What Is 1967 Arab-Israeli War

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1967 Arab-Israeli War, also known as the Six-Day War, began on June 5, 1967, when Israel launched a preemptive strike against Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. In six days, Israel captured the Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights.

Key Facts

The war began on June 5, 1967, and ended on June 10, 1967, lasting exactly six days.
Israel captured the Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip from Egypt, the West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan, and the Golan Heights from Syria.
Over 15,000 Arab troops were killed compared to approximately 776 Israeli military deaths.
Israel’s air force destroyed 450 Arab aircraft on the ground in the first hours of the war during Operation Focus.
The United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 242 in November 1967, calling for Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories.

Overview

The 1967 Arab-Israeli War, commonly referred to as the Six-Day War, was a pivotal conflict in Middle Eastern history that reshaped regional borders and geopolitical dynamics. Triggered by escalating tensions between Israel and its neighboring Arab states, the war began when Israel launched a surprise air offensive against Egypt on June 5, 1967.

The conflict involved Israel fighting simultaneously against Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, with additional support for the Arab side from Iraq, Algeria, and Saudi Arabia. By June 10, Israel had achieved a decisive military victory, capturing significant territories and altering the map of the region.

June 5, 1967: Israel initiated the war with Operation Focus, destroying most of Egypt’s air force on the ground within hours and securing air superiority.
Sinai Peninsula: Israeli ground forces advanced rapidly, defeating Egyptian troops and capturing the entire Sinai Peninsula by June 8.
West Bank and East Jerusalem: Jordan attacked Israeli positions, prompting a counteroffensive that led to Israel’s capture of East Jerusalem and the West Bank by June 7.
Golan Heights: After days of Syrian artillery bombardments, Israel launched a successful assault on June 9, capturing the strategically vital Golan Heights by June 10.
Human cost: Approximately 776 Israeli soldiers were killed, while Arab casualties exceeded 15,000, with thousands more taken prisoner.

Military Campaigns and Key Events

The war unfolded rapidly due to Israel’s coordinated military strategy and intelligence advantage. Each front saw swift, decisive actions that overwhelmed Arab defenses and led to territorial gains.

Operation Focus: Israel’s air campaign destroyed 304 Egyptian, 89 Jordanian, and 57 Syrian aircraft, crippling Arab air capabilities within the first day.
UN Emergency Force withdrawal: On May 19, 1967, Egyptian President Nasser ordered the removal of UN peacekeepers from the Sinai, escalating tensions significantly.
Blockade of Straits of Tiran: Egypt’s closure of the strait to Israeli shipping on May 22 was a key justification for Israel’s preemptive strike.
Battle of Abu Agheila: A major Egyptian defensive stronghold in Sinai fell to Israeli forces on June 6 after intense armored combat.
Annexation of East Jerusalem: Israel formally annexed East Jerusalem in June 1967, a move not recognized internationally but central to future peace negotiations.
Refugee displacement: Around 300,000 Palestinians fled or were displaced from the West Bank, adding to the long-standing refugee crisis.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of pre-war and post-war territorial control and military outcomes for the main belligerents:

Country	Pre-War Territory Held	Post-War Territory Held	Key Military Losses	Strategic Outcome
Israel	Pre-1967 borders (Green Line)	Gained Sinai, Gaza, West Bank, East Jerusalem, Golan Heights	776 soldiers killed	Massive territorial expansion and strategic depth
Egypt	Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip	Lost both Sinai and Gaza to Israel	10,000+ soldiers killed or captured	Major military humiliation; Nasser initially offered resignation
Jordan	West Bank, East Jerusalem	Lost both territories to Israel	6,000+ casualties	Lost control over holy sites and Palestinian population
Syria	Golan Heights	Lost Golan Heights to Israel	1,000+ soldiers killed	Exposed to future Israeli threats; ongoing border clashes
United Nations	Peacekeepers in Sinai	Forced withdrawal before war	No casualties	Resolution 242 passed post-war to guide peace efforts

The table highlights the dramatic reversal of fortunes for Arab states and Israel’s strategic gains. While Israel emerged militarily dominant, the war sowed long-term tensions over occupation and self-determination that continue to influence Middle East politics today.

Why It Matters

The 1967 war had profound and lasting consequences for regional stability, international diplomacy, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Its outcomes continue to shape peace efforts and territorial disputes over half a century later.

Occupation: Israel’s control over the West Bank and Gaza laid the foundation for ongoing occupation and settlement expansion.
UN Resolution 242: Passed in November 1967, it established the principle of land-for-peace, becoming a cornerstone of future negotiations.
Palestinian nationalism: The war galvanized Palestinian identity and resistance, leading to the rise of groups like the PLO.
Strategic depth: Capturing the Golan Heights gave Israel a defensive buffer against Syria, which it later annexed in 1981.
Regional power shift: Israel emerged as the dominant military power in the region, altering Cold War alignments.
Ongoing conflict: The unresolved status of territories captured in 1967 remains central to the Arab-Israeli peace process.

The 1967 war was not just a military event but a turning point with enduring geopolitical and humanitarian implications that continue to resonate in the 21st century.