Israel Invades Sinai as Secret Alliance with Britain and France Unfolds
Israeli forces launch Operation Kadesh into Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, beginning what will become known as the Suez Crisis.
TEL AVIV - Israeli forces launched a massive invasion of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula today, with paratroopers dropping near the strategic Mitla Pass and armored columns racing across the desert toward the Suez Canal.
The attack, codenamed Operation Kadesh, involves 100,000 Israeli troops and appears coordinated with British and French interests angry over Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser’s nationalization of the Suez Canal in July.
Israel cites continuous fedayeen raids from Gaza and Egypt’s blockade of the Straits of Tiran as justification for the invasion. “We will no longer tolerate attacks on our citizens or restrictions on our navigation,” Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion declared.
Egyptian forces, caught off-guard, are retreating from advanced positions in Sinai. Nasser has ordered troops to fall back to defend the Suez Canal, recognizing the possible connection to Anglo-French interests.
The timing suggests careful coordination. Britain and France are expected to issue an ultimatum demanding both sides withdraw from the Canal Zone, setting the stage for their intervention to “protect” the waterway.
Palestinian refugees in Gaza watch anxiously as Israeli forces approach. The strip, administered by Egypt since 1948 and home to 300,000 refugees, could fall under Israeli control within days.
The United States, not consulted about the operation, has expressed anger at its allies. President Eisenhower faces a dilemma: supporting allies Britain, France, and Israel, or upholding principles against aggression.
Soviet Premier Bulganin warned of “dangerous consequences” if the attack continues, raising fears of superpower confrontation. The UN Security Council is expected to convene emergency sessions, though British and French vetoes could block any resolution.