Timeline: The Yom Kippur War

Oct 6, 1973

First Attacks on Israel

The war begins with Egyptians and Syrian forces attacking Israel. They want to reclaim land taken from them during the Six-Day War in 1967. They attack on Yom Kippur, a holy Jewish holiday. The fighting area was later known as the Valley of Tears.

Oct 10, 1973

Washington Airlifts Supplies to Israel

Supplies are airlifted to Israel from the U.S. right after the Soviets send supplies to Egypt. With these supplies, Israel leads a successful attack on Egyptian forces. Thanks to the attack, Israel recaptured most of the southern Golan Heights.

Oct 11, 1973

The U.S. and the Soviet Union Send Threats

Syria is attacked by Israel at Damascus. Anatoly Dobrynin, The Soviet's ambassador for the United States, makes it known that their pilots are on alert to defend Damascus. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger warns that they would follow suit if the Soviets sent troops to the Middle East.

Oct 14, 1973

Battle of the Sinai

The Egyptians lose between 250 to 300 tanks, and Israel loses about ten tanks. In response to Syria's plea for help, both Jordan and Iraq sent troops to the Golan Heights. It would be known as one of the largest tank battles ever fought.

Oct 16, 1973

Egypt Asks for a Ceasefire

On October 16, 1973, Egypt asks the Soviet Union to call for a meeting with the United Nations to discuss a ceasefire. The ceasefire would not be discussed until October 22. At that time, Israeli forces were able to cross the Suez Canal.

Oct 17, 1973

OPEC Influence

On this day it is announced that several nations involved with the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries will be cutting oil production with Israel. They wanted Israel to retreat from the land captured by them during the Six-Day War. The prohibition was not lifted until 1974.

Oct 22, 1973

Ceasefire

When Israel overtakes Syrian positions on Mount Hermon, The United Nations called for a ceasefire. They ordered an exchange of land and negotiations between the countries. These were made in an effort to establish lasting peace.

Oct 23, 1973

Fighting Continues

Both sides ignore the ceasefire and continue fighting. The United Nations restate the ceasefire with the unanimous vote for Resolution 339. The United Nations then sent observers to the area.

Oct 24, 1973

More Fighting and Threats

After the failure of the first ceasefire, a second one was also uneffective against the constant fighting between Israel and Egypt. The Soviets then threaten to send troops to aid Egypt. They withdraw their threat after the United States heighten their nuclear forces.

Oct 28, 1973

Ending the War

The leaders of the Israeli and Egyptian forces meet for the first time in 25 years. They quickly work to implement the ceasefire, and negotiate for the land. It was successful, and the battles ended. The war lasted a total of about 22 days. Despite the negotiations, Israel failed to give back the Golan Heights, and there is still dispute over it between Syria and Israel to this day.

Feb 22, 2222