2023-10-07 20:30:52
Jerusalem ∙ Yesterday, Hamas carried out an attack in Israel that evoked memories of the Yom Kippur War of 1973. On October 6, 1973, the armies of Syria and Egypt launched a surprise attack while Israel was busy observing Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), the most important Jewish holy day. A good number of soldiers were on leave. Initially faltering, Israel then counterattacked; Within a week, a cease-fire agreement was reached under the leadership of the United Nations (UN).
The current attack comes a day after the 50th anniversary of the 1973 war. As part of the anniversary, the media published articles strongly criticizing the then Prime Minister Golda Meir and the government for not taking precautions. 2600 Israeli soldiers were killed in the 1973 war. It is estimated that Egypt lost 15,000 soldiers and Syria 3,500. Many leaders, including current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Labor Party leader Yehud Barak, participated in the war.
Hamas has taken advantage of the extreme sectarianism in Israel at the moment. Many sections of the society, including the soldiers, are protesting against the legal reforms brought by Netanyahu as part of an effort to streamline the courts. Religious sectarianism is also strong in the society.
Unlike 1973, Israel now has better relations with the Arab countries. 5 years after the 1973 war they signed a peace treaty with Egypt. Peace agreements were signed with Jordan in 1994 and with UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan in 2020.
English Summary : Yom Kippur War in Memories
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