The Third Arab-Israeli War – The Six Day War, 1967

• Six Day War

  Arab-Israeli conflict in 1967, initiated by Israel's pre-emptive strike.
• Nasser

  Egyptian leader who emerged as a popular figure in the Arab world after the Suez-Sinai War.
• United Arab Republic

  Short-lived union between Egypt and Syria in 1958 to form a united Arab world.
• Golan Heights

  Border region between Israel and Syria, where tensions escalated with the construction of water diversion infrastructure.
• National Water Carrier

  1964 Israeli project to transport water from Galilee to arid regions, targeted by Syria.
• King Hussein


  Jordanian king who signed a secret defence pact with Syria and Egypt against Israel in 1966.
• Superpowers

  Refers to the United States and USSR, who increased involvement in the Middle East post-Suez-Sinai War.
• Suez-Sinai War

  Conflict in 1956 where Egypt lost Sinai to Israel, leading to increased tensions in the region.
• Sinai Peninsula


  Region captured by Israel in 1956, later returned after US and UN intervention.
• Fatah

  Palestinian political and military organization that gained support from Syria against Israel.
• Jordan headwaters diversion scheme

  Syrian project to divert water sources from Israel, leading to military strikes by Israel in 1965-66.
• United States support

  US backing of Israel to counter pro-Russian Arab states, increasing involvement in the Middle East.
• Defensive Weapons Sales

  USA began selling defensive weapons to Israel post-1967.
• Arab States Pressure

  USSR used Arab states to pressure the USA.
• Palestinian Militant Groups

  Groups like Fatah contributed to ongoing tension with Israel.
• Six Day War Short-Term Causes

  Egypt and Syria signed a defense pact against Israel in 1966.
• Arab Strength Increase

  Arab states received weapons from the USSR, boosting their power.
• Baath Party Influence

  Syria's Baath Party intensified pressure on Israel.
• Golan Heights Bombardments

  Regular attacks from the Golan Heights added to tension.
• Syrian Border Incident

  Tension rose after Israel retaliated to a border incident with Syria.
• USSR Intelligence Move

  USSR falsely claimed Israeli forces buildup to incite Arab action.
• Nasser's Actions

  Nasser's provocations heightened pressure on Israel.
• Straits of Tiran Closure


  Nasser closed the Straits of Tiran, escalating tensions.
• Fatah Attacks


  Fatah launched multiple attacks on Israel from Syrian bases.
• Pre-emptive Strike

  Initiating military action to prevent an enemy attack.
• Moshe Dayan


  Israeli Minister of Defence during the Six Day War.
• Buffer Zone


  Area separating conflicting military forces.
• Straits of Tiran

  Strait at the Gulf of Aqaba closed by Egypt.
• Sinai Desert


  Region where Egyptians moved troops before the war.
• Iraqi Troops

  Military forces from Iraq that moved through Jordan.
• Arab Coalition

  Combined military command of Arab states against Israel.
• Israeli Air Strikes

  Devastating attacks by Israel on Arab air forces.
• Mitla Pass


  Location of a massacre of Egyptian heavy armor by Israel.
• Old City

  Part of East Jerusalem occupied by Israel during the war.
• Israeli Victory

  Complete success for Israel by June 10, 1967.
• Ceasefire

  Agreement to stop fighting, as seen between Israel and Arab states post-war
• Sinai

  Territory seized by Israel from Egypt during the Six-Day War
• West Bank


  Territory seized by Israel from Jordan during the Six-Day War
• Israeli Settlements

  Jewish communities built in occupied territories post-1967 war
• United Nations Resolution 242

  Basis for settlement of Palestinian-Israeli question post-1967 war