Nasser Calls for Israel’s Destruction in Speech to Trade Unionists, May 1967CIE+
Ten days before the start of the Six-Day War, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser declares that Egypt, Syria and other Arab states intend to destroy Israel.
Assembled here are key sources that have shaped the modern Middle East, Zionism and Israel. We have included items that give texture, perspective and opinion to historical context. Many of these sources are mentioned in the Era summaries and contain explanatory introductions.
Prime Minister Eshkol’s Radio Address to the Nation, May 1967CIE+
With tensions on its borders, Eshkol tries to reassure Israeli public. Instead he gives a “painfully faltering” speech. Popular and party disgruntlement follow, opening the way for Eshkol to turn over the Defense Ministry two days later to General Moshe Dayan.
President Nasser Addresses Egyptian National Assembly, May 1967CIE+
Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser asserts that the conflict with Israel is not over access to the Gulf of Aqaba but the very existence of Israel; Egypt’s foes are Britain and the United States, which support Israel.
Ambassador Gideon Rafael Addresses U.N. Security Council, June 1967CIE+
The Israeli ambassador to the United Nations delivers a detailed outline of events that will lead to war two days later.
Israel State Archives, Six-Day War Files, 1967CIE+
The Israel State Archives’ “The Six Day War Files” includes Cabinet and Security Cabinet meeting transcripts that were classified for 50 years.
Israeli Foreign Minister Eban’s U.N. Statement During the June 1967 War
Foreign Minister Abba Eban addressed the U.N. Security Council one day after the Six-Day War began and as Israel was moving from fear of destruction to an extraordinary military victory. He framed Israel’s self-defense after weeks of mounting danger and emotional drain.
Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser’s Resignation Broadcast, June 1967CIE+
After the Israeli army swept through Sinai in four days, the Egyptian president acknowledges the success of Israel’s pre-emptive strike but blames the U.S. and Britain. Still, he takes responsibility for the Arab defeat and resigns.
Prime Minister Eshkol Statement to Knesset After June 1967 WarCIE+
Two days after the conclusion of the June 1967 War, Eshkol, recounts the series of events that led to war, the war itself and the immediate aftermath. He reaches out to Arab states for peace seeking a path to peace with her belligerent neighbors. A week later, Israel will quietly messages Cairo and Damascus through the US, hat Israel seeks an end to the conflict. No answers are received.
Abba Eban Speech at U.N. Special Assembly, June 1967CIE+
Ambassador Abba Eban tells the U.N. why Israel had to fight the war earlier in June 1967 and calls for new efforts for regional peace.
Israeli Government-Designed Peace Plan After June 1967 WarCIE+
After the June 1967 war, the Israeli government sent word through the United States to Egypt and Syria seeking to jump-start a peace process. Apparently no response was received.
Lyndon Johnson’s Five Principles of Peace, 1967CIE+
President Johnson’s remarks became the philosophical outline for UN Resolution 242 passed in November 1967. Core to his view was that Israel would not need to return to the pre-1967 war borders, and that the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states in the region should be protected.
IDF Chief of Staff Yitzhak Rabin: The Right of Israel to Defend Itself, 1967CIE+
Receiving an honorary doctorate from the Hebrew University after the conclusion of the June 1967 War, Rabin delivers a speech on behalf of Israel’s entire military. He highlights the harsh realities of war yet concentrates on commending the extraordinary efforts of Israel’s armed forces.
The Allon Plan, 1967CIE+
Yigal Allon’s plan for handling the areas captured from Jordan during the just-completed Six-Day War reflects Israel’s previous border vulnerability and seeks a West Bank arrangement that is not a strategic or geographic threat.
Arab League Summit Resolutions, 1967CIE+
Arab states declare “no peace, no negotiation, no recognition” with Israel after their collective defeat in the June 1967 War.
U.N. Security Council Resolution 242, 1967: Framework for Arab-Israeli NegotiationsCIE+
Resolution 242 calls for Israeli withdrawal from unspecified captured territories in return for the right of all states to live in peace. It does not call for a full withdrawal. It is the basis for treaties with Egypt (1979) and Jordan (1994) and for PLO recognition of Israel (1993).
“The Six-Day War,” Israel Government Year Book Overview, 1968CIE+
From the Israel Government Yearbook, an 11 page description of the June War.
“The Six-Day War,” In-Depth Causes and Effects, Israel Government Year Book, 1967-68CIE+
March 1968 “The Six-Day War,” Israel Government Year Book, 5728 (1967-68), March 1968, Central Office of Information, Prime Minister’s Office The Six-Day War The short, sharp encounter that has come to be known as the…
U.N. Security Council Resolution 478, 1980: Criticizing Israel Over Territories Taken in June 1967CIE+
The United States abstains on a Security Council resolution declaring Israel’s Basic Law on Jerusalem to be in violation of international law.
Presidential Proclamation Recognizing Golan Heights as Part of Israel, 2019CIE+
U.S. President Donald Trump recognizes Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights more than 37 years after Israel annexed the mountains.
