Lecture Notes on the 1967 Arab-Israeli Six-Day War

Background

• Syria’s Initiation (1967): Syria's canal project to divert streams from the Sea of Galilee, triggering war.
• Israel’s Water Use: Use of the Sea of Galilee as a freshwater reservoir, causing tensions with Syria.
• Historical Context (1947-1967): Previous conflicts post-1947 UN resolution; uneasy truce since 1949.

Israel's Defense Strategy

• Geographical Challenges: Limited strategic depth; narrow corridors; vulnerable to artillery attacks.
• Military Doctrine: Necessity for preemptive strikes and Wars of Maneuver due to small population and economy.

Escalation Leading to War

• Suez Crisis (1956): Israel’s occupation of the Sinai Peninsula briefly; UN peacekeeping forces deescalated the situation.
• Syrian and Egyptian Clashes: Border disputes around Golan Heights; Nasser’s maneuvers and provocations.
• May 16, 1967: Nasser orders UN peacekeeping force out of Sinai; escalation of tensions.
• Strategic Significance: Egyptian control over the Straits of Tiran, blocking Israeli access to the Gulf of Aqaba.
• Arab Coalitions: Jordan and Syria joining the Egyptian command against Israel.

The Six-Day War (June 1967)

Pre-War Actions

• Israeli Air Force Strategy:
  • Quick Turnaround Time: 8 minutes for refueling and rearming.
  • Analysis: Destroy enemy air forces within a morning.
• Preemptive Strike (June 5, 1967):
  • Commencement: 0745 Israeli time.
  • Dawn Patrols: Utilized Egyptian Dawn Patrol gaps.

Key Campaigns and Battles

Egyptian Front

• Air Superiority: Destruction of the Egyptian Air Force; psychological impact on Egyptian command.
• Ground Operations: Strategic penetration and rapid exploitation; roles of Ariel Sharon and other commanders; battle for Abu-Ageila.

Jordanian Front

• Forces and Deployment: Jordanian defensive setups in Samaria, Jerusalem, and the Judean Hills.
• Key Operations: Jerusalem Brigade maneuvers; battle for ammunition hill and the securing of the Old City.
• Outcome: King Hussein’s ceasefire; Israeli losses and Jordanian casualties.

Syrian Front (Golan Heights)

• Geographical Importance: Strategic control of the plateau; visibility over Galilee and military advantage.
• Israeli Strategy: Multi-divisional task groups attacking from different fronts.
• Key Operations: Battles for Tel Faher, Mandle’s tanks; Syrian withdrawal and ceasefire.

Aftermath and Strategic Impact

Territorial Gains

• Israel's Strategic Depth: Gained buffer zones with significant military and strategic value.
• Occupied Territories: Sinai, Golan Heights, and the West Bank.
• New Challenges: Settlements in occupied territories; international and internal political challenges.

Long-term Consequences

• Ceasefire and Treaties: UN resolutions; peace treaties with Egypt (1980) and Jordan (1994).
• Ongoing Security Concerns: Continued tensions and lack of absolute security for Israel.

Key Figures

• Ariel Sharon: Notable for tactics in penetrating defense lines.
• Moshe Dayan: Israeli Defense Minister directing operations.
• King Hussein: Jordanian leader involved under Egyptian pressure.
• Nasser: Egyptian President catalyzing the conflict.

Important Concepts and Themes

• Preemptive Strikes: Significance in Israeli military doctrine.
• Territorial and Strategic Defense: Importance of occupying high grounds and creating buffer zones.
• Arab-Israeli Relations: Dynamics of coalition and opposition among Arab states.
• Human and Material Cost of War: Casualties, territorial changes, and impacts on civilian populations.