Here's How the Six-Day War Changed the Map of the Middle East | History

Summary

The Six-Day War, which began on June 5th, 1967, was a pivotal conflict in the Middle East that significantly altered the region's geography. Israel, surrounded by pro-Palestine Arab nations, faced escalating tensions and military threats. In response, Israel launched a preemptive strike, crippling the air forces of Egypt and Syria and swiftly overpowering its adversaries. The war resulted in Israel more than doubling its territory, claiming the Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, Golan Heights, West Bank, and East Jerusalem. Despite lasting only six days, the war's impact was profound, reshaping the Middle East's political landscape.

Takeaways

• 🗓️ The Six-Day War erupted on June 5th, 1967, and was the largest armed conflict in a long-standing dispute over the Middle East's holy land.
• 🌍 The war significantly changed the geography of the Middle East, with impacts lasting for decades after its conclusion.
• 🏺 Many Israelis claim a divine right to the land, while Palestinians, whose ancestors lived there for centuries, consider themselves the rightful inhabitants.
• 🏛️ In 1948, Israel declared independence and claimed land that was previously classified as Palestinian, including parts of Jerusalem.
• ⚔️ Neighboring Arab nations, opposing Israel's existence, invaded Israel, leading to an expansion of Israel's military presence.
• 🔥 Tensions escalated in the region over the next two decades, with ongoing clashes over trade routes, political alliances, and Jerusalem.
• 🔝 In 1967, Egyptian President Nasser's actions, including the blockade of the Straits of Tiran, heightened tensions and threatened Israel's stability.
• ⏳ Israel responded to the growing military presence of its Arab neighbors by launching a series of pre-emptive strikes on June 5th.
• 🏞️ Israel's military strategy was highly successful, quickly incapacitating the air forces of Egypt and Syria, and gaining ground on multiple fronts.
• 📉 The United Nations Security Council called for a ceasefire on June 7th, which was accepted by all parties, ending the war on June 10th.
• 📈 Post-war, Israel more than doubled its territory, claiming the Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, Golan Heights, West Bank, and East Jerusalem, dramatically redrawing the Middle East map.

Q & A

What was the primary cause of the Six-Day War in 1967?

The primary cause was the longstanding dispute over the holy land in the Middle East, with Israel's declaration of independence in 1948 and the surrounding Arab nations' opposition to its existence.

How did the United Nations play a role in the establishment of Israel?

The United Nations provided authority for Israel to formally declare its independence in 1948, which included claiming land previously classified as Palestinian territory.

What were the key actions taken by Egypt and other Arab nations leading up to the Six-Day War?

Egypt mobilized troops in the Sinai Peninsula, requested the removal of UN peacekeeping personnel, and blocked Israeli ships from passing through the Straits of Tiran, actions designed to disrupt Israel's safety and economic stability.

What was the Israeli military's strategy at the beginning of the Six-Day War?

Israel launched simultaneous pre-emptive attacks on June 5th, targeting the air forces of Egypt and Syria before their planes could take off, which was a resounding success.

How did the Israeli military capitalize on their air superiority during the war?

With the Arab alliance's air forces incapacitated, Israel used their ground forces to expand across the region, overpowering their Arab foes and significantly expanding Israeli territory.

What was the outcome of the United Nations Security Council's call for a ceasefire?

The Jordanian leadership accepted the ceasefire immediately, and the weakened Egyptian government followed suit, leading to a ceasefire on June 10th.

What territories did Israel gain control of as a result of the Six-Day War?

Israel gained control of the Gaza Strip and Sinai Peninsula from Egypt, the Golan Heights from Syria, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, from Jordan.

How did the Six-Day War alter the map of the Middle East?

The war resulted in Israel more than doubling its territory, which significantly altered the geopolitical landscape of the region.

What were the immediate consequences for the Palestinian population after the war?

Hundreds of thousands of refugees from the captured territories were placed under Israeli rule, which had long-term implications for the Palestinian people.

How did the Six-Day War impact the balance of power in the Middle East?

The war solidified Israel's military dominance in the region and led to a significant shift in the balance of power, with Israel becoming a regional superpower.

What was the approximate number of casualties among the pro-Palestine Arab Alliance during the Six-Day War?

More than 10,000 members of the pro-Palestine Arab Alliance were killed during the conflict.