In the spring of 1967, Israel and its Arab neighbors were yet again at the brink of war. Mounting tensions between the Jewish state and its neighbors soon boiled over into what would be the third major conflict in the Middle East since Israel’s creation in 1948. The war that followed led to an astonishing Israeli victory. In just six days, despite being surrounded and attacked from all sides, Israel was able to decisively win.
Rising Tensions in the Spring of 1967
On May 22, 1967, Egypt again blockades the straits of Tiran This was considered an “act of war” under the treaty that ended the 1956 Suez War, however, international support was geared toward preventing another conflict and Israel is told to do nothing and allow the U.N to resolve the situation. Israeli leaders begin trying to convince Western powers to support an Israeli first strike against the Arab nations. However, Israel never wins their support.
Further deteriorating the situation, Jordan signs a military pact with Egypt on May 30, and Iraqi forces move into Jordanian territory in preparation for war with Israel. By June, Israel’s military was on full alert, and all reservists had been called to active duty, however no one was sure who would strike first. What was clear was that Israel was surrounded by half a million troops, and all signs pointed to a war of extermination. On June 5, 1967, Israel made the first move.
Israel’s Preemptive Strike on the Arabs
On the morning of June 5, Israel launched a preemptive aerial attack on the Egyptian air force. Israeli pilots had been practicing for such an attack for years. Israeli commanders timed the attack for when most Egyptian pilots would be on the ground eating breakfast and Egypt’s leaders would be stuck in city traffic jams. The plan was a complete success and in a matter of hours 85% of the Egyptian air force was destroyed.
Simultaneously, Israel launched a ground offensive in the Sinai desert. Israeli ground troops attacked the Egyptians using routes that the Egyptians thought were impassable, and were so left undefended. Shocked by the Israeli success, Egypt ordered its forces to retreat, which turned into a disorganized and bloody route.
Egypt, however, boasted of major victories against Israel in an effort to coax its allies into the war. Jordan responded by shelling Israeli cities and launching a small ground offensive. At first, Israel does not respond, hoping that Jordan will accept its peace offer. When Jordan does not accept, Israel responds with airstrikes, destroying Jordan's air force. Next, Israeli forces attack the Jordanian controlled portion of Jerusalem, capturing the city after a long and bloody battle. In the end Jordan, like Egypt, is forced to retreat.
Syria’s Last Stand on the Golan Heights and the End of the War
By June 8, Egypt and Jordan were defeated. However, Syria, had not yet felt any major attack from the Israeli military. Syrian artillery was placed in a well fortified position in the Golan Heights, and was the most formidable obstacle facing the Israeli army. However, Israel needed to take the strategic Golan Heights, and launched an assault against the hill. The fighting was fierce and lasted for two days, but by June 10, Syrian forces were also retreating. The Six Day War was effectively over.
The strategy Israel used to defeat its enemies in June of 1967 was one of aerial supremacy and “blitzkrieg” style tank attacks. Although the plans were executed almost flawlessly, Israel’s victory can also be attributed to their enemies’ negligence and lack of proper planning or training. The Six Day War is still studied to this day by military planners because of its massive success. In just six days Israel was able to defeat three nations and almost quadruple the size of its territory.
Perpetuating the Arab-Israeli Conflict
The war, however, did not bring peace to the region. The humiliating defeat enraged Arab nations and deepened their resolve to regain their national pride by destroying Israel. Although the U.N was able to mediate a cease-fire in 1967, it would only be another 6 years before the Arab-Israeli conflict would explode into yet another war. The Six Day War, however, remains a widely celebrated and astonishing military victory for Israel, and a constant reminder that careful planning and constant vigilance are essential to winning any war.
References
Bregman, Ahron. Israel’s Wars, 1947-1993 London: Routledge, 2000, 41-81.
History Channels "Battlefield Detectives" 2005
Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America
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