Six-Day War

Definition

The Six-Day War was a brief but significant conflict that occurred in June 1967 between Israel and its neighboring Arab countries, including Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. This war dramatically reshaped the political landscape of the Middle East, leading to Israel's capture of several territories, which included the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights, and the Sinai Peninsula.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Six-Day War began on June 5, 1967, and lasted until June 10, when a ceasefire was declared.
2. Israel launched a preemptive strike against Egyptian air forces, which allowed them to gain air superiority early in the conflict.
3. During this war, Israel tripled its size by capturing key territories that significantly altered regional dynamics.
4. The aftermath of the war led to increased tensions and hostilities in the region, as well as the displacement of many Palestinians.
5. The Six-Day War set the stage for future conflicts in the Middle East, influencing peace processes and international relations for decades.

Review Questions

• How did the Six-Day War affect Israel's territorial boundaries and its relations with neighboring Arab nations?
  • The Six-Day War significantly expanded Israel's territorial boundaries as it captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights, and Sinai Peninsula. This dramatic increase in land intensified Israel's relations with its Arab neighbors, leading to heightened animosity and further conflicts. The territorial gains created a complex situation regarding security and governance, influencing diplomatic efforts and peace negotiations that followed.
• In what ways did UN Resolution 242 aim to address the outcomes of the Six-Day War?
  • UN Resolution 242 aimed to create a framework for peace by calling for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories gained during the Six-Day War while emphasizing respect for all states' sovereignty in the region. The resolution sought to balance Israel's right to exist peacefully with Arab nations against the backdrop of territorial disputes. However, its implementation has been a point of contention and remains relevant in ongoing discussions about peace in the Middle East.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Six-Day War on Palestinian nationalism and its representation through organizations like the PLO.
  • The long-term consequences of the Six-Day War significantly propelled Palestinian nationalism into international discourse, primarily through organizations like the PLO. The war's aftermath saw increased focus on Palestinian rights and aspirations for statehood, transforming how Palestinians engaged politically on both regional and global stages. The PLO emerged as a key representative body advocating for Palestinian interests, leading to shifts in how conflicts were framed and negotiated in subsequent decades.

Related terms

Yom Kippur War: A conflict that took place in October 1973, where Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel during the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur, seeking to regain territories lost in the Six-Day War.

UN Resolution 242: A United Nations resolution passed in November 1967 that called for the withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories occupied during the Six-Day War and emphasized the need for peace and recognition of all states in the region.

Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO): An organization founded in 1964 with the goal of creating an independent State of Palestine, which gained prominence after the Six-Day War as it became a representative for Palestinian nationalism.