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Write a narrative account analysing Egypt's relations with Israel in the years 1973-77 - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 2
Write a narrative account analysing Egypt's relations with Israel in the years 1973-77. You may use the following in your answer: - Yom Kippur War (1973) - Preside... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Write a narrative account analysing Egypt's relations with Israel in the years 1973-77 - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Yom Kippur War (1973)
Answer
The Yom Kippur War, also known as the October War, was a pivotal moment in Egypt's relations with Israel. It began on October 6, 1973, when Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israeli positions in the Sinai Peninsula and the Golan Heights. This war was motivated by Egypt's desire to reclaim the Sinai Peninsula, which had been occupied by Israel since the Six-Day War in 1967.
The initial military successes of Egypt, particularly in crossing the Suez Canal, bolstered Egyptian morale and showcased President Sadat's determination to challenge Israeli dominance. However, the war led to a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape, as the U.S. began to provide substantial military aid to Israel, tipping the balance in favor of the latter.
Despite the heavy costs on both sides, the war eventually laid the groundwork for subsequent peace negotiations, marking a turning point in the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Step 2
President Sadat
Answer
President Anwar Sadat played a crucial role in transforming Egypt's relations with Israel during this period. Following the Yom Kippur War, Sadat recognized that military confrontation alone would not secure Egypt's goals and sought a diplomatic solution.
In 1977, Sadat made a historic visit to Jerusalem, becoming the first Arab leader to publicly acknowledge Israel, thus setting the stage for the Camp David Accords. His bold move aimed to showcase his commitment to peace and garnered significant international attention.
Furthermore, Sadat's leadership was pivotal in steering Egypt towards a peace treaty, which was eventually signed in 1979. This treaty marked a significant change in Arab-Israeli relations, leading to Egypt regaining the Sinai Peninsula and establishing diplomatic relations with Israel. Sadat's approach was not without controversy; it faced significant opposition within Egypt and the Arab world, showcasing the challenges of balancing national interests and regional dynamics.