War of Attrition
The War of Attrition (1967–1970) was a war between Egypt and Israel.[1] It ran from March 1969 to 7th August 1970 when the ceasefire was restored.[1] It followed the Six-Day War in 1967, when Israel won a victory and captured the Golan Heights, Gaza Strip and the West Bank.[2]
Objectives
Both sides used attrition warfare in an attempt to weaken the other.[3] Both Egypt and Israel thought that by wearing down the other they would gain an advantage in later negotiations.[3] Egypt wanted its territory back from Israel. The leader of Egypt, Gamal Abdel Nasser, thought that by waging a low-grade war against Israel, he would exhaust their resources and get them to give up the territory.[3] Israel wanted to secure its hold on the Sinai and annex it to Israel.[3]
Outcome
In the end, neither side achieved their goals. Egypt did not force an Israeli withdrawal. Israel still occupied the Sinai. Both sides claimed they won the war. The Israeli death toll included 5,000 soldiers and 600 civilians.[4] Approximately 6,000 soldiers and 1700 civilians were wounded. Egypt lost about 4,000 soldiers and 900 officers.[5] Another 2,000 Egyptian soldiers and 200 officers were captured.[5] Egypt lost about 60% of its military equipment.[5] The Suez Canal remained closed to shipping.[5]
War Of Attrition Media
Israeli naval personnel celebrate their victory after an engagement with Egyptian naval forces near Rumani, 1967
Israeli paratroopers in action during the Battle of Karameh in 1968
President Nasser of Egypt (with binoculars) surveys positions at the Suez Canal in November 1968
A F-4E Phantom of the Israeli Air Force. The aircraft was used to good effect as "flying artillery" during the war. Roundel markings on nose credit this aircraft with three aerial kills.
Israeli troops at the Firdan Bridge by the Suez Canal, 1969
Israeli artillery in action in 1969
Israeli paratroopers in action during Operation Rhodes, 1970
Soviet/Egyptian S-125 anti-aircraft type missiles in the Suez Canal vicinity
Soviet medal issued to Soviet military personnel who served in Egypt during the War of Attrition.[citation needed] The medal says Москва-Каир (Moscow-Cairo).
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References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Ahmed S. Khalidi. "The War of Attrition". Institute for Palestine Studies. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
- ↑ Peter Fitzgerald. "The War of Attrition". The Finer Times. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "What Was the War of Attrition (Mar. 1969 -- Aug. 1970)?". ProCon.org. Archived from the original on 28 August 2016. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
- ↑ "War of Attrition during 1969-1970". Palestine Facts. Archived from the original on 23 September 2009. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "War of Attrition". GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved 6 August 2016.