The War In October: who claimed victory in 1973? | E3 | Featured Documentary

Al Jazeera English・2 minutes read

Egypt and Syria launched a war against Israel in 1973, leading to a series of complex negotiations involving Henry Kissinger that eventually resulted in disengagement agreements and a step towards peace in the Middle East. The conflict also had economic repercussions, with major oil price increases causing concerns and driving up Futures prices.

Insights

  • Anwar Sadat's decision to launch a war against Israel in 1973 was driven by frustration with peace initiatives, leading to significant military activity in the Middle East.
  • Henry Kissinger played a pivotal role in negotiating ceasefires and agreements during the conflict, including supporting Israeli actions that violated the ceasefire and engaging in shuttle diplomacy to facilitate peace talks between Egypt and Israel.

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Recent questions

  • What triggered the war between Egypt, Syria, and Israel?

    The war was triggered by Egyptian President Anwar Sadat's frustration with peace initiatives, leading Egypt and Syria to launch a war against Israel on two fronts on October 6, 1973.

  • How did the United States support Israel during the war?

    The United States initiated a massive airlift on October 14, 1973, to supply weapons to Israel, including electronic equipment and anti-tank missiles, to aid them in the conflict.

  • What significant event occurred during the second week of the war?

    Israeli forces successfully crossed the Suez Canal during the second week of the war, establishing a bridgehead on the western side, marking a crucial advancement in the conflict.

  • When did direct negotiations between Egyptians and Israelis begin?

    Direct negotiations between Egyptians and Israelis began for the first time on October 28, 1973, at a tent erected on the Cairo-Suez Road, signifying a pivotal moment in the peace process.

  • How did the conflict eventually lead to peace negotiations?

    The conflict eventually led to peace negotiations as American Secretary of State Henry Kissinger engaged in shuttle diplomacy, culminating in a disengagement agreement accepted by both sides, marking a significant step towards peace in the region.

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Summary

00:00

Middle East War: Kissinger, Ceasefire, Airlift

  • On October 6, 1973, American Secretary of State Henry Kissinger was informed of military activity in the Middle East.
  • Egypt and Syria launched a war against Israel on two fronts on October 6, 1973, after Egyptian President Anwar Sadat grew tired of peace initiatives.
  • Henry Kissinger arrived in Moscow two weeks into the war to agree on a UN ceasefire acceptable to Egypt's Soviet allies.
  • Kissinger made a stopover in Tel Aviv on October 22, 1973, giving his blessing to Israeli plans to violate the ceasefire.
  • The Egyptians mounted a lightning attack across the Suez Canal on October 6, 1973, aiming to liberate the Sinai Peninsula.
  • A massive American airlift began on October 14, 1973, to supply weapons to Israel, including electronic equipment and anti-tank missiles.
  • Israeli forces successfully crossed the canal during the second week of the war, forming a bridgehead on the western side.
  • Despite setbacks, the Egyptians worked to resist Israeli advances, utilizing ambushes and seeking anti-tank squads.
  • The Soviets considered taking unilateral action to impose a ceasefire in the Middle East on October 24, 1973.
  • Direct negotiations between Egyptians and Israelis took place for the first time on October 28, 1973, at a tent erected on the Cairo-Suez Road.

30:49

Middle East Peace Talks Lead to Withdrawal

  • By mid-October, major oil producers had raised prices by nearly 20%, causing concern and driving up Futures prices, leading to a rush to fill up cars.
  • American Secretary of State Henry Kissinger met with Anwar Sadat in Cairo on November 6th, discussing Israel's withdrawal to the October 22nd lines, eventually agreeing on a larger plan for Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank of the canal.
  • Four days after their meeting, an initial agreement was signed at kilometer 101, ensuring daily convoys of non-military supplies for Egypt and the besieged third Army, with a significant exchange of prisoners.
  • Kissinger returned in January to negotiate further, leading to a disengagement agreement accepted by both sides, marking the beginning of shuttle diplomacy and a step towards peace.
  • On January 18th, an agreement was signed at kilometer 101, outlining Israeli withdrawal from Sinai, leaving a reduced Egyptian force on the Eastern side of the canal, policed by UN forces.
  • By the end of February, Israeli troops completed their withdrawal from the western side of the canal, lifting the siege of the third Army, leading to celebrations in Egypt and questions in Israel about leadership and military performance.
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