Israel's 'Operation Focus': Inside One of the Most Successful Air Campaigns in Military History

CBN News14 minutes read

Egypt's President Gamal Abdel Nasser declared war on Israel in 1967, prompting Israel to execute Operation Moked led by Commander Ezra Weitzman to gain air superiority and achieve a swift victory, marking a significant moment in military history. The successful surprise attack on Egyptian, Jordanian, and Syrian air forces was attributed to the Israeli Air Force's simple plan, dedication, and spirit, ultimately leading to Israel's triumph in the conflict.

Insights

  • Operation Focus, led by Commander Ezra Weitzman, was a pivotal moment in military history due to its simplicity, precision, and dedication, resulting in the destruction of 452 enemy planes and granting Israel complete air superiority.
  • In the midst of heightened tensions and military movements following Egypt's declaration of war on Israel, the success of Operation Focus showcased the critical decision-making and strategic planning by the Israeli Air Force, emphasizing the importance of precise intelligence and training in military operations.

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Recent questions

  • What was Operation Moked?

    Operation Moked was a plan devised by the Israeli Air Force to strike Egyptian airfields by bombing runways to prevent Arab planes from taking off.

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Summary

00:00

Six-Day War: Israel's Decisive Air Strike

  • In May 1967, Egypt's President Gamal Abdel Nasser declared war on Israel, leading to heightened tensions and military movements.
  • Nasser moved troops to the Sinai Peninsula, expelled UN peacekeepers, and blocked the Straits of Tiran to Israeli ships.
  • Israel faced a critical decision to strike preemptively or face imminent attack, with the IDF on high alert for three weeks.
  • The Israeli Air Force, led by Commander Ezra Weitzman, devised Operation Moked to strike Egyptian airfields.
  • The plan aimed to bomb runways to prevent Arab planes from taking off, relying on precise intelligence and training.
  • On June 5th, 1967, Operation Focus commenced, with pilots flying low over the Mediterranean to avoid radar detection.
  • The surprise attack decimated the Egyptian, Jordanian, and Syrian air forces, granting Israel complete air superiority.
  • Israeli ground forces moved into Sinai, intending to breach Egyptian defense lines but ended up reaching the Suez Canal.
  • Egyptian propaganda spread false claims of victory, while the reality saw Israel's Air Force destroying 452 enemy planes.
  • The success of Operation Focus was attributed to simplicity, spirit, and dedication of the Israeli Air Force, marking a pivotal moment in military history.

19:55

"In Our Hands" 4k Streaming and DVD

  • To stream "In Our Hands" in 4k, visit cbn.com/inourhands or call 1-800-700-7000.
  • The DVD extra includes "The Battle for Jerusalem."
  • Obtain "In Our Hands" by giving any dollar amount as a gift.
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