Who Attacked First, Israel or Palestine in 1967? Understanding the Six-Day War
The question of "who attacked first" in the 1967 Six-Day War is complex and often debated. To understand it, we need to look at the events leading up to the conflict and the actions taken by all parties involved. It's important to note that while the term "Palestine" is used in the query, the primary actors in 1967 were the State of Israel and a coalition of Arab states, notably Egypt, Syria, and Jordan, with significant support from other Arab nations. The Palestinian people were largely under Jordanian and Egyptian administration at the time.
The Precursors to War: Escalating Tensions
The years leading up to 1967 were marked by a significant increase in tensions between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Several factors contributed to this volatile atmosphere:
- Border Skirmishes: Frequent clashes occurred along the Israeli borders, particularly with Syria in the north. These incidents involved shelling, raids, and sabotage, creating a climate of constant insecurity.
- Arab Rhetoric: Many Arab leaders, including Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, publicly called for the destruction of Israel and its displacement of Palestinian Arabs. This rhetoric fueled anxieties on both sides.
- The Suez Crisis Aftermath: Following the 1956 Suez Crisis, the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) was stationed in the Sinai Peninsula to act as a buffer between Egypt and Israel.
- Soviet Intelligence and Misinformation: In May 1967, the Soviet Union provided intelligence to Egypt, claiming that Israel was amassing troops on the Syrian border for an imminent invasion. This intelligence was later revealed to be largely unfounded.
Egypt's Aggressive Moves: The Immediate Trigger
The events of late May 1967 marked a critical escalation. These actions, taken by Egypt, are widely considered to be the direct precursors to the outbreak of hostilities:
- May 14, 1967: Egyptian troops began to mobilize and move into the Sinai Peninsula, near the Israeli border.
- May 16, 1967: Egypt demanded the immediate withdrawal of UNEF forces from the Sinai.
- May 18, 1967: The United Nations, under pressure from Egypt, complied and withdrew its forces. This removed a crucial buffer zone.
- May 22, 1967: Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser announced the closure of the Straits of Tiran to Israeli shipping. This blockade was a critical act, as it cut off Israel's access to the Red Sea and was considered an act of war by Israel. Israel had previously stated that this blockade would be a casus belli.
- May 30, 1967: Jordan announced a mutual defense pact with Egypt, effectively bringing Jordanian forces under Egyptian command.
Israel's Preemptive Strike: The Day Hostilities Began
Facing what it perceived as an imminent existential threat, Israel launched a surprise preemptive air strike on the morning of June 5, 1967. This strike targeted Egyptian airfields:
- June 5, 1967, approximately 7:45 AM (Israeli time): The Israeli Air Force launched Operation Focus (Moked), a devastatingly effective preemptive strike that destroyed the vast majority of Egyptian, Jordanian, and Syrian air forces while they were still on the ground. This strike crippled the Arab air capabilities and gave Israel air superiority from the outset of the war.
Therefore, while there were months of escalating tensions, border skirmishes, and significant provocative actions by Egypt, including the blockade of the Straits of Tiran, Israel launched the first military offensive action of the Six-Day War with its preemptive air strike on June 5, 1967.
The Rationale Behind Israel's Decision
Israel's decision to strike first was driven by several key strategic considerations:
"We knew that if we waited for them to attack, we would suffer heavy casualties. Our intelligence indicated that war was inevitable and that an Arab attack was imminent. The blockade of the Straits of Tiran was the final straw. We had to neutralize their air power before it could be used against us."
— A common sentiment expressed by Israeli military and political leaders at the time, reflecting the perceived existential threat.
Israel argued that Egypt's actions, particularly the blockade of the Straits of Tiran, constituted an act of war and that its preemptive strike was a necessary act of self-defense to avert a looming invasion and ensure its survival.
The Broader Context: Who is "Palestine"?
It's crucial to reiterate that in 1967, there was no independent Palestinian state. The West Bank and East Jerusalem were under Jordanian control, and the Gaza Strip was administered by Egypt. Therefore, when discussing who attacked first, the relevant actors were Israel and the Arab states allied against it. Palestinian fighters and militias were involved in the conflict, but they did not act as a unified state entity initiating hostilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How did the tensions build up before the Six-Day War?
Tensions escalated due to a combination of factors including frequent border skirmishes, aggressive rhetoric from Arab leaders threatening Israel's existence, and the withdrawal of UN peacekeeping forces from the Sinai Peninsula. The Soviet Union's misleading intelligence about an impending Israeli attack on Syria also played a significant role in creating a sense of imminent danger.
Why did Egypt close the Straits of Tiran?
Egypt closed the Straits of Tiran to Israeli shipping as a strategic move to exert pressure on Israel and demonstrate its military resolve. This action was seen by Israel as a direct blockade and an act of war, effectively cutting off its access to the Red Sea and vital trade routes.
Was Israel's preemptive strike justified?
From Israel's perspective, the preemptive strike was a necessary act of self-defense to neutralize an imminent threat. They argued that the blockade of the Straits of Tiran and the surrounding hostile environment made an attack on Israel inevitable, and that striking first was the only way to survive. International legal interpretations of preemptive strikes can vary, but Israel maintained its actions were in accordance with its right to self-defense.
