1967 Six-Day War

Definition

The 1967 Six-Day War was a brief but pivotal conflict fought between Israel and its neighboring Arab states of Egypt, Jordan, and Syria from June 5 to June 10. This war resulted in a significant shift in territorial control and had lasting effects on the Arab-Israeli conflict, solidifying Israel's status as a dominant military power in the region and intensifying tensions surrounding Palestinian identity and national aspirations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The war began with a preemptive strike by Israel against Egyptian air forces on June 5, 1967, following escalating tensions in the region.
2. Israel captured significant territories during the conflict, including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights.
3. The outcome of the war dramatically altered the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and exacerbated the Arab-Israeli conflict.
4. Following the war, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were displaced, leading to increased tensions over refugee issues and territorial claims.
5. The Six-Day War set the stage for future peace negotiations and conflicts, including the Yom Kippur War in 1973 and ongoing disputes over land rights.

Review Questions

• How did the 1967 Six-Day War change the territorial landscape in the Middle East?
  • The 1967 Six-Day War dramatically altered the territorial landscape by resulting in Israel's capture of key areas such as the West Bank from Jordan, Gaza Strip from Egypt, Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights from Syria. These acquisitions not only expanded Israel's territory but also intensified existing conflicts over these lands, particularly with respect to Palestinian sovereignty. This shift laid the groundwork for ongoing disputes and negotiations regarding land ownership and national identity.
• What were the immediate political consequences of the Six-Day War for Israel and its Arab neighbors?
  • The immediate political consequences included a significant boost to Israeli national pride and military reputation as a formidable power in the region. Conversely, Arab nations faced humiliation and a loss of credibility among their populations due to their inability to defend against Israel. This loss not only affected regional politics but also spurred nationalist movements within these countries, as they sought to regain lost territories and restore their pride.
• Evaluate how the outcomes of the 1967 Six-Day War influenced subsequent developments in Israeli-Palestinian relations.
  • The outcomes of the 1967 Six-Day War significantly influenced subsequent developments in Israeli-Palestinian relations by exacerbating tensions over territorial claims and national identities. The war led to increased Palestinian displacement, solidifying their struggle for self-determination, which was represented by organizations like the PLO. Additionally, the captured territories became focal points for future conflicts, as both sides continue to negotiate their rights to these lands amidst international diplomatic efforts that stemmed from Resolution 242.

Related terms

Zionism: A nationalist movement that supports the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Israel, emerging in response to widespread anti-Semitism and persecution faced by Jews in Europe.

Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO): An organization founded in 1964 to create an independent State of Palestine, representing the Palestinian people and their national aspirations.

UN Resolution 242: A United Nations resolution passed after the Six-Day War calling for the withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories occupied during the conflict and the recognition of every state's right to live in peace.