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Gulf of Aqaba
In 1967 Egypt demanded that the UN (United Nations) remove its troops from Gaza and the Sinai Peninsula. Egyptian troops then moved into the Sinai, and Egypt began to close off the Gulf of Aqaba, Israel's route to the Red Sea. -
Six-Day War
Expecting an Arab attack, Israel decided to strike first. Israel launched air strikes against Egypt, Syria, and Jordan, destroying most of their airplanes on the ground. Ground troops then moved in quickly to defeat Arab forces. The war lasted six days hence the name the Six-Day War. Within those six days, Israel took control of the Golan Heights, Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, and East Jerusalem. -
Yom Kippur War
Determined to win their territory back Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack against Israel known as the Yom Kippur War. The war got its name from the Jewish holy day when the attack began. At first, Arab troops made gains in the war but Israeli's government ran by Golda Meir, had help from the United States. With the U.S. support Israeli troops were able to push the Egyptian and Syrian troops back. After weeks of fighting both sides agreed to a cease-fire. -
OPEC Oil
During the war, Arab members of OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) declared an oil embargo, or refusal to sell oil, to countries supporting Israel, including the United States. The price of oil around the world rose dramatically as a result. -
Camp David Accords
In 1977, Egypt wanted peace with Israel. To help facilitate this historic peace, U.S. president Jimmy Carter invited the prime minister of Israel and Egypt's president to Camp David. Where in 1978, Menachem Begin and Anwar Sadat reached an agreement known as the Camp David Accords.
