The Six-Day War, which took place from June 5 to June 10, 1967, involved several key nations: Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. The main reasons for their involvement stemmed from ongoing tensions and conflicts in the region.
-
Israel: Israel launched a pre-emptive strike against its neighboring Arab states. Tensions had escalated due to a series of events, including the mobilization of Arab troops along Israel's borders, the closure of the Straits of Tiran (a vital shipping route for Israel) by Egypt, and increasing hostility from neighboring countries.
-
Egypt: Under President Gamal Abdel Nasser, Egypt sought to lead the Arab world and was perceived as a major
threat to Israel. Egypt expelled the United Nations peacekeeping forces from the Sinai Peninsula and amassed troops there, signaling a readiness for confrontation.
-
Jordan: Initially hesitant, Jordan eventually joined the conflict, influenced by pressures from its Arab allies and the deteriorating situation. Jordan aimed to support the Palestinian cause and its own national interests in the region.
-
Syria: Syria was involved primarily due to its hostile stance towards Israel and its strategic interests in the Golan Heights, an area that had seen cross-border tensions and conflict prior to the war.
The conflict resulted in a swift and decisive victory for Israel, which captured significant territories, including the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt, the West Bank from Jordan, and the Golan Heights from Syria. The war significantly altered the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and had long-lasting implications for Arab-Israeli relations.