1 00:00:01,137 --> 00:00:04,187 Subtitled by: EAM 2 00:00:07,884 --> 00:00:12,175 The Middle East was a battlefield for most of the 20th century. 3 00:00:12,246 --> 00:00:16,004 But one of the hardest fought wars of all was in 1973. 4 00:00:16,225 --> 00:00:20,155 when Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack in Israel, 5 00:00:20,510 --> 00:00:22,953 on the Jewish Holiday of Yom Kippur. 6 00:00:28,975 --> 00:00:30,062 For three weeks, 7 00:00:30,063 --> 00:00:33,090 The battles swung violently from side to side, 8 00:00:33,192 --> 00:00:36,185 Before each with inside of the victory and defeat. 9 00:00:36,429 --> 00:00:37,713 And brought super powers, 10 00:00:38,049 --> 00:00:39,928 America and the Soviet Union, 11 00:00:40,030 --> 00:00:41,960 Close to a nuclear show down. 12 00:00:44,831 --> 00:00:46,358 The Israelis were in no doubt, 13 00:00:46,359 --> 00:00:49,288 They are fighting for their country's very survivals. 14 00:00:49,428 --> 00:00:51,487 For Soldiers of Syria and Egypt, 15 00:00:51,522 --> 00:00:53,883 it was a battle for Arab territory. 16 00:00:53,973 --> 00:00:55,536 And Arab pride. 17 00:00:56,806 --> 00:01:00,524 In this program, I will be revealing how Arab and Israeli commanders 18 00:01:00,525 --> 00:01:02,163 Astonished each other. 19 00:01:02,164 --> 00:01:04,542 With the boldness of their strategy. 20 00:01:05,987 --> 00:01:09,593 And I will be finding out how both sides used the latest weaponry, 21 00:01:09,594 --> 00:01:11,386 With shattering results. 22 00:01:14,192 --> 00:01:15,952 No twentieth century conflict, 23 00:01:15,953 --> 00:01:17,721 Has been as lasting and bitter, 24 00:01:17,921 --> 00:01:20,869 As the struggle between Israel and its Arab neighbors. 25 00:01:21,070 --> 00:01:23,840 This is the story of the biggest battle between them. 26 00:01:24,139 --> 00:01:26,535 It still such a sensitive subject in Egypt. 27 00:01:26,636 --> 00:01:28,483 That they would not let us film there. 28 00:01:28,884 --> 00:01:33,176 This is the story of the October war of 1973. 29 00:02:15,990 --> 00:02:19,758 This concrete security barrier here runs for Jerusalem, 30 00:02:19,759 --> 00:02:22,399 And hundreds of miles the north and the south 31 00:02:22,460 --> 00:02:24,356 On this side live predominantly, 32 00:02:24,357 --> 00:02:26,274 Muslims Palestinian Arabs. 33 00:02:26,558 --> 00:02:30,549 on this side, the largely Jewish population of Israel. 34 00:02:31,382 --> 00:02:33,190 The eight meter high barrier, 35 00:02:33,191 --> 00:02:36,047 Which the Israeli started building in 2002. 36 00:02:36,149 --> 00:02:38,670 Is the most powerful symbol of the hostility, 37 00:02:38,671 --> 00:02:41,329 Between Jews and Arabs which still remains. 38 00:02:41,330 --> 00:02:43,914 After nearly a century of conflict. 39 00:02:44,503 --> 00:02:46,686 The Israeli said they build this barrier, 40 00:02:46,687 --> 00:02:48,786 To keep Arab Palestinian terrorists. 41 00:02:49,038 --> 00:02:52,861 Palestinian said this Israel way of grabbing more of their land. 42 00:02:53,013 --> 00:02:55,329 And that's what these conflicts are always has been about, 43 00:02:55,587 --> 00:02:56,725 Land. 44 00:02:59,764 --> 00:03:04,211 Land, known at the beginning of the 20th century as Palestine. 45 00:03:08,294 --> 00:03:12,254 Back in 1917 the British controlled Palestine. 46 00:03:12,532 --> 00:03:15,482 And they promised the Jews a home land here. 47 00:03:15,818 --> 00:03:19,946 The problem was for more than ten times as many Arabs as Jews. 48 00:03:19,947 --> 00:03:21,874 Already living in Palestine. 