The Arab-Israeli War of Attrition 1967-1973 Volume 1: Aftermath of the Six-Day War, Renewed Combat, West Bank Insurgency and Air Forces

The Six-Day War of June 1967 was a cataclysm for the Arabs; Israel emerged victorious and in possession of occupied territory in Saini, the West Bank, and the Golan Heights. The Arabs were furious at this outcome and determined to regain their lands and dignity by again making war with Israel. Added to the mix was a resurgent Palestinian liberation movement.

Renewed fighting began within weeks. It became a period of sustained combat, casualties, fiscal outlay, and diplomacy on the world stage unlike anything experienced previously. All involved militaries remained very active over the years following 1967 with more consistent mobilization, intensive training, and action than ever before and each side deepened their dependence on superpower arms supply. Adversary forces grew in size, adopted more complex weapons, and trained in new tactics, all in the tumult of combat of escalating intensity. The danger of this sparking another general war with potential superpower involvement was high. This period is collectively referred to as the War of Attrition.