The One Mistake That Almost Cost Israel Everything | Unpacked
Unpacked
In the Yom Kippur War of 1973, Israel experienced a surprise attack from neighboring Arab states on its holiest day of the year, leading to an initial near-collapse at the hands of the Egyptian and Syrian forces. Despite being outnumbered, Israeli soldiers mounted a remarkable defense and counter-offensive that turned the tide, climaxing with the negotiations and subsequent peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. The conflict highlighted the dangers of strategic complacency, exemplified by the 'Conceptzia'—a flawed assumption regarding the unlikelihood of an attack—and underscored the complex geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East, marked by U.S. and USSR involvement. The war not only reshaped Israeli military and political strategies but also paved the way for an unprecedented move towards peace with Egypt.