49 00:03:22,250 --> 00:03:24,633 And as hundreds of thousands more Jews, 50 00:03:24,634 --> 00:03:26,116 Poured into the country, 51 00:03:26,517 --> 00:03:28,474 Opened fighting broke out between them. 52 00:03:29,271 --> 00:03:31,938 By 1947 things was so bad, 53 00:03:31,939 --> 00:03:35,153 The united nation stepped in with a plan. 54 00:03:35,768 --> 00:03:38,019 This is how Palestine looked then. 55 00:03:38,682 --> 00:03:41,005 Laying on the east of edge of the mediterranean, 56 00:03:41,106 --> 00:03:45,250 It was bordered by Lebanon, Syria, Trans Jordan and Egypt. 57 00:03:45,709 --> 00:03:48,089 United Nation suggested partition, 58 00:03:48,290 --> 00:03:52,836 The Palestinian would keep land here, here and here. 59 00:03:52,837 --> 00:03:54,703 And the Jews will have the rest. 60 00:03:54,956 --> 00:03:58,256 Jerusalem will be an open city shared by everyone. 61 00:03:59,502 --> 00:04:00,952 The Jews accepted the plan. 62 00:04:01,464 --> 00:04:05,744 And in 1948 they declare their independence as the State of Israel. 63 00:04:06,284 --> 00:04:11,047 But the Palestinians and the neighboring Arab countries rejected Partition. 64 00:04:11,135 --> 00:04:14,535 War followed and the border changed once more. 65 00:04:15,672 --> 00:04:18,953 The Israelis took over Arab lands here on the north 66 00:04:18,954 --> 00:04:21,126 And along the Egyptian border. 67 00:04:22,058 --> 00:04:24,228 Ending up with most of Palestine, 68 00:04:24,329 --> 00:04:26,842 And most of the keys of the up Jerusalem. 69 00:04:34,040 --> 00:04:36,662 Tens of thousands of Palestinians fled, 70 00:04:36,937 --> 00:04:38,875 Over expel from their homes. 71 00:04:38,976 --> 00:04:42,504 These refugees headed to neighboring Arab countries. 72 00:04:42,659 --> 00:04:45,597 Creating a refugee crisis that last of this day. 73 00:04:47,424 --> 00:04:50,647 One night everyone was awaken to the sound of people. 74 00:04:51,129 --> 00:04:53,610 Go, Go the Jews, The Jews are coming. 75 00:04:53,611 --> 00:04:57,230 Yeah I can still recalled the voice from the ensuing chaos. 76 00:04:57,762 --> 00:04:59,444 And within a short period of time, 77 00:04:59,445 --> 00:05:01,669 The entire of village was marching out there. 78 00:05:01,704 --> 00:05:03,512 Carrying their essentials, 79 00:05:03,513 --> 00:05:07,779 Bedding on a mule some clothing some food. 80 00:05:08,954 --> 00:05:12,715 The Arabs refused to recognize this new state of Israel. 81 00:05:12,716 --> 00:05:17,222 And their resentment to the loss of Palestinian homes and land grow. 82 00:05:17,423 --> 00:05:19,930 For their part, the Israelis felt vulnerable. 83 00:05:20,031 --> 00:05:23,392 Surrounded on all sides by hostile Arab enemies. 84 00:05:23,589 --> 00:05:25,707 Over the next twenty years, 85 00:05:25,708 --> 00:05:28,140 There was a regular fighting along the boarders. 86 00:05:28,900 --> 00:05:32,322 In 1967 things finally came to a heap. 87 00:05:35,645 --> 00:05:37,532 On the morning, of June the fifth, 88 00:05:37,533 --> 00:05:41,366 Israel launched a preemptive strike against Egypt. 89 00:05:41,594 --> 00:05:43,449 It was followed hours later, 90 00:05:43,450 --> 00:05:47,250 by attacks on Egypt's allies Syria and Jordan. 91 00:05:49,430 --> 00:05:52,508 It will become known as the Six Day War. 92 00:05:55,663 --> 00:05:58,912 Almost two hundred pilots of the Israeli Air Force, 93 00:05:58,913 --> 00:06:01,862 Took part in incredibly ambitious air strike. 94 00:06:04,006 --> 00:06:07,133 Their mission was to wipe out the Egyptian Air Force. 95 00:06:07,134 --> 00:06:09,271 The largest in the Arab World. 