Six Day War Alliance, Causes, Aftermath

The Muslim nations in the Middle East would not accept Israel's existence since its founding in 1948. 

They began amassing huge amounts of sophisticated weaponry and lobbying for the implementation of boycotts, divestment, and sanctions against the Jewish State. 

Six Day War Causes

On the 15th of May 1967, on Israel's Independence Day, a 3-week period began which was one of the tensest and fearful periods in Israel's history. In direct contravention of international agreements, Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser removed the UN peacekeeping forces and began moving tens of thousands of soldiers and hundreds of tanks into what was the demilitarized Sinai Peninsula towards Israel's southern border. 

Egypt also blockaded the Straits of Tiran, an open international waterway, which was essentially a declaration of war. Israel turned to the nations of the world, primarily to the United States, for assistance against Egyptian aggression but somehow all Western countries decided to remain neutral. Very quickly, it became apparent that the promises were all but forgotten. 

Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon Vs Israel

Israel, with 2.5 million Jews, was left alone to face the might of the Arab nations. Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon formed a military alliance and began moving forces into Jordan towards Israel's borders. When the Arab countries realized that the world had abandoned Israel, many other Muslim countries were openly calling for the destruction of Israel. 

The will and means to murder millions of Jews were evident. Top IDF commanders expressed their concerns that the high price Israel was liable to pay in a war with the Arab world. Some military experts projected a toll between twenty and a hundred thousand lives. Israel prepared cemeteries all over the country ready to accommodate many expected victims. Massive parks were prepared in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and other cities, in case the cemeteries would have no more space. 

World governments, instead of defending Israel's right to exist, warned Israel continuously not to attack. However, the people of Israel had no choice but to go to war, to defend their country and their very existence. 

At 7:15 am on June 5th, 1967, the IDF launched operation "Moked"- Focus. Almost the entire Israeli Air Force was dispatched in a daring mission. Only 12 planes stayed behind. The risk of this operation was extraordinary as the fighter pilots flew at an unprecedented low altitude of fewer than 20 meters above the ground. Egypt had the most advanced ground-air missile defense systems in the Middle East. 

Most of the Israeli jets were old and outdated French planes. If the Israeli jets would've been detected, many would have fallen, and Israel would've been left with practically no air force. And then a miracle occurred: The most advanced Russian MiG jets that patrolled the airspace along the borders between Egypt and Israel were, for that one critical hour, grounded. Incredibly, at that very same time, the top commanders of Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq flew together to observe the Egyptian forces invading Sinai. The Egyptian officers had ordered all anti-aircraft units not to fire unless given a direct order as long as they were in flight. 

This created total confusion on the Egyptian ground as Israel struck exactly in that window of time. By 7:45 a.m. the High Hand of Providence resulted in the Israeli air force reaching all the Egyptian airfields without even one plane being detected. More than 200 Egyptian planes – almost half of Egypt’s fleet – were almost instantaneously destroyed, also bombing the runways and making impotent the mightiest air force in the Middle East. General Moti Hod, Commander of the Air Force said, The second wave of Israeli jets were directed to Cairo to confront the remains of the Egyptian Air Force. And here another miracle occurred, no less miraculous than the first. Even though Israel had lost the element of surprise, and the anti-aircraft systems were operating with full capacity, Egypt was only able to hit one Israeli plane. 

The Israeli Air Force went on to destroy a total of more than 300 Egyptian planes, and every airfield in Egypt was neutralized. It was nothing less than a military miracle... Seemingly impossible... And then another miracle occurred. It was as if God hardened the heart of Egyptian president Nasser who continuously gloated about his glorious military victory over Israel. 

In the Arab media, President Nasser spoke of the end of Israel's airforce and of the Egyptian tanks on their way to Jerusalem. Jordan, Syria, and Iraq believed these bombastic statements and wanted to join in the "great victory against the Jews". All the Arab airpower struck simultaneously on multiple fronts. In almost any other scenario, Israel would not have been able to respond as quickly as it did. 

