Israel Launches Preemptive Strike, Destroys Arab Air Forces
Israeli jets destroy Egyptian, Syrian, and Jordanian air forces in surprise morning raids, beginning what becomes known as the Six-Day War.
TEL AVIV - Israel launched devastating preemptive air strikes against Egypt, Syria, and Jordan this morning, destroying most of their air forces on the ground and gaining air superiority within hours of the war’s outbreak.
Operation Focus began at 7:45 AM with waves of Israeli jets flying low over the Mediterranean to avoid radar detection. The coordinated strikes hit Egyptian airfields precisely when pilots were having breakfast and aircraft were being refueled.
“We have broken the back of the Egyptian air force,” Israeli Air Force Commander Mordechai Hod announced. Initial reports indicate over 300 Egyptian aircraft destroyed, virtually eliminating Egypt’s aerial combat capability.
The strikes followed weeks of escalating tensions after Egypt’s President Nasser closed the Straits of Tiran to Israeli shipping and demanded UN peacekeepers leave Sinai. With 100,000 Egyptian troops massed in Sinai and defense pacts linking Egypt, Syria, and Jordan, Israel claimed preemption was essential for survival.
Jordan entered the conflict despite Israeli warnings, shelling West Jerusalem and Israeli airbases. Israel responded by destroying Jordan’s small air force and launching ground operations toward the West Bank.
Palestinian residents of the West Bank and Gaza, under Jordanian and Egyptian control respectively, find themselves caught in rapidly expanding warfare. Israeli armored columns are advancing on multiple fronts.
“This is our war of independence,” declared Defense Minister Moshe Dayan. “We fight not for conquest but to ensure our existence.”
Arab radio stations initially claimed victory, reporting hundreds of Israeli planes shot down. These false reports may have encouraged Jordan to enter the conflict, a decision that could prove catastrophic.
The UN Security Council convened in emergency session, but superpower divisions prevent immediate action. The Soviet Union backs its Arab allies while the United States calls for restraint from all parties.