96 00:06:22,899 --> 00:06:24,940 In just under the two hours Israeli bombs. 97 00:06:24,942 --> 00:06:27,565 destroyed almost the entire Egyptian Air force. 98 00:06:27,566 --> 00:06:30,106 Before it is even got off the ground. 99 00:06:30,107 --> 00:06:33,253 Next Israel launched strikes on the Air forces of Jordan. 100 00:06:33,254 --> 00:06:35,209 And Syria, by the end of the day, 101 00:06:35,210 --> 00:06:38,579 Israeli pilots had one total control of the skies. 102 00:06:41,915 --> 00:06:45,028 Not very far away there were some military bases. 103 00:06:45,029 --> 00:06:48,765 And they had been attacked early in the morning. 104 00:06:49,168 --> 00:06:51,176 There was nothing announced, 105 00:06:51,177 --> 00:06:53,112 And we didn't know what's going on. 106 00:06:53,849 --> 00:06:57,789 Defeat was unfolding right there. 107 00:07:11,782 --> 00:07:15,512 Israeli ground troops stormed into Syria, Jordan and Egypt. 108 00:07:18,517 --> 00:07:19,483 At the same time, 109 00:07:19,484 --> 00:07:23,535 Other Israeli troops made it big to capture Arab held Jerusalem. 110 00:07:30,261 --> 00:07:33,294 On June the 7th just two days into the war. 111 00:07:33,295 --> 00:07:35,075 Israeli paratroop is charge 112 00:07:35,076 --> 00:07:37,920 Through this gate into the old city. 113 00:07:46,495 --> 00:07:48,675 But as they push into these narrow streets, 114 00:07:48,676 --> 00:07:51,132 They came on the fire from Jordanian snipers, 115 00:07:51,133 --> 00:07:52,257 Who are taking out position 116 00:07:52,258 --> 00:07:55,018 In the upper stories of the building right beside. 117 00:07:56,382 --> 00:07:58,191 The Israelis pushed on, 118 00:07:58,912 --> 00:08:02,096 It took them a few hours to clear up these last pockets of resistance. 119 00:08:02,097 --> 00:08:03,480 But by early afternoon, 120 00:08:03,481 --> 00:08:06,455 The whole of Jerusalem was in Israeli hands. 121 00:08:09,728 --> 00:08:13,084 I took out the Israeli flag which I carried with me the whole time. 122 00:08:13,229 --> 00:08:16,766 And waved it, I hang the flag on the fence. 123 00:08:18,804 --> 00:08:22,601 My commander was the toughest among us was standing next to me, 124 00:08:22,602 --> 00:08:26,156 He burst into tears underneath his steel helmet. 125 00:08:27,108 --> 00:08:28,801 Another friend was weeping, 126 00:08:28,802 --> 00:08:31,341 A chain of bullets wrapped around his neck. 127 00:08:34,446 --> 00:08:35,704 In the days that followed, 128 00:08:35,705 --> 00:08:40,469 Israeli troops draw back the soldiers of Jordan, Syria and Egypt. 129 00:08:41,096 --> 00:08:44,235 In six days the Israelis had won the war. 130 00:08:44,425 --> 00:08:47,074 The defeated nations counted the cost. 131 00:08:58,101 --> 00:09:02,209 It's estimated that Egypt lost 80% of its military capacity. 132 00:09:02,210 --> 00:09:04,131 Along with Syria and Jordan, 133 00:09:04,132 --> 00:09:07,370 Suffered over 30 thousand dead and injured. 134 00:09:09,307 --> 00:09:10,956 People didn't really know, 135 00:09:10,957 --> 00:09:12,845 What was going to happened next. 136 00:09:12,927 --> 00:09:15,542 I mean people were scared. 137 00:09:15,955 --> 00:09:19,955 The whole country was at a total loss of what to do! 138 00:09:23,091 --> 00:09:24,685 The fighting may have been over 139 00:09:24,977 --> 00:09:27,281 But it hadn't created the conditions, 140 00:09:27,282 --> 00:09:29,595 Where the true sides could come together. 141 00:09:30,697 --> 00:09:33,281 This was as far away as ever. 142 00:09:35,039 --> 00:09:36,453 For the Arabs, 143 00:09:36,454 --> 00:09:39,575 The six day war was an utter disaster. 