What impact did the War of Attrition (1967-1970) have on the Arab-Israeli conflict?

The War of Attrition intensified the Arab-Israeli conflict, leading to increased hostilities and setting the stage for the Yom Kippur War.

The War of Attrition, which took place from 1967 to 1970, was a significant event in the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict. It was a military confrontation between Israel and Egypt, with both sides engaging in a series of sporadic, low-intensity battles along the Suez Canal. The war was characterised by its lack of decisive victories and high casualty rates, hence the term 'attrition'.

The war had a profound impact on the Arab-Israeli conflict, primarily by escalating tensions and hostilities between the two sides. The conflict saw the use of heavy artillery, aerial bombings, and commando raids, leading to a significant loss of life and property. This only served to deepen the animosity between the Arab nations and Israel, making any prospects for peace even more remote.

The War of Attrition also had significant geopolitical implications. It led to a shift in the balance of power in the Middle East, with Egypt and its Arab allies gaining increased support from the Soviet Union. This bolstered their military capabilities and emboldened them to continue their resistance against Israel. On the other hand, Israel, feeling increasingly isolated and threatened, sought and received increased military aid from the United States. This further polarised the region along Cold War lines, with the Arab-Israeli conflict becoming a proxy battleground for the two superpowers.

Moreover, the war set the stage for the Yom Kippur War of 1973. The War of Attrition ended inconclusively, with neither side able to claim a decisive victory. This left many issues unresolved, particularly the status of the Sinai Peninsula, which Israel had occupied during the Six-Day War of 1967. The continued Israeli occupation of Sinai was a major point of contention for Egypt, and it was this issue that ultimately led to the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War.

In conclusion, the War of Attrition had a significant impact on the Arab-Israeli conflict. It intensified hostilities, polarised the region along Cold War lines, and set the stage for future conflicts. The war demonstrated the deep-seated animosity and mistrust between the Arab nations and Israel, making it clear that a peaceful resolution to the conflict was far from reach.