The Six Day War 1967 Flashcards
What was the Cairo Conference 1964?
It was a conference attended by the leader of all members of the Arab League, held in the context of a dispute between Israel and Syria over ownership of the River Jordan.
What was the impact of the Cairo Conference 1964 on Arab states?
Arab states were prepared to work together and take joint action against Israel, causing concern among some Israelis.
How did the Cairo Conference confirm Egypt’s position in the Arab world?
The conference confirmed Egypt as a leading Arab nation and solidified Nasser’s role as the leader of the Arab ‘world’ as he organized the conference.
What were the outcomes related to Palestinian issues after the Cairo Conference?
- The conference highlighted the problems of Palestinian land and refugees.
- The Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) was established to be responsible for Palestinian welfare.
- The PLO created the Palestine Liberation Army (PLA) to fight for liberation, but it attracted only around 12,000 soldiers.
What issues were brought to the forefront by the Cairo Conference regarding Palestine?
The conference highlighted the problems of Palestinian land and refugees.
What organization was established to address Palestinian welfare following the Cairo Conference?
The Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) was established to be responsible for Palestinian welfare.
What military force did the PLO create to fight for liberation, and how many soldiers did it attract?
The PLO created the Palestine Liberation Army (PLA), but it attracted only around 12,000 soldiers.
How did the Cairo Conference present Israel as a threat to Arab states?
- Israel’s plan to divert the River Jordan was perceived as a threat.
- This led to the Headwater Diversion Plan, diverting sources of the River Jordan to prevent Israel from using it for new settlements or farms.
- Arab states declared that if Israel proceeded with the diversion, they would prepare for war. However, the IDF, with support from the USA and France, remained a superior force to Arab armies.
Why was Israel’s plan to divert the River Jordan perceived as a threat?
The plan was seen as a threat as it had the potential to impact water sources crucial for Israel.
What was the response to Israel’s plan, leading to the Headwater Diversion Plan?
The Headwater Diversion Plan was implemented, diverting sources of the River Jordan to prevent Israel from using it for new settlements or farms.
How did Arab states react to Israel’s plan, and what declaration did they make?
Arab states declared that if Israel proceeded with the diversion, they would prepare for war.
Despite the threat of war, what advantage did the IDF have over Arab armies?
The IDF remained a superior force to Arab armies with support from the USA and France.
What events in 1966–1967 escalated tensions between Israel and Syria?
Tensions between Israel and Syria escalated due to Syrian support for Fatah raids on Israel.
How did tensions between Israel and Jordan escalate in the same period?
Israel’s raid on Samu escalated tensions between Israel and Jordan.
Who founded Fatah, and what was the organization’s goal?
Fatah was founded in 1959 by Yasser Arafat, aiming to create a Palestinian state replacing Israel. Fatah means ‘conquest.’
How did Fatah use violence to achieve its goals?
Fatah employed violence, conducting 70 raids between 1965 and 1967, attacking villages, military targets, and bombing roads, all aimed at destroying Israel.
In which countries did Fatah have bases, and why not in Gaza?
Fatah had bases in Jordan (West Bank), Lebanon, and Syria. Gaza was excluded due to the presence of UN troops.
How did Israel respond to Fatah’s actions, and what was the impact on Arafat’s profile?
Israel always retaliated, increasing Arafat’s profile. However, the retaliation often hit Jordan and Lebanon, leading to reduced support for Arafat in those regions.
What kind of support did Syria provide to Fatah?
Syria provided support to Fatah in the form of weapons and money and initiated training campaigns. In 1966, a new Syrian government increased support, crucial for expanding Fatah’s actions.
What accusation did Syria make against Nasser, and how did it lead to an agreement?
Syria accused Nasser of not helping, resulting in the Egyptian-Syrian Pact of November 1966. This pact stipulated mutual assistance in case of an attack, strengthening their collaboration.
What event occurred on November 11, 1966, on the Israel-Jordan border, and what was the suspected cause?
A landmine explosion on the border killed three Israeli policemen and injured six. Fatah was suspected, but no one claimed responsibility.
How did Israeli Prime Minister Levi Eshkol respond to the suspected attack?
On November 13, 1966, Levi Eshkol sent 600 troops, 11 tanks, and 60 military vehicles to the village of Samu in the West Bank. The troops gathered villagers in the central square and began dynamiting their homes. About 100 Jordanian soldiers attacked, resulting in 15 Jordanians, 1 Israeli, and 3 villagers dead. Samu was reduced to rubble.
What were the consequences of the Samu incident for Israel?
The incident led to international condemnation for Eshkol and Israel. It also destroyed relations between Israel and Jordan, with the USA expressing fury.
How did King Hussein of Jordan respond to the Samu incident, and what pressure did he exert?
King Hussein faced riots criticizing him for failing to protect Jordan. He pressured Nasser to act against Israel to divert attention from himself.
