Causes

• Post 1967 War, there was no peace treaty and Israel occupied Gaza, West Bank, and Golan Heights; over 1 million Palestinians
• 1968-70 "War of Attrition" between Israel and Egypt near Suez Canal and Sinai, 1970: Nasser died and replaced by Anwar Sadat, promising to defeat Israel, re-open Canal to Egyptian shipping and re-conquer Sinai
• 1971: Sadat prepared to recognize Israel, for Sinai, but Israel refused, 1972: Angry at Russian influence, expelled Russian troops, now closely allied with Syrian President Assad and received Saudi Arabia support
• Egypt and Syria prepared for war to regain Sinai and Golan Heights, Israel dismissed Arab military forces; believing they could repel any attack