Guide Note: The Six Day War, occurring in 1967, was fought between Israel and Egypt, Syria and Jordan, who were aided by Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Algeria. The conflict is often referred to as the 1967 Arab-Israeli War and was instrumental in establishing the 1967 Borders, which remain in contention today.

Lead Up to War

Tensions in the region had been increasing since the 1948 Arab Israeli War. By 1957, Israel's worsening relationship with Syria caused Egypt to reinforce their border. Fearing attack, Israel launched a preemptive strike on Egypt. Bound by defensive agreements with Egypt, Syria and Jordan were forced to respond to the Israeli strike.

Israeli Victory

In the Six Day War, Israel enjoyed a huge military victory. By the end, they had seized the Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip from Egypt, the Golan Heights from Syria, and The West Bank from Jordan. While the Sinai Peninsula was returned to Egypt as part of the 1979 peace agreement and the Gaza Strip has been ceded to Palestinian control, the other areas remain in contention. These areas, and the location of their borders, remain central issues in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.

Fast Facts

1. Duration: June 5, 1967 to June 10, 1967
2. Conflict between Israel and Arab neighbors
3. Decisive victory for Israel
4. Led to significant displacement of both Jewish and Arab populations
5. Established the 1967 Borders

Causes

1. Refusal of Arab nations to recognize Israel
2. Redirection of the Jordan river
3. Samu incident, an Israeli raid on Jordan
4. Conflict with Syria over demilitarized zones
5. An Egyptian order to United Nations force securing peace along border with Israel to withdraw
6. Egyptian closure of the Straits of Titan to ships traveling to Israel
7. Mobilization of forces by Egypt, Syria, and Jordan along their borders
8. A Breakdown of the diplomatic system between these countries and Israel

Consequences

1. Israel established itself as a regional military power
2. Israel expanded territory by over one third
3. Seized territories continue to cause conflict and contention
4. United Nations resolution, addressing the right to secure national borders, was drafted
5. Contributed significantly to the Palestinian Refugee crisis

Israel Facts

1. Total force: 264,000
2. Casualties: 779 killed, 2,563 wounded
3. Captured the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, The West Bank, and Golan Heights
4. Received non-combat support from the United States and the United Kingdom
5. Allegedly, Israel received combat support from United States and the United Kingdom

Arab Facts

1. Main combatants: Egypt, Syria, Jordan
2. Supported by: Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Algeria
3. Egypt's force: 240,000
4. Total force: 547,000
5. Casualties: 21,000 killed, 45,000 wounded

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