The Six-Day War was one of the shortest, but at the same time extremely large-scale, confrontations of the 20th century. In this brief Israeli war against the Arab coalition of four states, the first gained control of territory more than three times its pre-war area (“Six-Day War,” 2020). In the shortest possible time, the Sinai Peninsula, the Gaza Strip, the Golan Heights and other essential territories were captured.
In addition, Israel was able to establish control over the area of the city, total influence over which was vital for the state. Jerusalem’s East Jordanian sector was captured entirely in 1967, although the official annexation was carried out only thirteen years later (“Six-Day War,” 2020). Thus, Israel took possession of the entire city, now having the full right to call its capital.
However, the capture of Jerusalem and Israel’s victory also led to massive population displacement from the former Arab territories. As a result, many Arabs were forced to flee their former homes, but Jews in Arab states were also expelled (“Six-Day War,” 2020). Thus, both peoples faced persecution, although their suffering cannot be compared.
References
Six-Day War (2020). Encyclopædia Britannica. Web.