The timing was seemingly orchestrated to position Israeli jets exactly where they should be. Not in six days, but in six hours the war was won. And then, perhaps, the greatest miracle of all... A miracle Israel never expected – Jerusalem. Again, it seemed as though it was a Divine appointment in time. Jerusalem was to be restored to the Jewish People, after 2,000 years. The enemies of Israel had twice as many soldiers as we did, three times as many planes, four times as many tanks. The odds were stacked against us on every military front. 

Aftermath of Six-Day War 

The love of Israel, self-sacrifice, and courage of the Israeli soldiers combined with Divine guidance and assistance made these miracles possible. Yitzchak Rabin, then Chief of Staff, was given the honor of giving the war its name. He chose the Six-Day War recalling the six days of creation as Israel too was created with the liberation of Jerusalem. As the center of gravity of the Jewish people has now returned to the land of our fathers, the Torah center of the world has once again returned to Jerusalem. 

The Chief Rabbinate of the State of Israel has established the 28th of Iyar – a Day of Hallel and Hodaya, praise, and thanks for the salvation of our people and the liberation and return of our capital Jerusalem. Jews in Israel and in every country in which they reside come together in prayer and celebration. Similar to Chanukah and Purim, it sometimes takes many years for the miracles to be fully recognized and celebrated. 

The Mizrachi World Movement is involved in massive community-wide celebrations across the globe from London to Los Angeles, from Melbourne to Johannesburg, to Chicago and Toronto. For 2,000 years our hope never died. Our faith as a people never wavered. Wherever Jews were, whenever they prayed, they prayed to face Jerusalem. Whatever happened the night before, whether it was the Crusades, the Inquisition, Muslim oppression, or Nazis in Germany, the next morning, a Jew would wake up, dust himself off, put on his tallit, face Jerusalem and pray to come home, knowing somehow, someway, God would bring us back. 

This is our greatest celebration. To be alive in this generation, where the prayers of our fathers and mothers have finally been answered, to be alive and to take part in Jewish destiny. To experience miracles of Divine Providence, Bayamim Hahem Bazman Haze, like in those days but in our time. 

Books on six-day war 

Israel Palestine Conflict | Strange Military Stories

History 

When the Industrial Revolution began in Europe, it also brought about the spirit of nationalism among the Europeans. The British and the French emerged as two major European powers. After the unification of Germany by Bismarck, even Germany emerged as a strong power. This period of nationalism in Europe also was a period of colonisation. In fact, colonisation of the world had begun by European powers after geographical discoveries and Industrial Revolution. The British and the French resented the rise Germany as they perceived it as a serious competitor. 

The later part of 1880s saw alliance formations in Europe which ultimately culminated in the First World War. Germany formed an alliance with Austria, Hungary and the Ottoman empire, while the British had formed their own alliance with the French. The Ottoman territory would be disastrous even for the British and French as they used the oil from the territory for industrial activities back home. 

As the First World War broke out, in 1916, the British and the French signed the Sykes-Picot Agreement. Also known as the Asia Minor Agreement, the agreement had the British and the French decide the division of the Ottoman territory among themselves after the First World War. As the war ended, the British and French emerged victorious and Germany, Austria-Hungary and the Ottomans lost. The victorious powers of the First World War now decided to curb German ambitions and also divide the Ottoman territory. 

The establishment of the League of Nations, the Mandate system and the Balfour Declaration gave effect to the ambitions of victorious powers. The British got the mandate of Iraq and Palestine, while the French kept Syria and Lebanon as mandates. In order to curb German ambitions, the Treaty of Versailles was designed and signed in 1919. As per the treaty, the Germans were not allowed to maintain a strong military and its resources were to be shared with victorious powers like Britain and France. The prime intention to inflict harm on Germany was to ensure that it does not recover enough to act as a threat to Britain and France again. It also severely limited Germany's colonial ambitions. The wars also created a sense of nationalism in the Jews.