144 00:09:41,017 --> 00:09:43,425 Before this well win campaign. 145 00:09:43,426 --> 00:09:46,674 Israel had been a tiny wedge of land. 146 00:09:46,709 --> 00:09:48,607 Squeezed between Arab states. 147 00:09:48,608 --> 00:09:51,812 Only 9 miles wide of its narrowest. 148 00:09:52,600 --> 00:09:55,017 Suddenly, it was the Middle East super power. 149 00:09:55,018 --> 00:09:57,063 And 5 times the size. 150 00:09:58,140 --> 00:09:59,884 The border doesn't been pushed back. 151 00:10:00,034 --> 00:10:04,149 To swallow a piece of Syria up here for the Golan Heights. 152 00:10:04,150 --> 00:10:07,038 To the east Israel have seized the West Bank. 153 00:10:07,312 --> 00:10:11,807 And in the south it now occupied Egypt entire Sinai peninsula. 154 00:10:11,808 --> 00:10:13,614 A huge expensive desert. 155 00:10:16,031 --> 00:10:18,464 From this new found position of strength. 156 00:10:18,465 --> 00:10:20,130 Israels leaders, 157 00:10:20,131 --> 00:10:22,045 Demanded that the Arab world, 158 00:10:22,046 --> 00:10:24,246 Recognize the stat of Israel. 159 00:10:29,180 --> 00:10:31,216 Arab leaders met in Sudan, 160 00:10:31,217 --> 00:10:33,259 To formulate their response. 161 00:10:33,394 --> 00:10:37,861 They were emphatic they would not recognize Israel. 162 00:10:37,862 --> 00:10:41,098 And insisted of a total Israeli withdrawal. 163 00:10:41,099 --> 00:10:43,543 From the Territories it has just occupied. 164 00:10:47,101 --> 00:10:50,864 Over the next few years both sides became entrenched. 165 00:10:51,142 --> 00:10:53,624 And nowhere with this more visible 166 00:10:53,724 --> 00:10:56,095 than along the new border with Egypt, 167 00:10:59,448 --> 00:11:01,001 The Suez Canal. 168 00:11:09,328 --> 00:11:12,978 The Canal is one of the world's busiest Shipping Lanes. 169 00:11:14,177 --> 00:11:16,794 A laying ships to pass between Europe and Asia. 170 00:11:16,795 --> 00:11:18,956 Without sailing round Africa, 171 00:11:24,996 --> 00:11:26,949 But after the Six Day War, 172 00:11:26,950 --> 00:11:30,095 This international waterway was closed to shipping. 173 00:11:30,096 --> 00:11:34,199 As erratic fighting between both sides continue to flare up. 174 00:11:36,130 --> 00:11:38,950 The Israelis and the Egyptians now faced each other. 175 00:11:38,951 --> 00:11:41,672 Eyeball to eyeball across the Canal. 176 00:11:41,673 --> 00:11:45,367 The Egyptians could never accept this is a permanent frontier. 177 00:11:47,007 --> 00:11:49,438 But the Israelis were equally determinant. 178 00:11:54,483 --> 00:11:56,341 Egyptians now watched in horror, 179 00:11:56,342 --> 00:11:58,840 As the Israeli military machine went to work. 180 00:11:58,941 --> 00:12:03,510 All long the Suez Canal the Israelis built a massive network of walls, 181 00:12:03,511 --> 00:12:07,320 Forts and trenches that became known as a Bar-Lev Line. 182 00:12:15,061 --> 00:12:19,542 Israel resolved that Egypt would never force its way back into the Sinai. 183 00:12:20,953 --> 00:12:23,834 But they were just relying on the Bar-Lev Line for defense. 184 00:12:24,889 --> 00:12:29,004 The Israelis also have a system for rushing troops to the front line. 185 00:12:35,010 --> 00:12:36,883 Israel has a small population, 186 00:12:36,884 --> 00:12:39,168 And can't afford a large standing army. 187 00:12:39,380 --> 00:12:43,022 so every male Israeli does three years national service, 188 00:12:43,023 --> 00:12:45,608 And remains a reservist into his forties or fifties. 