Fact Check: "The West Bank has been under Israeli control since the 1967 Six-Day War."
What We Know
The claim that "The West Bank has been under Israeli control since the 1967 Six-Day War" is rooted in historical events that occurred during the conflict known as the Six-Day War, which took place from June 5 to June 10, 1967. During this war, Israel engaged in military hostilities against a coalition of Arab states, primarily Egypt, Syria, and Jordan. As a result of the war, Israel captured several territories, including the West Bank, East Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, the Sinai Peninsula, and the Golan Heights (Wikipedia, Britannica).
The West Bank was previously administered by Jordan, which had annexed the territory after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Following the Six-Day War, Israel established military control over the West Bank, a status that has persisted since then (Milestones: 1961-1968, BBC).
Analysis
The assertion that the West Bank has been under Israeli control since the 1967 war is corroborated by multiple reputable sources. The U.S. State Department outlines the historical context of the war and its aftermath, emphasizing that Israel occupied the West Bank during this conflict. Furthermore, the Wikipedia entry on the Six-Day War confirms that Israel's decisive victory resulted in the occupation of the West Bank and other territories.
The Britannica also provides a comprehensive overview of the Six-Day War, detailing how Israel's military actions led to the capture of the West Bank from Jordan. This occupation has been a significant point of contention in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with various international resolutions and peace efforts addressing the status of these territories.
While some narratives may contest the legitimacy of Israel's control over the West Bank, the historical fact remains that since the 1967 war, Israel has maintained administrative and military control over the area. The complexities surrounding this issue, including the political, social, and humanitarian dimensions, do not negate the factual basis of the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "The West Bank has been under Israeli control since the 1967 Six-Day War" is accurate. Historical records and analyses confirm that Israel occupied the West Bank during the Six-Day War, and this occupation has continued since then. The evidence from multiple credible sources supports the assertion, making it a verifiable fact.