 The Jews were also inspired to have their own national home in the land they believed had been 'promised to them by God. Theodor Herzl, in 1896, established the World Zionist Organization in Basel in Switzerland as a political movement to take Jews from Europe to Zion. (Zionism subsequently emerged as a political movement of Jews, Zion or Jerusalem is where the Temple Mount is located in Palestine.) The basic idea of Theodor Herzl was that first, rich European Jews would go to Palestine and purchase lands and over a period of time other Jews would go and settle in Palestine. Zionism, which emerged as a political movement, ended up being a movement to colonise Palestine. As the number of Jews in Palestine began to increase, the move was not appreciated by the Arabs. 

After the First World War, as the Mandate of Palestine had come under the British control the Arabs complained to the British about the rising number of Jews in Palestine, The British subsequently controlled the entry of the Jews into Palestine but did not impose a complete halt. This sowed the seeds of the Arab-Palestine disenchantment.

During the interwar period, Germany began to defy the Treaty of Versailles and also began to proot the Jews in Germany. Hitler blamed Jews for the problems of Germany and in 1940, unleashed the  horror Forecast as a 'final solution to the Jewish Problem. The mass massacre of Jews led to a wave of deep sympathy for the Jewish people all over the world. The US also convinced its ally Britain to allow lakh Jews from Europe to Palestine and ease the entry restrictions. As more number of Jews entry of en to enter Palestinė, it upset the Arabs in Palestine, The situation in Palestine was very volatile. As brows and Arabs fought for the claim of Palestine, the UN was created as a successor to the League of Nations un 15 May 1947. 

Israel Palestine map

The British decided to hand over their Mandate of Palestine to the UN for deliberation. Subsequently, the UN established the United Nations Special Commission on Palestine UNSCOP). The UNSCOP deliberated upon the Palestinian issue. During the UN debates one group advocated that Arabs have been controlling Palestine, but Jews also have a rightful claim on the territory, nd therefore the territory of Palestine should be partitioned for Arab Palestinians and Jews, creating a plan which came to be known as the Majority Plan. On the other hand, the other group advocated that horse should be a Federal Palestine and Jews can be accommodated in a unified Federal Palestine without the need to partition. Thus, this group created this plan which came to be known as the Minority Plan

On 29 November 1947, the UN voted on both the plans. As per the vote, the Majority Plan received the maximum votes. The Palestine territory was to be partitioned, and it was decided to establish an Arab Palestine and a Jewish Palestine while keeping the city of Jerusalem under international control. As per the decision of the UN, with support of the US, on 14 May 1948, the Jewish Palestine got established on the demarcated territory and Israel, as a state, was born. However, the Arabs failed to establish Arab Palestine on the demarcated territory. In 1948, after the creation of Jewish Palestine or Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq. Egypt and Jordan collectively attacked Israel. 

This led to the first Arab-Israeli war in 1948. The UN immediately stepped in and by 1949, an Armistice agreement was achieved. From 1919 to 1956, there was truce in the region, but in 1956 Nasser nationalised the Suez Canal and prevented Israel from accessing the Suez Canal. This led to a tripartite agreement between Israel, Britain and France in Sevres, France, after which, Ariel Sharon of Israel attacked Egypt and captured the Gaza Strip and Sharm el Shaikh

The subsequent intervention of the US to diffuse the crisis led to peace again. But the Suez crisis firstly led to a big blow to the supremacy of Britain and France while boosting the image of Nasser in the Arab world. The awakened Arab world began to ponder as to why the Arabs could not succeed in establishing the Arab Palestine. The Arabs realised that it was because they lacked an organisation like the Jews and recognised the fact that splinter groups advocating for Arab Palestine have to be brought under a unified umbrella.

Establishment of  Palestine Liberation Organization

In 1964, the Arabs established the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The PLO emerged as an organisation of the Arabs fighting Israel military for supremacy in the Palestinian region. Britain, France and Israel, along with the Americans, condemned the creation of the PLO in 1967, Egypt was mobilising its military units along the Sinai and also closed the Gulf of Aqaba to Israel. This war lasted for six days (also known as the Six-Day War) and Israel captured the Gaza Strip from Egypt. Israel also took the West bank from Jordan and Golan Heights from Syria after the war. Arabs took the matter to the UN, urging the UN to compel Israel to vacate the occupied territory and go back to accept the borders that existed before the 1967 war. 

