The Second Arab-Israeli War:By Muhammad Farhan Khan

The Second Arab-Israeli War:By Muhammad Farhan Khan

The Second Arab-Israeli War, also known as the Suez Crisis or the Tripartite Aggression, was a pivotal conflict in the Middle East that reshaped the region's geopolitical landscape. This war, fought from October 29 to November 7, 1956, involved Israel, the United Kingdom, and France on one side, and Egypt on the other. The conflict had far-reaching implications for the Middle East and the broader international community.

Background

The Geopolitical Context

The roots of the Second Arab-Israeli War can be traced back to the lingering tensions following the First Arab-Israeli War in 1948-1949, which resulted in the establishment of the State of Israel. The Arab nations, particularly Egypt, harbored deep resentment towards Israel and were unwilling to recognize its legitimacy. Additionally, the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union played a significant role in shaping the region's dynamics.

The Suez Canal

The Suez Canal, a crucial waterway connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, was a vital artery for international trade and a symbol of colonial influence. In 1956, Egyptian President Jamal Abdul Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal, previously controlled by the Suez Canal Company, a joint British-French enterprise. This move was seen as a bold assertion of Egyptian sovereignty and a direct challenge to British and French interests.

The Build-Up to War

Israeli Concerns

Israel, since its establishment, faced constant security threats from its neighboring Arab states. The Egyptian blockade of the Straits of Tiran, which restricted Israeli access to the Red Sea, and the frequent Fedayeen raids from the Gaza Strip, heightened Israel's sense of insecurity. The nationalization of the Suez Canal further exacerbated these tensions.

Anglo-French Interests

For the United Kingdom and France, Nasser's nationalization of the Suez Canal was unacceptable. The canal was not only crucial for their economic interests but also a symbol of their colonial power. The British and French governments, under Prime Ministers Anthony Eden and Guy Mollet, respectively, sought to regain control of the canal and diminish Nasser's influence in the region.

The Sevres Protocol

In October 1956, representatives from Israel, the United Kingdom, and France met secretly in Sevres, France, to plan a coordinated military action against Egypt. The Sevres Protocol outlined a three-phase operation: Israel would invade the Sinai Peninsula, and then Britain and France would issue an ultimatum for a ceasefire, ostensibly to protect the Suez Canal. When Egypt inevitably rejected the ultimatum, British and French forces would intervene, ostensibly as peacekeepers, but in reality to regain control of the canal.

The Invasion

Operation Kadesh

On October 29, 1956, Israel launched Operation Kadesh, a rapid and well-coordinated assault on the Sinai Peninsula. Israeli paratroopers were dropped near the Mitla Pass, while ground forces advanced from the Negev Desert. The Israeli military, under the command of General Moshe Dayan, achieved remarkable success, swiftly capturing key positions and advancing towards the Suez Canal.

Anglo-French Intervention

On October 31, Britain and France issued an ultimatum to Egypt and Israel, calling for a ceasefire and the withdrawal of forces from the canal area. As expected, Egypt rejected the ultimatum. On November 5, British and French forces began their air and naval bombardment of Egyptian positions, followed by a seaborne invasion of Port Said and Port Fuad on November 6.

International Reaction

The United States and the Soviet Union

The United States, led by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, was caught off guard by the tripartite invasion. The Eisenhower administration strongly opposed the use of force and sought to prevent further escalation. The Soviet Union, under Premier Nikita Khrushchev, also condemned the invasion and threatened to intervene militarily, further heightening global tensions.

United Nations Involvement

The United Nations, under Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld, played a crucial role in mediating the conflict. The UN General Assembly called for an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of invading forces. On November 6, a ceasefire resolution was adopted, leading to the cessation of hostilities.

Aftermath

Withdrawal and UNEF Deployment

Under intense international pressure, Britain, France, and Israel agreed to withdraw their forces from Egypt. The United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) was deployed to supervise the ceasefire and facilitate the withdrawal. By March 1957, all invading forces had left Egyptian territory.

Nasser's Triumph

Despite the military setbacks, Nasser emerged as a hero in the Arab world. His defiance against the colonial powers and his successful retention of control over the Suez Canal boosted his stature and influence. The Suez Crisis also marked the decline of British and French colonial influence in the Middle East.

Long-term Implications

The Second Arab-Israeli War had significant long-term implications. It underscored the limitations of military intervention in the face of international opposition and highlighted the growing importance of the United Nations in conflict resolution. The crisis also set the stage for future Arab-Israeli conflicts and played a crucial role in shaping the Cold War dynamics in the Middle East.

Conclusion

The Second Arab-Israeli War was a complex and multifaceted conflict with profound implications for the Middle East and the international community. The war highlighted the enduring tensions between Israel and its Arab neighbors, the declining colonial influence of Britain and France, and the strategic importance of the Suez Canal. The crisis also underscored the vital role of international diplomacy and the United Nations in managing and resolving conflicts. As such, the Suez Crisis remains a pivotal chapter in the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the broader geopolitics of the 20th century.