The Six Day War
Part Two: June 8 - 10

The Israeli Army in the Sinai Desert.

The main effort of the Israeli troops and tanks was directed towards the Egyptian forces deployed in the Sinai Desert and Gaza Strip. The IDF (Israeli Defence Force) attacked these forces with three divisions of tanks, paratroopers and infantry.

Aware of the fact that the war could only last a few days and it was essential to achieve a rapid victory, the Israelis concentrated all of their strength into breaking through the Egyptian lines guarding the Sinai Desert.

On June 8, the Israelis began their attack on the Sinai Desert. Lead by the eccentric General Ariel Sharon (current Israeli Prime Minister), they pushed the Egyptians back towards the Suez Canal. Later that day, Israeli forces reached the Suez canal and as artillery battles continued along the front line the air force attacked the retreating Egyptians who were backed up on the few roads through the desert's mountain passes.

Israel's ground troops move into the Suez Canal area.

By the end of the day the Israelis were in control of the entire Sinai Peninsula and soon after that Egypt accepted a cease- fire with the Israelis.

In the early hours of June 8 the Israelis accidentally torpedoed and crippled the American ship USS Liberty off the coast of Israel. It was mistaken for an Arab troop ship, and 34 American sailors died.

Tanks, such as this Egyptian one, played a large role in the war.

With the Sinai under Israeli control, Israel began its assault on Syrian positions in the Golan Heights on June 9. It was a difficult offensive due to the heavily entrenched Syrian forces and steep terrain. Israel sent an armoured brigade into the front lines while infantry surrounded the Syrian positions.

After a series of bitter exchanges, Israel finally gained control of the Golan Heights. At 6:30pm on June 10 Syria withdrew, and an armistice was signed.