The UN passed the UN Resolution 242, urging Israel to vacate the territory and immediately resort to holding of borders as existed before 1967. The state of Israel refused to comply to the UN orders. The refusal of Israel to comply to the UN resolution 242 came as a big shock to the Arab world. The PLO subsequently became more radical to tackle Israel.

Factions within Palestine Liberation Organization(PLO)

1. Filastinya al Wathonlyah al Tahrir al Harakat (FATAH)
2. Popular front for liberation of Palestine
3. Democratic front for liberation of Palestine
4. Palestine Communist Part

RAW and Mossad : The Secret Link

The link between the two intelligence agencies goes back to 1968 when R&AW was created. India has cooperated with Mossad to get vital intelligence about radical Islamic groups. 

The field officers of R&AW (equivalent to agents of other intelligence agencies) are trained by Mossad today. The two agencies have collaborations in assassination squad and counter-terrorism operation at a covert oval, In 1976-77, Moshe Dayan and Mossad even trained Indian field officer of R&AW to carry out airstrikes to destroy the Pakistani Kahuta plant where Indian R&AW had found out secret nuclear enrichment done by Pakistan to develop a nuclear bomb. 

Till today, R&AW and Mossad continue to enjoy a deep covert relationship in different parts of the world.

After 1991, as India adopted the policy of diversification in the defence industry, it began to forge a new alliance with Israel. Israel not only had a large military-industrial complex but through arms support in 19621965 and 1971 has proved its mettle. 

Moreover, the disintegration of the Soviet Union and Indian defence industry's reliance on Soviet equipment became a factor since Israelis had developed special skills in upgrading Soviet-era equipment. Thus, both defence and economic ties between the nations improved. Even though a strong case was made for defence deals with Israel, the Indian government decided not to publicly talk about the same. 

In 1998, when the BJP came to power, there were high-level visits from India by L.K. Advani (Home Minister) and Jaswant Singh (Foreign Minister) to Israel. 2003, Israeli PM Ariel Sharon visited India. The BJP government added the needed strategic depth in the relations and opened up a chapter of defence diplomacy thereby envisaging a military and ideological In alliance to contain terrorism. 

In 2003, India purchased 14 million dollars' worth light ammunition electronic warfare equipment and UAVs from Israel. Post-Kargil War, both sides began cooperation in border control and counter-terrorism exercise. Israelis gave India night vision technologies and laser-guided missiles and UAVs for high-altitude surveillance and imagery, along with Barak 1 missiles. 

The two sides signed MoU in agriculture, trade, high-tech agriculture demonstration, health care. industrial research and development. They have also been negotiating an FTA for a long time. There is a Joint Working Group on terrorism, and Israel has supplied India with Phalcon AWACS system field as well. 

At the defence level, Israel has also provided India with searcher UAVs, Heron I drones, guns, Phalcon AWACS, SPYDER anti-aircraft missiles, radars and so on. Israel too is keen engaging with India as Israel asserts that Jews in India have not been victims of anti-Semitism (unlike in Europe). In 2017, during the visit of the Indian PM to Israel, the two decided to take the relationship to a strategic level.

Eli Cohen | Israeli Spy | The man in Damascus

Eli Cohen, an Israeli spy who infiltrated the highest ranks of the Syrian Baath party and did espionage in Egypt and Syria. Let's see how he was forged.

Personal Life
Born	6 December 1924 Alexandria, Egypt
Died	18 May 1965 ( 40)
Education	Cairo Farouk University.
Known as	Kamel Amin Thaabet
Eli Cohen Wife	Nadia Cohen
Eli Cohen Children

After the Israel Independence War

In 1954, the British pull out of Egypt completely.egypt has the strongest of the Arab countries and sworn enamy if Israel with the decision to evacuate Egypt, modern bases, airfield, and huge stores of equipment and war material would fall into the Egyptian army.israel could be the target of an aggressive attack by a larger, better Egyptian army that wanted to avenge its a shameful defect in Israel Independence War.

