La guerre des 6 jours (1967). Les guerres israélo-arabes (3/4)

Summary

In the wake of the Suez Crisis in 1956, Egyptian leader Nasser gained significant prestige across the Arab world, securing condemnation of British and French intervention by the US, USSR, and the UN, and forcing Israel to withdraw. Despite this, Israel's recognition by Arab states remained elusive, and peace in the region remained fragile, particularly along the Israeli-Syrian border. In 1967, tensions escalated, leading to the Six-Day War, where Israel swiftly defeated Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, significantly expanding its territory. This conflict reshaped the Middle East, with Israel's territorial gains including Jerusalem, the Sinai Peninsula, and the Golan Heights, while the Arab nations' defeat led to a renewed military campaign against Israel.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nasser gained significant prestige in the Arab world following the Suez Canal Crisis in October 1956, securing condemnation of British and French intervention from the US, USSR, and the UN.
• 😀 Despite this, Israel remained unrecognized by any Arab states, and peace in the region remained fragile, particularly between Israel and Syria over water resources and diplomatic tensions.
• 😀 In 1966, tensions escalated between Israel, Egypt, and Syria, particularly with incidents in the Golan Heights after Egypt and Syria formed a military alliance.
• 😀 Egypt initiated the remilitarization of Sinai in 1966, demanding the withdrawal of UN peacekeeping forces, which was accepted by the UN but rejected by Israel.
• 😀 Egypt's continued military actions, including blocking Israeli ships in the Strait of Tiran, led to Israel launching an attack on June 5, 1967.
• 😀 Israel's airstrike on June 5, 1967, was decisive, destroying 109 of Egypt’s 340 aircraft and crippling Egypt's military capability in a single day.
• 😀 The Israeli army advanced rapidly through Sinai, and within four days, Egypt had lost 80% of its military power, with significant casualties and prisoners taken by Israel.
• 😀 Jordan joined the conflict on June 5, 1967, but after fighting on the Egyptian front, Israel took control of all of Jerusalem and the West Bank by June 9.
• 😀 Israel then launched an offensive to seize the strategically important Golan Heights, with tensions rising between the US and USSR, who pressured for a ceasefire.
• 😀 The Six-Day War ended on June 10, 1967, with a humiliating defeat for the Arab states, who lost significant territory, including Sinai, the Golan Heights, and the West Bank.
• 😀 The UN called for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East with Resolution 242 in November 1967, but Arab states rejected any recognition of Israel or peace negotiations, continuing military actions, particularly along the Suez Canal.

Q & A

What was the impact of the Suez Crisis on Egyptian leader Nasser's reputation?

Following the Suez Crisis in 1956, Egyptian leader Nasser gained significant prestige across the Arab world, as he successfully secured condemnation of British and French intervention from the United States, the USSR, and the United Nations, along with a withdrawal of Israeli forces.

How did the tensions between Israel and the Arab states, particularly Syria, evolve by 1966?

By 1966, tensions had escalated, especially on the border between Israel and Syria. This period saw rising conflicts over water resources and military alliances, particularly between Egypt and Syria, which led to further military mobilizations and confrontations in the region.

What role did the United Nations play in the military situation on the Sinai border in 1966?

In 1966, Egypt and Syria concluded a military alliance, which led Egypt to remilitarize the Sinai and demand the withdrawal of UN peacekeeping forces. The UN accepted this request, but Israel refused to comply, exacerbating the situation.

What were the consequences of Israel's actions during the June 5, 1967 attack?

On June 5, 1967, Israel launched a decisive aerial attack, destroying 109 out of 340 Egyptian planes on the first day. The Egyptian military suffered severe losses, and Israel made significant territorial gains, including the Sinai Peninsula.

How did the conflict affect Egypt's military?

The Egyptian military faced a catastrophic defeat, losing 80% of its combat strength. Over 15,000 Egyptian soldiers were killed or wounded, and more than 5,500 were taken prisoner, including 500 officers.

What was the outcome of the conflict between Israel and Jordan in June 1967?

Jordan launched an attack on June 5, 1967, but Israel quickly countered and gained control over all of Jerusalem and the West Bank, solidifying its territorial hold despite the ongoing conflict.

What strategic territory did Israel gain during the 1967 conflict?

Israel gained significant territories, including the Sinai Peninsula, the Golan Heights, and the West Bank. The capture of Jerusalem was especially symbolic, marking a major shift in the region's geopolitical landscape.

How did the United Nations respond to the 1967 conflict?

The United Nations, through Resolution 242, called for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, urging the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories and the recognition of all states in the region.

What was the outcome of the Khartoum Resolution in September 1967?

The Khartoum Resolution rejected any recognition of Israel, any negotiations with Israel, and any truce with Israel. It marked the Arab League's continued refusal to engage diplomatically with Israel after the 1967 defeat.

What military strategy did the Arab states adopt after the 1967 defeat?

After the 1967 defeat, the Arab states, particularly Egypt, engaged in a 'war of attrition' along the Suez Canal, continuing military actions against Israeli positions while avoiding full-scale conflict.