The Six-Day War - 1967
Israeli NarrativeArab nationalism was increasing and gaining momentum in both civilians and people of power. The Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser and the Palestine Liberation Organization was incredibly hostile towards Israel. In addition to closing off access to the Red Sea and in increased presence of united Arab armies across the border, Egypt’s president went on record saying, "Our aim is the full restoration of the rights of the Palestinian people. In other words, we aim at the destruction of the State of Israel. The immediate aim: perfection of Arab military might. The national aim: the eradication of Israel."[1] Palestinian officials stated, "We shall destroy Israel and its inhabitants and as for the survivors – if there are any – the boats are ready to deport them."[2] At the UN, PLO Chairman Ahmed Shukhairy announced that "if it will be our privilege to strike the first blow" the PLO would expel from Palestine all Zionists who had arrived after 1917 and eliminate the state of Israel.[3] In a speech to Arab Trade Unionists on May 26, 1967, Nasser justified the dismissal of the UNEF, and made it clear that Egypt was prepared to fight Israel for Palestinian rights.[4] He also attacked the Jordanians as tools of the imperialists, stepping up the constant pressure on Jordan's King Hussein.[5] In a quote from The World Islamic Congress meeting in Amman, Jordan, September 22, 1967:
“Jews of Arab Countries: the Congress is convinced that Jews living in Arab countries do not appreciate the kindness and protection that Muslims have granted them over the centuries. The Congress proclaims that the Jews who live in the Arab states and who have contact with Zionist circles or the state of Israel do not deserve the protection and kindness that Islam grants to non-Muslim citizens living freely in Islamic countries. Islamic governments must treat them as enemy combatants. In the same way, Islamic peoples must individually and collectively boycott them and treat them as mortal enemies."[6] The growing hostility and threats led Israel to launch an attack on Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. Lasting only the obvious six days, Arab armies were eventually out powered and it was a victory for Israel. Access to the Red Sea was opened and from Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, Israel acquired Gaza, the Sinai Peninsula, East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Golan Heights.[7] A few days after the Six-Day War, Israeli government passed a law stating Jerusalem was now “complete and united.” That is, Jerusalem was finally Israel’s eternal capital. |
Palestinian NarrativeThe Six-Day War was a continuation of frustration and conflict deriving from the War of 1948, when Palestinians were forced from their land. With each passing year, the relentless pursuit to take over Palestinian land, did not cease. Frustrated by the lack of Palestinian and Arab support by the UN, Egypt, who had significant control over the Palestine Liberation Organization, blocked Israel’s access to the Red Sea. Even more than just an irritation with the UN, Egypt and other Arab leaders were agitated at the influences of major powers like the US and the Soviet Union against them, and threats were made to end Israel’s dominance of Palestinian land. The Six-Day War was a simultaneous attack on Egypt, Syria and Jordan that again increased their territory and drove even more Arabs further from their home. Around 600,000 Palestinians lived in the West Bank, over 350,000 lived in the Gaza Strip, plus hundreds of thousands lived in refugee camps in Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.[8] Arab military was quickly defeated by Israeli troops, largely due to their support by France and other foreign nations.[9] Israeli leaders thought that by winning this war a message would be sent and Arab leaders would request to make peace. But peace will not be made until restitution for the Arab people is made. Arab leaders pledge to continue their struggle against Israel, to regain the land that has been unjustly stripped away, and to send the refugees back home. Egyptian President Nasser stated the demands on behalf of Arab leaders, "...no peace with Israel, no negotiations with Israel, no recognition of Israel, and 'maintenance of the rights of the Palestinian people in their nation.'[10]
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