Overview of the Six-Day War
The Six-Day War was fought from June 5 to June 10, 1967, between Israel and the neighboring states of Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. The war was triggered by a series of escalating tensions, including Egypt’s closure of the Straits of Tiran and the mobilization of Arab armies along Israel’s borders. Israel launched a preemptive strike against Egypt’s air force, crippling it in hours. In rapid succession, Israel captured the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights.
Strategic and Political Outcomes
The war significantly altered the map of the Middle East. The victory gave Israel defensible borders but also placed it in control of territories inhabited by over one million Palestinians — sparking future debates over occupation, settlements, and peace processes.
Global Implications
The war redefined Israel’s image from a vulnerable young state to a regional power. It reshaped alliances, led to UN Resolution 242, and triggered a wave of religious revival and messianic sentiment among Jewish communities. The psychological impact on the Arab world was profound, leading to the 1973 Yom Kippur War and ongoing geopolitical ramifications.
Sources: IDF Archives, Wikipedia, BBC Retrospective
See also: Battle for Jerusalem, Temple Mount (1967)