January 1, This Day in History – June 5th: The Start of the Six-Day War, 1967

On June 5th, 1967, an event of monumental historical significance unfolded in the Middle East: the beginning of the Six-Day War. This conflict, which primarily pitted Israel against Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, would alter the geopolitical landscape of the region and have far-reaching implications to this day.

Tensions had been escalating between Israel and its neighbors for years due to territorial disputes and political differences. On this day, Israel launched pre-emptive air strikes against Egyptian airfields, crippling their air force. These strikes marked the start of the war and set the stage for a swift Israeli military campaign.

In the span of just six days, Israel managed to seize control of the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt, the Golan Heights from Syria, and the West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan. This territorial expansion more than tripled the size of Israel’s pre-war borders and dramatically altered the balance of power in the region.

The Six-Day War left an indelible mark on the Middle East, creating new political and security dynamics that continue to impact the peace process. This June 5th, we reflect upon the inception of the Six-Day War, its role in shaping the Middle East, and the lessons it offers on the complexities of regional conflict and diplomacy.