Six-Day War

Definition

The Six-Day War was a brief but pivotal conflict that occurred in June 1967 between Israel and its neighboring Arab states, including Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. This war drastically reshaped the political landscape of the Middle East, leading to Israel's significant territorial gains and deepening the Arab-Israeli conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Six-Day War began on June 5, 1967, when Israel launched preemptive strikes against Egypt in response to escalating tensions and threats from neighboring countries.
2. Israel achieved rapid and decisive victories, capturing significant territories including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights.
3. The aftermath of the war led to a large influx of Palestinian refugees and heightened tensions between Israel and its Arab neighbors.
4. The war also solidified Israel's military reputation as a formidable force in the region and changed the dynamics of Arab nationalism and resistance against Israel.
5. The territorial gains from the war have remained contentious issues in peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine as well as broader Arab-Israeli relations.

Review Questions

• Discuss how the Six-Day War influenced the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
  • The Six-Day War significantly altered the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East by resulting in Israel's capture of key territories such as the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights. These territorial gains shifted power dynamics in the region and intensified hostilities between Israel and its Arab neighbors. The war also contributed to ongoing disputes over land rights and sovereignty that continue to impact peace efforts today.
• Evaluate the impact of UN Resolution 242 on subsequent peace negotiations following the Six-Day War.
  • UN Resolution 242 called for Israeli withdrawal from territories occupied during the Six-Day War while affirming the right of all states in the area to exist in peace. This resolution laid a foundational framework for subsequent peace negotiations but has been subject to various interpretations. The disagreement over its implementation has hindered progress toward a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and continues to be referenced in diplomatic discussions.
• Analyze how the outcomes of the Six-Day War shaped the future of both Palestinian identity and Israeli security policy.
  • The outcomes of the Six-Day War had profound effects on Palestinian identity, as many Palestinians became refugees due to territorial changes, which fostered a sense of national consciousness and led to increased support for movements like the PLO. Simultaneously, Israel's military successes bolstered its security policy, emphasizing deterrence through military strength. This dual impact has created a complex interplay between national aspirations on both sides that continues to fuel tensions in contemporary geopolitics.

Related terms

Yom Kippur War: A conflict that took place in October 1973, where a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel during the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.

Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO): An organization founded in 1964 with the goal of creating an independent Palestinian state and representing the Palestinian people on the international stage.

UN Resolution 242: A United Nations resolution passed in November 1967, calling for the withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories occupied during the Six-Day War and recognizing the right of all states in the area to live in peace.