Unraveling the Origins of the Six Day War: Who Fired the First Shot?
The question of "Who started the Six Day War?" is complex and often debated, with no single, universally agreed-upon answer. However, to understand the genesis of this pivotal 1967 conflict, we must examine the escalating tensions and the actions taken by various parties in the weeks leading up to the war's outbreak on June 5th, 1967.
The Six Day War, a lightning-fast conflict that dramatically reshaped the Middle East, pitted Israel against a coalition of Arab nations, primarily Egypt, Syria, and Jordan. While the immediate trigger for the war involved a preemptive Israeli strike, understanding the true "starter" requires delving into the deep-seated animosities and the series of events that brought the region to the brink.
The Precursors to Conflict: A Tinderbox Ignited
Several factors contributed to the highly volatile atmosphere in the Middle East prior to June 1967:
- Arab-Israeli Hostility: The animosity between Israel and its Arab neighbors was a long-standing issue, stemming from the creation of the State of Israel in 1948 and the subsequent Arab-Israeli War. Many Arab nations refused to recognize Israel's existence and continued to view it as an occupying force.
- Border Skirmishes: Throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, there were frequent border skirmishes and acts of sabotage between Israel and its neighbors, particularly Syria and Jordan. These incidents kept tensions perpetually high.
- The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO): The formation of the PLO in 1964, with the stated goal of liberating Palestine, added another layer of complexity and often contributed to cross-border raids.
- The Soviet Union's Role: In a significant development, the Soviet Union, in November 1966, falsely informed Egypt that Israel was amassing troops on the Syrian border, preparing for an invasion. This intelligence, later acknowledged as incorrect by Soviet officials, was a major catalyst in pushing Egypt towards military action.
Egypt's Actions: The Escalation Dominoes
The actions taken by Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser in May 1967 are often seen as the immediate prelude to war. These included:
- The Withdrawal of UNEF: On May 18, 1967, at Nasser's request, the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) stationed in the Sinai Peninsula was withdrawn. This force had served as a buffer between Egyptian and Israeli forces since the 1956 Suez Crisis. Its removal opened the door for direct confrontation.
- The Blockade of the Straits of Tiran: On May 22, 1967, Egypt announced the closure of the Straits of Tiran to all shipping, effectively blockading Israel's southern port of Eilat. This was a significant act of aggression, as Israel considered passage through the Straits a vital international waterway. Many viewed this blockade as an act of war.
- The Mobilization of Forces: In response to the perceived threat from Israel (fueled by Soviet misinformation) and the ongoing border tensions, Egypt began mobilizing its armed forces and moving them into the Sinai Peninsula, directly facing Israel.
Israel's perspective was that these actions by Egypt, particularly the blockade of the Straits of Tiran, constituted an act of war, justifying a preemptive response.
Israel's Preemptive Strike: The Immediate Cause
Faced with what it perceived as an imminent existential threat, with its primary supply route to Eilat cut off and large Arab armies mobilizing on its borders, Israel launched a preemptive air strike on June 5, 1967.
The Israeli Air Force, in a devastatingly effective operation, destroyed the majority of Egypt's air force on the ground within hours. This initial strike crippled Egypt's ability to wage air warfare and gave Israel a crucial advantage as the ground war commenced.
Conclusion: A Complex Web of Responsibility
So, who started the Six Day War?
From a legal and immediate trigger perspective: Israel initiated the armed conflict with its preemptive air strike on June 5, 1967.
However, from a broader historical and causal perspective: The war was the culmination of years of escalating hostility, border provocations, political maneuvering, and ultimately, Egypt's aggressive actions, including the blockade of the Straits of Tiran, which Israel deemed an act of war. The Soviet Union's misinformation also played a significant role in creating the crisis atmosphere that led to these actions.
It is more accurate to say that the Six Day War was the result of a series of escalatory steps taken by multiple actors, creating a situation where armed conflict became almost inevitable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How did the Soviet Union influence the start of the war?
The Soviet Union falsely informed Egypt that Israel was massing troops on the Syrian border, intending to invade. This misinformation, delivered in November 1966 and reiterated in May 1967, significantly contributed to Egyptian President Nasser's decision to mobilize his forces and take aggressive actions, which ultimately led to the war.
Why did Egypt close the Straits of Tiran?
Egypt closed the Straits of Tiran primarily as a show of force and a strategic move to pressure Israel. It was also seen as a way to retaliate for perceived Israeli aggression and to demonstrate Egypt's leadership in the Arab world. Israel considered this blockade an act of war because it cut off its access to the vital port of Eilat.
Was Israel's preemptive strike justified?
This is a highly debated point. Israel argued that its preemptive strike was a necessary act of self-defense against an imminent threat of annihilation, citing the mobilization of Arab armies and the blockade of the Straits of Tiran. Many international observers and legal scholars view preemptive strikes as a last resort when facing an immediate existential danger. Others criticize it as an act of aggression that initiated the bloodshed.
