Font size:
Print
57 Years of Six-Day Arab-Israel War
Context:
The Six-Day War (June 5-10, 1967) between Israel and its Arab neighbours reshaped the Middle East by significantly expanding Israel’s territory and transforming regional power dynamics. This brief but intense conflict continues to influence relations and geopolitics in the region.
Roots of the Conflict:
- The war was the culmination of escalating tensions between Israel and Egypt, Jordan, and Syria.
- These tensions stemmed from the establishment of Israel, which resulted in the displacement and deaths of many Palestinian Arabs, creating a refugee crisis.
- Egypt’s President Gamal Abdel Nasser had a particularly strained relationship with Israel due to territorial disputes and water rights issues.
Outbreak of the War:
- The immediate trigger was Egypt’s blockade of the Straits of Tiran in May 1967, which hindered Israeli commerce.
- In response to Egypt’s military buildup in the Sinai Peninsula, Israel launched a preemptive strike on June 5, swiftly neutralising the Egyptian Air Force and advancing into Sinai and Gaza.
- Jordan and Syria then attacked Israel, but Israel emerged victorious, capturing the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza, Golan Heights, West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
A Region Transformed:
- The war’s outcome was a significant blow to Arab nations, establishing Israel’s dominance in the region and leading to a rise in Palestinian nationalism and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
- It also set the stage for the 1973 Yom Kippur War and ongoing regional tensions, particularly concerning Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza.
From Arab Nationalism to State Interests and Islamism:
- The defeat discredited Arab nationalism and pan-Arabism, leading to a focus on state interests.
- Egypt pursued peace with Israel, and other Arab states began withdrawing from the conflict.
- This shift allowed the Palestinians to seek more independence in their decision-making, while also paving the way for the rise of Islamic politics, which rejected secular Arab nationalism.
The Creation of the ‘Israel-Palestine Conflict:
- Post-1967, the conflict was reframed as a Palestinian-Israeli issue, with the Palestinians taking control of their destiny.
- The last major inter-state war involving Arab states and Israel occurred in 1973.
- The Palestinians faced significant challenges, particularly during the 1982 Lebanon War, which eventually led to the Oslo peace process.
The Rise of Settlerist Neo-Zionism:
- The war initiated Israeli settlement projects in occupied territories, fostering a new form of Zionism focused on religious redemption and rejecting partition.
- This has led to international criticism, particularly regarding the settlements and their legality under international law.
The International Community’s Response:
- UN Security Council Resolution 242 established the principle of “land for peace,” endorsing Israel’s right to secure boundaries but calling for withdrawal from occupied territories in exchange for peace agreements.
- The resolution highlighted Israel’s security needs and was a step towards Arab states’ willingness to recognise Israel.
The Threat of Arab Weakness:
- The Arab states’ failure to modernise has led to their weakening, contrary to the fears of Israel’s founding leaders.
- The Six-Day War was a symptom of this decline, which has worsened over time, resulting in state failures, sectarian conflicts, and economic crises.
- Non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, and ISIS have taken advantage of this instability, posing significant threats alongside Iran.
Conclusion:
The Six-Day War was a pivotal event that transformed the Middle East, leading to shifts in regional power, the rise of Palestinian nationalism, and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The aftermath saw the decline of Arab nationalism and the rise of state interests and Islamic politics, influencing the region’s dynamics to this day.