Six-Day War (1967)

Definition

The Six-Day War was a brief but pivotal conflict fought between Israel and its neighboring Arab countries, including Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, from June 5 to June 10, 1967. The war resulted in a significant territorial expansion for Israel, including the capture of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights, which has had lasting implications for the region's political and religious landscape.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Six-Day War began with a surprise preemptive strike by Israel against Egyptian air forces on June 5, 1967.
2. Israel's swift victory in the conflict led to the capture of approximately 42,000 square kilometers of territory.
3. The war shifted the balance of power in the Middle East, solidifying Israel's military dominance and leading to increased tensions with its Arab neighbors.
4. The aftermath of the war resulted in the displacement of many Palestinians and heightened international scrutiny on Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories.
5. The territorial changes from the Six-Day War have been a central issue in ongoing conflicts and peace negotiations in the region.

Review Questions

• How did the outcomes of the Six-Day War influence Israel's geopolitical standing in the Middle East?
  • The Six-Day War significantly elevated Israel's geopolitical standing in the Middle East by establishing it as a dominant military power. The swift victories against neighboring Arab states allowed Israel to expand its territory dramatically, capturing strategic areas like the West Bank and Golan Heights. This change not only altered regional dynamics but also created ongoing tensions with Arab nations that contested these territorial gains.
• Discuss how UN Resolution 242 sought to address the consequences of the Six-Day War and its implications for future peace efforts.
  • UN Resolution 242 was formulated in response to the outcomes of the Six-Day War, emphasizing two key principles: Israel's withdrawal from occupied territories and recognition of all states' right to live in peace. This resolution has played a crucial role in shaping future peace efforts in the region. While it acknowledged Israel's right to exist securely, it also highlighted the need for addressing Palestinian rights and aspirations, laying foundational elements for subsequent peace negotiations.
• Evaluate how the territorial changes from the Six-Day War have shaped contemporary issues surrounding Palestinian identity and statehood.
  • The territorial changes resulting from the Six-Day War have profoundly impacted contemporary Palestinian identity and aspirations for statehood. The occupation of key areas such as East Jerusalem and the West Bank has fostered a strong sense of national identity among Palestinians who view these lands as integral to their historical and cultural heritage. Additionally, ongoing settlement activities and military presence in these regions have complicated efforts toward achieving a viable Palestinian state, making these issues central to modern conflicts in Israeli-Palestinian relations.

Related terms

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 emphasizing the need for peace and recognition of all states in the region.

Yom Kippur War: A conflict fought in October 1973 between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria, which sought to regain territories lost during the Six-Day War.

Green Line: The armistice line established after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, which delineated the boundaries between Israel and its neighboring Arab states before the territorial changes resulting from the Six-Day War.