Israel's minister of defense Pinhas Lavon and colonel Benyamin Gibli head of military intelligence, concocted a dangerous and foolish plan if several terrorist bombing were swept Egypt, the British will return to its former bases and concluded that Egypt's couldn't maintain law and order. they carry out several bombing in Cairo and Alexandria, targeting libraries and cultural centers, cinema, post offices.

The condom was used as a timing tool for mixed chemicals and produce a minor burst of fire. the plan was doomed from staring, one of the bombs exploded in the pocket of Philip Natanson and was arrested by police and other members were caught in the following days. Eli was arrested but soon released due to a lack of evidence.

Eli had lost his friends, in 1957 he immigrates to Israel. in Israel, he found the job of translating weekly and monthly magazines for a man after a few months he was fired. One of his friends found a new job as an accountant, month later he Marty with Nadia, a nurse of Iraqi origin.

While working an intelligence officer offer him a job with high pay, Eli didn't say no and become a secret agent. In the fifties, Israel had launched a project of huge pipeline and canals that would carry a part of jorden river water to the arid Negev region.israel could not survive without jorden's water. It could not let Syria succeed and planning a response. thus Israel needed an agent in Damascus (Sami Micheal, Nadia Cohen's brother was recruited. But he refused)

Jorden river

Eli Cohen Training 

Cohen's training was long and exhausting. Every morning, Eli would leave home and head for the Aman training center. Eli's first instructor Yitzhak learned him to memorize things, he throws a dozen objects on the table and Eli observe them for second and described them. He also learned to identify the type and age of tanks, aircraft, and cannons. Eli's second instructor Yehuda taught him how to use a small, sophisticated radio transmitter.

After several days, Eli got a new identity as Kamal Amin Tablet, son of Syrian parents, born in Beirut. when you were three, your family left Lebanon and moved to Egypt to Alexandria. A year later your sister dies.in 1947 all of you arrived in Argentina. your father and uncle opened a textile store, but it went bankrupt your father died in 1956 and six months later your mother died too.you lived with your uncle and worked as a travel agency, later were very successful.

Eli told Nadia that he got a job with a company that works with defense and foreign ministries, he needs to travel to Europe to buy tools and equipment and materials for Israel's military.

Israel to Argentina

In February 1961 one-man handed him an Israeli passport in his real name and a plane ticket to Zurich.on his arrival, Eli was met by a white-haired man who gave him a passport from another name, that passport carried an entry visa to chile and a transit visa to Argentina.he arrived in Buenos Aires and checked into a hotel .a local teacher would get in touch with him and teach him the Spanish language. After three months, Eli spoke passable Spanish, knew Buenos Aires well, dressed, and behaved like thousands of Arab immigrants living in Buenos Aires. Another tutor trained him to speak Arabic. later he handed with Syrian passport in name of kamal Amin tabet, he advised to open a bank account in that name and start visiting Arab restaurant, the cinema where Arab movies are shown, and political club.try to make as many friends possible, and establish contact with Arab leaders.he soon became a well-known figure in Arab circle. one evening he met one gentleman, Abdel Latif Hassan, editor in chief of Arab world magazine publish in Argentina.they become close friends. 

After some months, Abdel Latif Hassan introduces Eli to General Amin El-Hafez, the military attache at the embassy. Eli seemed to have completed the final stage in establishing his network. The next day he comes to Hassan's office and admitted that he is sick and tired to live in Argentina, he wanted to go back to Syria, could he help him with some letter of recommendation? .Abdel Latif Hassan immediately wrote four letters one to his brother in law, two to friends in Beirut and fourth to his son in Damascus. Eli visited other Arab friends as Abdel Latif Hassan and his briefcase was full of enthusiastic letters of recommendation.

The man in Damascus

In 1962 Eli cohen was in Damascus with crowded mosques and colorful souks, he rented a luxurious villa in the classy Abu Ramen neighborhood, close to the Syrian embassy. Eli could watch the entrance to the Syrian government officials' guest house.

