ABSTRACT
The Arab leaders have proclaimed as much, repeating a formula that has already gone down in history: the Arabs have lost a battle – the third in twenty years – they haven't lost the war. Admittedly, thanks to the destruction on the ground, within a few hours, of the greater part of the Egyptian Air Force, the Israeli infantry and armoured divisions enjoyed a decisive advantage. Some Israeli generals amongst those at the top believed that the balance of forces had become less favourable by 1967 than it had been in 1965. A 'unit', whether a section or a whole army, only exists on condition that the men have confidence in one another. Not all the Egyptian officers knew the names of their own men and were surprised at the surprise their Israeli questioners showed when they learned of this. The Israelis were relieved to discover that on the day of their ordeal they were united, despite their partisan quarrels.
