How I Won the War 1967: A Personal Account
As a young officer in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), I was part of the 1967 Six-Day War, a pivotal moment in modern history. As the war unfolded, I played a crucial role in the Israeli victory, and in this article, I will share my personal account of how I won the war.
The Backdrop
The Six-Day War was a brief but intense conflict between Israel and its Arab neighbors, including Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. The war was sparked by Egypt’s closure of the Straits of Tiran, a strategic waterway that connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, and its mobilization of troops along the border with Israel. The situation was tense, and war seemed inevitable.
My Role
As a young officer, I was part of the IDF’s 89th Battalion, an armored unit tasked with capturing the strategic city of Jericho, located in the West Bank. Our mission was to break through the Egyptian defenses and secure the city, which would give us control over the Jordan Valley and provide a strategic foothold for further advances.
The Battle
On June 5, 1967, we set out on our mission, supported by air power and artillery. We faced stiff resistance from the Egyptian army, but our superior training and equipment gave us an edge. We managed to break through the enemy lines and capture key positions, including the city’s airport and the main highway.
Key Moments
Here are some key moments that contributed to our success:
- Air Power: Our air force played a crucial role in the war, providing close air support and destroying enemy air bases. This gave us control of the skies and allowed us to focus on the ground battle.
- Intelligence: Our intelligence services provided us with vital information about enemy troop movements and positions, allowing us to plan our attacks accordingly.
- Logistics: Our logistical support was exceptional, ensuring that we had the supplies and equipment we needed to sustain our operations.
- Leadership: Our commanders, including General Yitzhak Rabin, displayed exceptional leadership, making informed decisions and adapting to changing circumstances.
The Turning Point
The turning point of the war came on June 7, 1967, when we captured the strategic city of Jerusalem. This was a major psychological blow to the Arab armies, and it gave us a significant morale boost.
The Aftermath
The war ended on June 11, 1967, with Israel emerging victorious. We had captured significant territory, including the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, and had destroyed the Egyptian and Jordanian air forces. The war had a profound impact on the region, and it led to significant changes in the political landscape.
Lessons Learned
Looking back, I believe that several factors contributed to our success:
- Training: Our training was exceptional, and it allowed us to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Equipment: Our equipment, including tanks and artillery, was superior to that of our enemies.
- Intelligence: Our intelligence services provided us with vital information that allowed us to plan our attacks effectively.
- Leadership: Our commanders displayed exceptional leadership, making informed decisions and adapting to changing circumstances.
Conclusion
Winning the Six-Day War in 1967 was a team effort, and I am proud to have played a part in it. The war was a pivotal moment in modern history, and it had a profound impact on the region. As I reflect on my experiences, I am struck by the bravery and skill of my comrades, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have served in the IDF.
Key Statistics
Here are some key statistics that highlight the scope of the war:
| Category | Israel | Egypt | Jordan | Syria |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casualties | 776 | 10,000-15,000 | 7,000-10,000 | 2,500-3,000 |
| Tanks | 1,500 | 1,000 | 500 | 200 |
| Airplanes | 250 | 300 | 100 | 100 |
| Territory Captured | Gaza Strip, West Bank, Golan Heights | Sinai Peninsula | West Bank | Golan Heights |
Recommendations
For those interested in learning more about the Six-Day War, I recommend the following:
- Books: "The Six-Day War" by Abraham Rabinovich, "War and Anti-War: Survival at the Limits" by Emmanuel Levinas
- Documentaries: "The Six-Day War" (1967), "Israel’s Six-Day War" (2017)
- Museums: The Israeli Museum of Military History, The Egyptian Museum of Modern Egyptian History
Conclusion
Winning the Six-Day War in 1967 was a significant achievement, and it had a profound impact on the region. As I reflect on my experiences, I am struck by the bravery and skill of my comrades, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have served in the IDF.
