14 Israel and the Arab-Israeli Conflict
How did Israel come into possession of the West Bank , Golan Heights , Gaza Strip , the Sinai Peninsula , and the eastern half of Jerusalem , including the Old City ?
These days , some people reflexively refer to the “ occupied territories ” without ever asking how they fell into Israel ’ s hands in 1967 .
Once again , there are those in the Arab world who seek to rewrite history and impute expansionist motives to Israel , but the facts are clear . Here ’ s a quick summary of some of the major events leading up to the Six-Day War :
On May 16 , 1967 , Cairo Radio announced : “ The existence of Israel has continued too long . The battle has come in which we shall destroy Israel .” On the same day , Egypt demanded the withdrawal of UN forces that had been stationed in Gaza and Sharm el-Sheikh since 1957 . Three days later , the UN , to its everlasting shame , announced it would comply with the Egyptian demand .
On May 19 , Cairo Radio said : “ This is our chance , Arabs , to deal Israel a mortal blow of annihilation ….”
On May 23 , Egypt ’ s President Gamal Abdel Nasser declared his intention to block the Straits of Tiran to Israeli shipping , thus effectively severing Israel ’ s vital trade links with East Africa and Asia . Israel replied that under international law this was a casus belli , an act of war .
On May 27 , Nasser said that “ our basic objective will be the destruction of Israel .”
On May 30 , Jordan ’ s King Hussein placed Jordanian forces under Egyptian control . Egyptian , Iraqi , and Saudi troops were sent to Jordan .
On June 1 , Iraq ’ s leader added his thoughts : “ We are resolved , determined , and united to achieve our clear aim of wiping Israel off the map .”
On June 3 , Cairo Radio hailed the impending Muslim holy war . On June 5 , Israel , surrounded by far more numerous and