Cohen established his contact quickly, his letter of recommendation opened the gates to high society. His new friends introduced Eli to top government officials, senior army officers, and leaders of the ruling party. In a display of generosity, the tabet contributed some money to build a public kitchen for the poor of Damascus.

After a few months, Eli was visited by George Salem Seif, a radio show host in charge of radio Damascus broadcast for Syrian abord. he supplies Eli with inside information about the political and military situation.

Kamel Amin Tabet in Syria

Eli started transmitting his message to Israel daily at 8 a.m. After six months kamal Amin tabet become well known. he goes aboard for business and meets Nadia and Sophie in Bat Yam.

Eli had to conceal the microfilm inexpensive boxes containing backgammon pieces .the music ornament could be dug out of the polished wood and reinserted after microfilm bad been placed in the cavity.tabet send it to Argentina, where his friend dispatches them to Israel with a diplomatic pouch.

In March 1963, General Hafez, Eli's friend was appointed minister of defense in salah Al-Birat's cabinet. Eli Cohen was now a member of the inner circle of power. Kamal Amin Tabet hosted a glamorous party in Damascus, several ministers, a large number of general and colonel, top leaders of the Baath party, businessmen. 

He has reached the apex of success, and it seems that there is no door he can't open. Eli kept transmitting reports of a military character, top military orders, reports on new weapons to Israel.

One day they took Eli to visit the Syrian positions along Israel's border. they let him see fortification and the bunkers, weapon concentrated in the area, and their offensive plans.l lieutenant Zaher Al-Din took Eli to the El Hama military camp, where large quantities of new weapons had been stored. 

Eli Cohen as a Mossad Agent

In 1963, new Ramdas who replaced Meir Amit for a few months in charge of both a man and Mossad.he transfer all operations to Mossad , Eli was now Mossad agent. In November 1964, at Tel Dan Syria open fire on Israel tractors in the demilitarized zone. soon Israel's tanks and cannon riposted with heavy fire, and minutes later mirage pounded the Syrian position and blasted the cannon of Syria that was dug.

A month later, a Syrian officer would say that one of the Israel attacks architects had been Eli Cohen, who was in Israel during the battel.eli  had succeeded in friending a Saudi entrepreneur who had been contracted to plan and dig canals, the name was his friend was bin Laden, little Osama's father. Israel attacked the project serval time later they abandon the project in 1965.

Soviet-made equipment Caught Eli red-handed

In 1965, the Syrian secret service was on high alert. their chief noticed that their decision taken by the government was broadcast to Israel. He was stunned by the precision of the Israeli bombing during the 1964 attack. He became certain that Israel had spied in the Syrian government.they made great efforts to locate the secret transmission to Israel with help of Soviet-made equipment, in January 1965 they got success.they suspect on a tablet but they verify the tablets transmission two times at 8 am precisely they broke into tablet home, Eli was caught red-handed in the transmission.

The news spread everywhere that the Syrian leader is a spy, president friend, a millionaire.

Syria's torture him but he was still lying, his face was covered with wounds, his nail was pulled out.

In January 1965, Syrian government officials announced that Eli is an Israeli spy.one after the other 69 people were arrested.

On 18 May 1965, Eli cohen was woken by the jailer and fastened the noose and hang up, the huge poster was fastened on his chest where his sentence was written in Arabic.
Even today Syria refuses to return his body for burial in Israel.

Eli Cohen was hanged up in Damascus

             
This is a rough translation:

“In the name of the Syrian Arab people, The Military court has decided in its meeting which was held on Muharram 7th, 1385 - May 8th, 1965 to sentence Eliyahu Ben-Shaul Cohen, a resident of Tel Aviv in Occupied Palestine, to death for committing the following crimes:

1. The crime of disguised entry into a military location.

1. The crime of obtaining secret information is kept hidden to ensure the safety of the country to benefit the enemy.

1. He is being executed according to the two articles 158 and 159 of the military penal code, and articles 271, 272, and 274 of the general penal code.

This is a definitive and final verdict. It was approved by
The head of the presidency council on 17/5/1965”