The June War

Abstract

By the mid-1960s, Israel was poised TO alter decisively the balance of historical forces in the Middle East. It showed growing eagerness to engage the Arabs in a major war, and dramatically alter the geopolitical realities in the region.

The glory of past ages no longer is to be seen at a distance but is, from now on, part of the new state.

—Haaretz editorial, June 8, 1967

We have returned to our holiest places, we have returned in order not to part from them ever again.

—Moshe Dayan, June 9, 1967

A messianic, expansionist wind swept over the country. Religious folk spoke of a “miracle” and of “salvation”; the ancient lands of Israel had been restored to God’s people.

—Benny Morris, 2001

You can trace the resurgence of what we call Islamic extremism to the Six Day War.

—Michael Oren, 2007¹