Six-Day War

The Six-Day War began on June 5, 1967, when Israel launched preemptive air strikes against Egypt following escalating tensions. The Israeli Air Force effectively neutralized the Egyptian Air Force within hours, gaining air superiority. This marked the beginning of the conflict that involved several neighboring Arab states, including Jordan and Syria, and rapidly changed the geopolitical landscape of the region.

On June 7, 1967, during the Six-Day War, Israeli forces captured East Jerusalem, including the Old City. This marked a significant moment in the war, as the city holds religious and cultural significance for Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. The capture led to a lasting Israeli control over the entire city, though it remains a point of contention in Israeli-Palestinian relations.

The West Bank was captured by Israeli forces on June 7, 1967, during the Six-Day War. The region, previously held by Jordan, became another significant territorial gain for Israel post-war. This occupation reshaped the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, impacting Palestinian society and politics profoundly. The West Bank remains central to ongoing territorial disputes and future statehood discussions.

Egypt's Sinai Peninsula fell to Israeli forces on June 7, 1967, during the Six-Day War. The rapid Israeli advance in the Sinai showcased Israel's military proficiency and resulted in the capture of this strategically important region that served as a buffer against Egyptian advances. The Sinai remained under Israeli occupation until the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty in 1979, when it was returned to Egypt.

On June 8, 1967, the USS Liberty, an American naval intelligence ship, was attacked by Israeli forces in international waters during the Six-Day War, resulting in significant casualties. Israel claimed the attack was a mistake due to the confusion of war. The incident caused diplomatic tension between the United States and Israel, leading to ongoing controversies about the motivations and pretexts of the attack.

On June 9, 1967, Israel opened a new front against Syria, proceeding to capture the Golan Heights. The region was strategically important due to its elevation, enabling whoever controlled it to have military advantage over the surrounding areas. The Golan Heights were subsequently annexed by Israel, a decision not internationally recognized but pivotal for security and water resources.

The Six-Day War concluded on June 10, 1967, after six intense days of fighting that expanded Israel's territory significantly. Israel gained control over the Gaza Strip, the Sinai Peninsula, the West Bank, and the Golan Heights. These territorial gains altered the political and social fabrics of the respective regions and increased Israel's strategic depth but also intensified the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Following the conclusion of hostilities, the UN Security Council facilitated a ceasefire starting June 11, 1967. This ceasefire marked the formal end of active military operations in the Six-Day War, stabilizing the new military frontiers temporarily, yet leaving numerous diplomatic and territorial disputes unresolved. The ceasefire also initiated various UN resolutions concerning the withdrawal and re-establishment of peace.

On July 4, 1967, Israel passed a law to formally annex East Jerusalem, altering the municipal boundaries and extending Israeli law to the area captured from Jordan during the Six-Day War. The annexation has been at the center of disputes, as the international community, including the UN, does not recognize it, citing violations of international law. The move heightened tensions regarding Jerusalem's status.

On November 22, 1967, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 242, calling for "withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories occupied in the recent conflict" and recognition of all states in the region. This resolution became a key framework for peace discussions, emphasizing 'land for peace.' Despite its ambiguity regarding specific withdrawal lines, Resolution 242 remains central to Arab-Israeli peace processes.