Lectures in History The 1967 Six-Day War and America’s Role in the Arab-Israeli Peace Process
Nov 16, 2025
Trinity College Professor James Stocker, an expert in modern Middle East history, delves into the complexities of U.S. involvement in Arab-Israeli diplomacy. He explores the escalating tensions leading to the 1967 Six-Day War and how American interests shifted during this period. Stocker discusses President Johnson's principles and the ambiguities of UN Resolution 242, as well as the Nixon administration's strategies. He highlights the impacts of regional conflicts and the changing dynamics of Palestinian militancy, all of which shape today's ongoing negotiations.
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U.S. Became The Primary Mediator
- Between 1967 and 1976 U.S. policy shifted from occasional involvement to primary broker in the Arab-Israeli conflict.
- That change created new levels of military aid, diplomatic engagement, and long-term responsibility for the U.S.
Territory Shift Redefined Stakes
- The 1967 war tripled Israel's territory and reframed security and border debates for decades.
- That territorial change forced the U.S. to engage more deeply because the region's balance had been fundamentally altered.
Resolution 242's Purposeful Ambiguity
- UNSC Resolution 242 created the enduring "land for peace" framework but left withdrawal language intentionally ambiguous.
- Mediators used that vagueness to keep both Israeli security and Arab demands on the table.
