Israel’s 1967 War

Bethel; the place where Abraham had “called upon the Name of the Lord” (Genesis 13:44) was seemingly eons removed from the modern setting… in time… if not in geography! The lineage of the patriarch would battle the enemy from day one; as Amalekites, Ammonites, Philistines, and giants each took their “best shots” at this strange nation of people who were favored by the Creator! We may never know all the reasons why, but we do know that the relationship with God was “tight.” Through numerous reversals, Israel generally “walked away” with the marbles. The year is now 1967; with their battle for independence, and the forming of a Nation just nineteen years behind. Even with recognition by the United Nations, maintaining the status quo became an unbearable task for the group which came from far and near. This was the land that had been deeded to them by the God of Heaven, and no one else could claim that distinction. They had suffered a thousand indiscretions, including the recent holocaust; and every man, woman, and child now made a pledge to remain at their sacred post. They would not accept defeat from any sector.

As was true to the course, enemies from the north, south, and east defied rules and sensibilities; amassing arms and troops in all conceivable locations, in preparation for the extinction of Israel. President Nasser, of Egypt, joined forces with Syria, Jordan, and Iraq to put the squeeze on this newest (and tiny) nation of the region. A subsequent skirmish to the War of Independence; in 1956; had left the area splintered, with lines drawn which favored the Arab forces. Sinai itself was substantially occupied by Egypt; with other territories extended to Syria and Jordan. Still they wanted more. UN Forces were stationed at Sharm el Sheikh (southern Sinai) and next to the Straits of Tiran (to monitor the feud! In May 1967, President Nasser ordered the UN Contingent out of Sinai; and they obliged. Nasser knew that in the event of armed conflict with Israel, the United Nations would somehow arrange for a ceasefire in short order; but leaving him with an enlarged territory. He ordered the Straits of Tiran closed to Israeli traffic; well aware that such an act was considered an act of war; and warranting retaliation. He could not envision, in his wildest speculations, what would happen in the hours ahead; for Israel was about to conduct an unprecedented battle. In the placing of blame, all peripheral powers utilized the rule of “who fired the first shots” and they would pay dearly.

Over eight hundred Egyptian tanks were already in Sinai and thousands of pieces of artillery. Jordan, Syria, and Iraq readied their reserves; whereby Israel knew they must make their first strikes count. Early on the morning of June 5, the Israeli Air Force began a campaign from the air; attacking bases in Egypt on that first day with 357 aircraft — and destroyed over 300 planes; more than seventy percent off what Egypt possessed. While they were engaged, Syria and Jordan began their attacks. Within minutes, Israel diverted portions of their force; destroying half of Syria’s air arm; and the entire Jordanian Air Force of twenty eight planes. Iraq also lost ten aircraft; a good portion of their inventory.

Israel’s Defence Minister, Moshe Dayan, addressed his troops. “We have no aim in conquest! Our purpose is to defend our liberties, and break the blockade of the Straits. We have a lesser force, but we will overcome. We are ready to fight for our lives and our country.” The fierce battles began in three directions. Israel fought valiantly, with superior expertise — the overall campaign was little less than a slaughter. More than 80,000 Egyptian troops were challenged in Sinai; where a vast number died. A similar routing of forces occurred in the north. On June 9 (in a mere three days) all leaders of the Egyptian military resigned! President Nasser resigned on June 10. The War was over; and Israel was the victor in just six days — a surprise to the entire world. It would pay the present enemies of Israel to “TAKE A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE!!!”  (NOTE: This Author was with Moshe Dayan in Hong Kong, in 1975.)

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