The Six Day War - A Turning Point in Middle Eastern History

The Six Day War, also known as the June War or the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, was a major conflict that took place between June 5 and June 10, 1967. It involved Israel on one side and an alliance of Arab states, including Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, on the other.

This article delves into the key events, causes, and aftermath of this historic conflict, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of one of the defining moments in Middle Eastern history.

The Six Day War: The Breaking of the Middle East

by Guy Laron (Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Background and Causes

Prior to the Six Day War, tensions had been rising in the region for years. The fundamental causes can be traced back to the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 and the subsequent displacement of Palestinian Arabs.

Tensions reached a boiling point in May 1967 when Egypt's President Gamal Abdel Nasser closed the Straits of Tiran, effectively blocking Israel's access to the Red Sea. This move, combined with the increasing militarization of Egypt and other Arab states, raised concerns in Israel about its national security.

Furthermore, a series of hostile actions and rhetoric from various Arab states contributed to the escalating tensions. The formation of a military alliance among Egypt, Syria, and Jordan further heightened the sense of imminent conflict.

The Outbreak of War

On June 5, 1967, Israel launched a preemptive strike against Egyptian airfields in an attempt to cripple Egypt's air force. This surprise attack marked the beginning of the Six Day War.

The Israeli forces quickly gained air superiority and launched ground offensives across multiple fronts. In just six days, they managed to defeat the combined Arab forces and occupy vast territories, including the Sinai Peninsula, West Bank, Gaza Strip, and the Golan Heights.

The Impact

The Six Day War had far-reaching consequences for the Middle East, reshaping regional dynamics and influencing geopolitics for decades to come.

Israel's stunning victory significantly increased its territorial control, positioning it at the center of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The annexation of East Jerusalem and the subsequent occupation of the West Bank fueled ongoing tensions between Israel and the Palestinians.

For Egypt, Syria, and Jordan, the war was a devastating blow. In addition to losing significant land, their humiliation in the military defeat led to internal turmoil, political instability, and lasting resentment towards Israel and the West.

The Aftermath and Legacy

The aftermath of the Six Day War further entrenched the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the occupation of Palestinian territories becoming a major point of contention. Subsequent peace negotiations, such as the Camp David Accords and Oslo Accords, attempted to address these issues but remain unresolved to this day.

Moreover, the war served as a turning point in the wider Arab-Israeli conflict, intensifying the animosities between Israel and its Arab neighbors. The events of 1967 solidified Israel's position as a regional power and led to a series of geopolitical changes, including the strengthening of support for Israel among Western nations.

The Six Day War was a watershed moment in Middle Eastern history, marking a significant shift in power dynamics and leaving a lasting impact on regional geopolitics. Its repercussions continue to shape the region today, with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remaining a central issue.

As we reflect upon the events of the Six Day War, it is crucial to understand the complex web of historical, political, and religious factors that contributed to this conflict. By doing so, we can gain a better understanding of the challenges facing the region and work towards a more peaceful and stable future.

Sources

• History - Six Day War
• BBC News - Six Day War: What happened and why does it still matter?
• Al Jazeera - The Six Day War: Why Arab states lost their power

The Six Day War: The Breaking of the Middle East

by Guy Laron (Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2134 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	387 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The author of Origins of the Suez Crisis “mak[es] us look afresh at the events that led to conflict between Israel and its neighbors” (Financial Times).

One fateful week in June 1967 redrew the map of the Middle East. Many scholars have documented how the Six-Day War unfolded, but little has been done to explain why the conflict happened at all. Now, historian Guy Laron refutes the widely accepted belief that the war was merely the result of regional friction, revealing the crucial roles played by American and Soviet policies in the face of an encroaching global economic crisis, and restoring Syria’s often overlooked centrality to events leading up to the hostilities.
 
The Six-Day War effectively sowed the seeds for the downfall of Arab nationalism, the growth of Islamic extremism, and the animosity between Jews and Palestinians. In this important new work, Laron’s fresh interdisciplinary perspective and extensive archival research offer a significant reassessment of a conflict—and the trigger-happy generals behind it—that continues to shape the modern world.
 
“Challenging . . . well worth reading.”—Moment
 
“A penetrating study of a conflict that, although brief, helped establish a Middle Eastern template that is operational today . . . The author looks beyond Cold War maneuvering to examine the conflict in other lights . . . Readers with an interest in Middle Eastern geopolitics will find much of value.”—Kirkus Reviews