli conflict. Israel gave back the Sinai to Egypt in 1982. It also left the Gaza Strip in 2005. But, it keeps the West Bank and Golan Heights, causing big problems for peace.
The Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip
The Sinai Peninsula was given back to Egypt in 1982, a big step towards peace. But, the Gaza Strip is a different story. Israel left in 2005, but Hamas took over, leading to many fights and military actions, like “Pillar of Defense” in 2012.
The West Bank and Golan Heights
The West Bank and Golan Heights are harder to solve. Israel keeps building settlements there, which many see as illegal. This makes it hard for Israel and the Palestinians to agree on peace.
For decades, peace efforts have not solved the territorial disputes over these lands. This makes lasting peace in the Middle East very hard to achieve.
“The status of these disputed territories remains a major obstacle in achieving a comprehensive peace settlement between Israel and its Arab neighbors.”
Conclusion
The Six-Day War of 1967 was a key moment in the Middle East’s history. It had big effects that are felt today. Israel won big, taking the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights, and East Jerusalem. This changed the power balance and made the Arab-Israeli conflict even more intense.
This war also started a new chapter in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The occupation of these areas and the struggles of Palestinian refugees became major points in peace talks. Finding a lasting peace has been a big challenge ever after.
The Six-Day War’s impact is debated and causes ongoing tensions. It has shaped the Middle East’s politics. The UN’s Resolution 242 and the Beirut initiative in 2002 are key examples of this.
The war also led to a rise in Palestinian nationalism. It caused big changes in Jordan and Lebanon. These events were all influenced by the war’s outcomes.
The Six-Day War was a turning point in the Middle East. Its effects are felt in the region’s politics today. Finding peace remains a big challenge.
FAQ
What was the Six-Day War?
The Six-Day War, also known as the June War, was a brief but decisive conflict. It took place from June 5-10, 1967 between Israel and the Arab states of Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. Israel emerged as the preeminent military power in the region after decisively defeating its Arab neighbors.
What were the origins of the Six-Day War?
The origins of the Six-Day War can be traced back to the longstanding tensions and conflicts between Israel and its Arab neighbors. In the 1950s and 1960s, attacks by Palestinian guerrilla groups against Israel increased, leading to costly Israeli reprisals. Tensions were further heightened by border disputes and skirmishes.
What led to the escalation of tensions in the months before the war?
In the months leading up to the Six-Day War, tensions in the region continued to escalate. Soviet intelligence reports in May 1967 wrongly indicated that Israel was planning a campaign against Syria. This further heightened the already tense situation. In response, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser mobilized Egyptian forces in the Sinai Peninsula, formally requested the removal of the UN Emergency Force stationed there, and closed the Strait of Tiran to Israeli shipping, effectively instituting a blockade of the port city of Elat in southern Israel.
How did Israel respond to the escalating tensions?
In response to the apparent mobilization of its Arab neighbors, on the morning of June 5, 1967, Israel launched a sudden preemptive air assault. This destroyed more than 90 percent of Egypt’s air force while it was on the ground. Similar air strikes incapacitated the Syrian air force as well.
What was the outcome of the air campaigns during the Six-Day War?
The Israeli preemptive air strikes on June 5th were a resounding success. They decimated the air forces of Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq. By the end of the first day, Israeli pilots had established complete air superiority, destroying around 90% of the Egyptian air force as it sat on the ground. Similar air assaults neutralized the air forces of Israel’s other Arab adversaries, leaving their ground forces vulnerable to the subsequent Israeli ground offensives.
What was the outcome of the ground offensives during the Six-Day War?
Following the devastating air campaigns, the Israelis launched ground offensives on multiple fronts. On the southern front, Israeli tanks and infantry stormed into the Sinai Peninsula and the Gaza Strip, inflicting heavy casualties on the retreating Egyptian forces. On the eastern front, Jordanian forces in the West Bank and East Jerusalem came under fierce Israeli counterattacks, with Israeli troops capturing the Old City of Jerusalem on June 7th. The final phase of the war saw Israeli forces capture the Golan Heights from Syria after an intense aerial bombardment and ground assault.
What were the consequences of the Six-Day War for the Arab states?
The aftermath of the Six-Day War was disastrous for the Arab states. Egypt, Jordan, and Syria suffered heavy casualties, with over 11,000 Egyptian, 6,000 Jordanian, and 1,000 Syrian deaths, compared to only 700 Israeli casualties. The Arab armies also suffered enormous losses in weapons and equipment. The lopsided defeat demoralized both the Arab public and political elite, leading to the resignation of Egyptian President Nasser, though he later returned to office due to public demonstrations.
How did the Six-Day War impact the Palestinian population?
The Six-Day War also had a significant impact on the Palestinian population. The conflict created hundreds of thousands of new Palestinian refugees and brought more than one million Palestinians in the occupied territories under Israeli rule. The status of these territories and the rights of the Palestinian people became a major point of contention in the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict in the aftermath of the war.
How did the Arab states respond to their defeat in the Six-Day War?
Wounded by their defeat in the Six-Day War, Arab leaders met in Khartoum, Sudan, in August 1967. They signed the Khartoum Resolution, which promised “no peace, no recognition and no negotiation” with Israel. This resolution set the stage for renewed Arab-Israeli hostilities, with Egypt and Syria later launching the Yom Kippur War against Israel in 1973 in an attempt to regain the territories lost during the Six-Day War.
What was the long-term impact of the Six-Day War on the Middle East conflict?
The lands captured by Israel during the Six-Day War, including the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Golan Heights, have been at the center of efforts to end the Arab-Israeli conflict in the decades following. Israel returned the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt in 1982 as part of a peace treaty, and later withdrew from the Gaza Strip in 2005. But it has continued to occupy and settle other territories, such as the West Bank and Golan Heights. The status of these disputed territories remains a major obstacle in achieving a complete peace settlement between Israel and its Arab neighbors.
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