Syria struck first against Israel in the Six Day War of 1967.Group of answer choicesTrueFalse

Understanding the Question

The question is asking whether Syria was the first to strike against Israel during the Six Day War, which occurred in June 1967.

Historical Context

The Six Day War was a conflict that saw Israel fighting against a coalition of Arab states, primarily Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. It was preceded by escalating tensions and military mobilizations in the region.

Analyzing the Claim

1. Syria's Role: Leading up to the war, Syria had been involved in various conflicts and skirmishes with Israel, particularly over water rights and territory. They had positioned troops along the Golan Heights, which increased tensions.

2. Preemptive Strike: Israel's military action was largely a preemptive strike against Egypt, which had mobilized forces and closed off the Strait of Tiran, a key waterway for Israel.

3. Timeline of Events: On June 5, 1967, Israel launched an attack on Egyptian air forces, which was the catalyst for the conflict. Syria declared war shortly thereafter, but they were not the first to initiate combat.

Conclusion

The statement that Syria struck first against Israel is False. The conflict began with Israel's preemptive strikes against Egypt, making Syria's subsequent involvement a reaction to Israel's initial military actions.