The Six-Day War of June 1967 stands as one of the most dramatic events in modern history, fundamentally altering the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. This conflict between Israel and four Arab nations—Egypt, Syria, Jordan, and Iraq—reshaped the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and transferred control of the West Bank from Jordan to Israel. It also unleashed a wave of Islamic extremism that continues to influence the region today.
Origins of the Six-Day War
The roots of the Six-Day War are complex, intertwined with the rise of pan-Arabism. This movement sought to unite countries like Syria, Iraq, and Jordan, which were created by Europeans after World War I, into a single Arab state. The central question was who would lead this unified state. Arab rulers, eager to assert dominance, engaged in aggressive posturing against Israel. Gamal Abdul Nasser, the charismatic leader of Egypt, spearheaded these efforts. On May 16, 1967, Nasser expelled UN peacekeepers from the Sinai desert and Gaza Strip, areas under Egyptian control, and blockaded the Straits of Tiran, effectively choking off Israel’s vital southern port of Eilat.
Israel’s Strategic Dilemma
By early June 1967, Israel found itself surrounded by hostile forces. Egypt’s army was positioned on its southern border, while Jordanian and Iraqi forces threatened from the east, and Syrian forces loomed in the north. Despite friendly ties with the United States, Israel lacked a strategic alliance and faced these threats virtually alone. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), equipped with French arms, faced a life-and-death situation. Israel’s political leaders formed a national unity government, with Levi Eshkol as Prime Minister and Moshe Dayan as Defense Minister. The pressing question was whether to wait for an inevitable attack or strike preemptively.
The Preemptive Strike
After intense deliberation, Israel’s leaders decided to launch a preemptive strike. On the morning of June 5, 1967, Israel executed one of the largest air strikes in military history, catching the Egyptian Air Force by surprise and destroying three-quarters of it on the ground. This decisive move gave Israel command of the skies, a significant tactical advantage. Israeli ground forces then advanced into the Sinai Peninsula, aiming to neutralize the Egyptian threat and deter other Arab states from joining the conflict.
The Three-Front War
Despite Israel’s warnings, Jordan’s King Hussein joined the fray, leading to a three-front war. Jordanian forces bombarded West Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, while Syrian artillery shelled Israeli towns in the Galilee. Israel responded with determination, knowing its survival was at stake. In the Sinai desert, Israeli jets and ground troops pushed Egyptian forces back toward the Suez Canal. In Jerusalem, Israeli paratroopers advanced into the eastern half of the city, achieving the long-held Jewish dream of reuniting East and West Jerusalem.
The Aftermath and Legacy
By the war’s end, Israel had defeated multiple Arab armies and quadrupled the territory under its control. This stunning victory convinced American leaders to ally with Israel and provide military support. However, the war also left Israel with the challenge of governing over a million Palestinians, a dilemma that continues to shape Israeli political and military strategy. The Six-Day War was a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern history, demonstrating Israel’s military prowess and altering the region’s dynamics. Its legacy endures, influencing the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the broader geopolitical landscape.
