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1963 - 1967
THE NATIONAL WATER CARRIER -
1964
Water shortage is a severe problem in Israel. There is not much water in this area and the existing
sources lie partly in Syria and Jordan. The extensive agricultural lands in the south of the country are
served by insufficient reservoirs. The main water reserves are in the north, but here the tracts of
agricultural land are smaller. The solution to the problem was simple: transfer water from the north to
the south.
The plan called for conveying water from the north to the springs of the Yarkon River and from there
southward to the area around Kibbutz Magen in the northwest Negev. This part of the project is called
the Yarkon-Negev line. The National Water Carrier, which crosses Israel from north to south, is the
main artery connecting all regional water projects in the State. It thus became possible to completely
control all the water in the country, and to convey it efficiently wherever it was most needed.
Work on this substantial, large scale project began in 1953 and ended in 1964. The Syrians objected
furiously, claiming that Israel had no right to make changes in this region, which was a designated
open area not subject to change by either side. The United Nations exerted a great deal of pressure,
which left Israel with no choice but to build the National Water Carrier from the northwest section of
the Sea of Galilee.
The Carrier is 130 kilometers (81 miles) in length. The northern section makes its way through
tunnels and open canals, with occasional ponds for water concentration. Farther south the water is
conveyed through a water pipe concealed deep in the earth.
While the National Water Carrier was under construction, Syria and Jordan undertook water projects
of their own, in the hope of drying up the water sources of the Jordan river. This was in direct
contravention to international agreements. The Syrians attempted to divert water from the Banias
River to the southern Golan Heights and together with the Jordanians, to utilize water from the
Yarmukh River.
The water conflict was the background to many disputes with Syria during the 60’s. Another source of
contention was the working of arable land near the border.
THE SIX DAY WAR - JUNE 5-11,
1967
In May 1967 military preparations were openly under way on the Egyptian side of the border. The
Egyptian leader, Gamal Abdel Nasser, deployed hundreds of tanks and armored vehicles and
thousands of soldiers in the Sinai Peninsula. He also fortified the Sinai airfields. Then he requested
the withdrawal of the international force which had been stationed in Sinai since the Sinai Campaign
of 1956.
Once again the Straits of Tiran were closed to Israeli sea traffic. Jordan and Syria concluded a
military treaty with Egypt. Top level diplomatic efforts were made to avoid escalation of the conflict.
In Israel, reserve soldiers were mobilized and deployed along the borders. The situation was extremely
tense.
On June 5, at daybreak, Israel’s Air Force destroyed the Egyptian Air Force on the ground. At the
same time, Israeli Infantry and Armored Corps entered the Sinai Peninsula, signaling the outbreak of
war with Egypt. The Jordanians began shelling along the border but later concentrated mainly on
Jerusalem, and residents of the city took to the shelters. Israel had previously requested that King
Hussein stay out of the war, since they had no intention of attacking Jordan. It was therefore assumed
in Israel that the shelling was merely symbolic, to appease Jordan’s allies. However, that afternoon the
Jordanians captured the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) Headquarters in
Jerusalem, a move which threatened the city, and fighting spread throughout Jerusalem. While
hostilities continued with Egypt and Jordan, Syrian warplanes bombed several targets. Israel retaliated
by severely crippling the Syrian Air Force and when Iraqi planes joined the fighting, the long arm of
the Israel Air Force reached as far as Iraq.
Within six days the IDF controlled the entire Sinai peninsula and was deployed along the banks of the
Suez Canal. The Golan Heights in the north were in Israeli hands, and the Jordan River formed the
eastern border. Jerusalem was liberated and reunited, once again becoming one city. The 28th day of
Iyar, 5727 (June 7, 1967) was designated Jerusalem Day, in honor of the brilliant victory which
stunned the entire world.
The Six Day War was a milestone in the history of the State of Israel. It was followed by
unprecedented development and expansion. Immigration increased, especially from prosperous
countries. The demand for housing benefited the building industry, with major efforts directed
towards settlements in the new territories.
Eight hundred IDF soldiers lost their lives in the Six Day War.
The architects of this great victory were Moshe Dayan, Minister of Defence, and Yitzhak Rabin, Chief
of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces.
News Briefs
Pictures reprinted with permission, all rights reserved to Alpha Press.
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