Question

The Six-Day War between Israel and its Arab neighbours in 1967 was fought amid intense global tension and apprehensions that it might spread beyond. With reference to the Six-Day War of 1967, answer the following question.

1. State any four causes for the Six-Day War.
2. Why was the war a spectacular success for the  Israelis but a humiliation for the Arab States?

Answer 1

(a)

1. The Six-Day War arose from political turmoil and military clashes after Israel's establishment.
2. It was triggered by territorial disputes that emerged in the wake of Israel's founding.
3. Border disputes between Israel and Arab nations fueled the conflict.
4. The catalyst for the war was the First Arab-Israeli War, prompted by Israel's establishment in 1948.
5. This further exacerbated the Palestinian refugee crisis resulting from the armed conflict.
6. The Suez crisis erupted in 1956 following Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser's nationalisation of the Suez Canal.
7. The Six-Day War is a natural progression of the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
8. Palestinian guerillas, with support from Syria, attacked Israeli settlements in 1967.
9. In response, the Israeli Army reacted forcefully, heading toward the Syrian border.
10. Misleading reports led the Egyptian President to intervene in support of Syria, driving out a UN peacekeeping force in the Sinai.
11. The Straits of Tiran, a vital maritime route for Israel, were blocked to prevent Israeli shipping.
12. International pleas to prevent conflict and reopen the Straits of Tiran were made.
13. These appeals didn't significantly alter Egyptian President Nasser's course.
14. Israel's leaders had no alternative but to launch a pre-emptive strike in response to the increasing Arab buildup.

(b) Reasons for the success of the Israelis:

1. They ignored the UN order to return captured territory.
2. These areas acted as a series of buffer states.
3. It would be easier to defend Israel.
4. It however brought the problem of Arab refugees who were kept in refugee camps.

Reasons for the failure of the Arab states:

1. It was a humiliation for Nasser of Egypt.
2. They now knew that the Arabs needed outside help to free Palestine.
3. Russians were a disappointment as they had sent no help.
4. Sooner or later, they were going to attack Israel again.