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The Six-Day War, fought from June 5 to June 10, 1967, was a brief but highly impactful conflict between Israel and the neighboring Arab states of Egypt (then the United Arab Republic), Jordan, and Syria. It reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and had profound long-term consequences. Here's an overview of the events and their significance:

Background

Tensions in the Middle East had been rising throughout the 1960s, with a combination of ideological conflicts, territorial disputes, and concerns over water rights exacerbating relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

  1. Arab-Israeli Hostility: Since the creation of Israel in 1948, the Arab states had refused to recognize it, and periodic skirmishes and border clashes occurred, particularly with Egypt, Syria, and Jordan.
  2. Growing Militarization: Egypt and other Arab nations had been building up their military capabilities, often supported by the Soviet Union.
  3. Suez Crisis (1956): Just over a decade earlier, Israel, Britain, and France had attacked Egypt after Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal. While the military conflict ended quickly due to international pressure, the situation between Israel and its neighbors remained volatile.

Prelude to War

Several key developments led directly to the Six-Day War:

  • Egyptian Mobilization: In May 1967, Nasser ordered the withdrawal of United Nations peacekeepers from the Sinai Peninsula and moved Egyptian troops into the region.
  • Closing of the Straits of Tiran: On May 22, 1967, Nasser closed the Straits of Tiran, a vital maritime passage for Israel’s shipping, particularly oil imports. Israel viewed this as an act of war.
  • Arab Alliances: Egypt formed alliances with Syria and Jordan, creating a unified Arab military command. It seemed that the region was on the brink of war, with Arab states openly calling for the destruction of Israel.

The War (June 5–10, 1967)

  1. Israeli Preemptive Strike: On the morning of June 5, 1967, Israel launched a preemptive airstrike against Egypt, known as Operation Focus. In just a few hours, the Israeli Air Force destroyed the majority of Egypt's air force while it was still grounded, gaining air superiority.
  2. Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip (Egypt): With Egyptian air power neutralized, Israeli ground forces moved into the Sinai Peninsula and the Gaza Strip. Within four days, Israeli forces had pushed Egyptian troops across the Suez Canal, effectively controlling the entire Sinai.
  3. West Bank (Jordan): Despite Israeli pleas to stay out of the war, Jordan launched an attack on western Jerusalem and other Israeli targets. In response, Israel quickly moved against Jordanian forces in the West Bank. By June 7, Israeli forces had captured East Jerusalem, including the Old City, and much of the West Bank, including cities like Hebron and Nablus.
  4. Golan Heights (Syria): On the northern front, Syria had been shelling Israeli settlements from the strategic Golan Heights. After securing victories in the Sinai and West Bank, Israel turned its attention to Syria. On June 9 and 10, Israeli forces launched an offensive and captured the Golan Heights, ending the war.

Aftermath and Consequences

  1. Territorial Gains: Israel’s victory was swift and decisive, and it resulted in significant territorial changes:
    • Sinai Peninsula and the Gaza Strip from Egypt.
    • West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan.
    • Golan Heights from Syria.
    These areas became known as the occupied territories.
  2. Political and Diplomatic Fallout:
    • The Arab world was humiliated by the rapid defeat, especially given the immense loss of territory and prestige.
    • The war led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians and contributed to the long-term refugee crisis.
    • Israel’s control over the Old City of Jerusalem and its holy sites, especially the Western Wall and the Temple Mount, was a significant moment in Israeli history.
  3. U.N. Security Council Resolution 242: In the wake of the war, the United Nations passed Resolution 242, calling for the "withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories occupied in the recent conflict" and the recognition of every state's right to live in peace. This resolution became the basis for future peace negotiations.
  4. Rise of Palestinian Nationalism: While the war weakened Arab states, it contributed to the rise of the Palestinian national movement. Groups like the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), under Yasser Arafat, became more prominent in the struggle for Palestinian statehood.
  5. Continued Conflict: Although the Six-Day War ended in a resounding Israeli victory, it did not bring lasting peace. The territorial issues, particularly regarding the West Bank, Gaza, and Jerusalem, have remained central to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and broader Arab-Israeli tensions.

Legacy

The Six-Day War fundamentally altered the balance of power in the Middle East. Israel's territorial gains created a security buffer but also led to decades of occupation and ongoing conflict. The war set the stage for future conflicts, including the Yom Kippur War in 1973 and the enduring Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The legacy of the Six-Day War is still felt today, particularly in discussions about peace, borders, and the status of Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories.