The importance of Arab-Israeli conflicts and the first Gulf War

The importance of Arab-Israeli conflicts and the first Gulf War.

• The creation of Israel was not accepted by its Arab neighbours, leading to a series of conflicts.

-The Six Day War 1967:

1. In 1967, Israel launched an attack on her Arab neighbours, claiming that they were about to attack her. The outcome was a resounding Israeli victory.
2. Ever since this victory, the status of Gaza, the West Bank and Jerusalem has remained hotly disputed between Arabs and Israelis. 
3. Air power proved to be decisive in the Six Day War. The eventual Israeli victory was mainly down to control of the air which, in turn, was due to the actions of the Israeli air force on the first day of the war (5th June 1967).
4. Although Israel's first and most critical attack was on Egyptian Air Force, which had by far a much more modern and large air force than other Arab air forces; Israel was able to catch them off-guard, with a surprise pre-emptive attack.
5. That afternoon, attacks on Jordanian, Syrian and Iraqi air fields were carried out by Israel, wiping out most of those nations' air forces, with all of the Jordanian air force being wiped out by the end of the first day. Israeli Blitzkrieg tanks, supported by the air force, were then able to  carry out enemy attacks without fear from the air.
6. By the end of the six days (5-10 June), Israel had defeated their Arab neighbours using Blitzkrieg tactics from WW2, with more modern tanks and aircraft. The Israelis used speed and surprise, attacking without warning, equipped with the most up to date tanks supplied by the USA. They used careful planning which ensured control of the air and the effective use of tank warfare, ideal for areas of the Sinai and Golan Heights.

-The War of Yom Kippur 1973:

1. In this battle, the Arab states were successful at first but were later defeated by Israel. The early success of this was also to do with the surprise of the attack; Egyptian and Syrian forces attacked Israeli forces in the Sinai and on the Golan Heights on the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur (hence the name), inflicting heavy losses to the Israelis.
2. Egyptian and Syrian forces attacked Israel on this day, 6th October 1973, knowing that the military of Israel would be participating in religious celebrations for Yom Kippur, therefore, their guard would be temporarily dropped.
3. Other Arab nations aided the Egyptians and Syrians - with Iraq sending a squadron of Hunter jet fighters planes to Egypt a few months before the war; 18,000 Iraqi soldiers were sent in, along with Russian-built MIG fighters used against Israel in the Golan Heights. Tunisia, Sudan and Morocco were also involved in the war.
4. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait effectively funded the war for the Arabs.
5. Facing such a huge attack, Israel was overwhelmed. With Egyptian forces crossing the Suez Canal moving 15 miles inland, and Syrian troops advancing the same distance all within two days, it wasn't looking good for Israel.
6. However, on October 8th, Israeli forces were able to counter-attack in the Sinai, with the help of called-up reserves. They were able to push Egyptians back and cross the Suez Canal, getting within 65 miles of Cairo. They also had success in the Golan Heights with Syrian troops, pushing them back and reclaiming lost land, getting within 35 miles of the Syrian capital.
7. The United Nations were able to organise a cease-fire on October 24th. Israel was able to keep their over the Sinai Desert, with UN troops sent to the Golan Heights to keep peace - forming a buffer zone between Israel and Syria.

-The First Gulf War:

1. In 1990, Saddam Hussein, dictator of Iraq, invaded the oil-rich state of Kuwait. Sadam had not expected that the USA would object the invasion as he was a former ally of America. However, the USA supported by the UK and other countries launched Operation Desert Shield to force Saddam out of Kuwait. 
2. Stage 1 was an air offensive against Iraq, launched on 16th January 1991, lasting nearly a month. In a short time, a variety of aircraft, including Stealth aircraft, cruise missiles and precision-guided weapons seriously damaged Iraq's military and economic structure.
3. Stage 2 was Operation Desert Saber which was launched 23rd February 1991. Land forces advanced into Kuwait and liberated the country within 4 days.
4. The air war began 17th January 1991, with the plan to carry out strategic bombing, gain air superiority, bomb the Iraq artillery, and then finally launch a ground offensive.
5. Weapons such as smart bombs were used, although they weren't overly accurate e.g. the F-117 had a hit rate of 55% while the older F-111 hit the target 70% of the time with laser guided bombs.
6. The most important part was the ground offensive - only ground forces can take and hold ground, although airpower was still vital in softening up Iraqi trenches and forces, it is nearly impossible to destroy an opponent without ground troops.
7. Complete air dominance, which is very rare, was soon won - even vulnerable aircraft were able to roam the air. This is what is called deep battle, where due to modern weapons with extended range, an attack does not just attack the enemy front lines, but his whole military organisations, his front, his art, his reserves and his C&C, without which his troops are blind and helpless.