189 00:12:45,609 --> 00:12:47,932 Ready to be mobilized in times of war. 190 00:12:47,933 --> 00:12:50,135 Today females also do national service, 191 00:12:50,136 --> 00:12:52,532 And they can also be called up at wars breaks out. 192 00:12:52,656 --> 00:12:56,654 Thirty years ago an army of 250 thousand men, 193 00:12:56,655 --> 00:12:58,779 Could be mobilized within 72 hours. 194 00:12:58,880 --> 00:13:01,146 If the Arab showed signs of attacking. 195 00:13:01,147 --> 00:13:04,323 But after the six day war that didn't seem very likely. 196 00:13:10,266 --> 00:13:14,072 The Israeli is in practically destroyed Arab era pride. 197 00:13:14,952 --> 00:13:17,362 Israeli intelligence was not sure. 198 00:13:17,363 --> 00:13:21,467 The Arabs wouldn't try anything until they rebuilt back air forces. 199 00:13:21,534 --> 00:13:23,896 And that will take another ten years. 200 00:13:24,289 --> 00:13:26,652 Israelis were supremely confident, 201 00:13:27,078 --> 00:13:29,164 That if their neighbors so much as twitched 202 00:13:29,165 --> 00:13:32,167 They will battle them into submission once more. 203 00:13:36,461 --> 00:13:38,666 But in Cairo something it happened, 204 00:13:38,667 --> 00:13:40,874 That the Israelis hadn't reckon with. 205 00:13:44,260 --> 00:13:46,380 A new Egyptian President, 206 00:13:46,381 --> 00:13:48,393 With a new sense of purpose. 207 00:13:48,654 --> 00:13:50,784 Anwar Sadat 208 00:13:51,434 --> 00:13:54,068 When Sadat came to power in 1970. 209 00:13:54,103 --> 00:13:56,547 Egypt was still in demoralized country. 210 00:13:56,548 --> 00:13:58,683 Smarting from a loss of a Sinai, 211 00:13:59,615 --> 00:14:02,184 Sadat was considered a moderate by many. 212 00:14:02,216 --> 00:14:04,029 But one of the first things he did, 213 00:14:04,030 --> 00:14:07,857 was appointed dynamic and popular a new military commander, 214 00:14:07,858 --> 00:14:09,920 General Saad El Shazly. 215 00:14:11,377 --> 00:14:12,759 Shazly was given the job, 216 00:14:12,760 --> 00:14:17,180 Of revitalizing Egypt's poly trained and under equipped army. 217 00:14:17,772 --> 00:14:21,870 Because Sadat was determined to do what the Israeli's list expected. 218 00:14:22,058 --> 00:14:23,546 Fight back. 219 00:14:26,299 --> 00:14:28,445 Sadat had decided that the only way, 220 00:14:28,446 --> 00:14:32,093 To win back the Sinai from the Israelis was to make war on them. 221 00:14:34,030 --> 00:14:37,626 His plan must have launched a spectacular crossing of the canal, 222 00:14:37,627 --> 00:14:40,403 And retake a strip of land in the Sinai. 223 00:14:40,757 --> 00:14:43,499 Sadat hoped that this would force the Israelis, 224 00:14:43,500 --> 00:14:46,490 To negotiate overdraw from the rest of Sinai. 225 00:14:47,287 --> 00:14:50,827 But for this plan to work Sadat was going to need help. 226 00:14:54,301 --> 00:14:57,692 Sadat found a willing ally on the Soviet Union. 227 00:14:57,693 --> 00:15:00,117 As the Israelis had with the USA. 228 00:15:00,457 --> 00:15:04,773 In the 1970's, both the United States and the Soviet Union, 229 00:15:04,774 --> 00:15:09,596 Were adamant that neither the super power would dominate the oil rich Middle East. 230 00:15:09,694 --> 00:15:13,695 The Soviet provided Egypt with the latest surface to air missiles. 231 00:15:13,696 --> 00:15:15,318 Called SAM's 232 00:15:15,509 --> 00:15:20,229 These missiles supported by thousands of conventional or anti-aircraft guns. 233 00:15:20,230 --> 00:15:23,211 Could effectively paralyze the Israeli effort. 234 00:15:23,614 --> 00:15:26,177 The Egyptian commander general Shazly. 235 00:15:26,178 --> 00:15:29,345 Would not have to royal his weakened air force. 236 00:15:29,346 --> 00:15:31,170 To deal with the Israeli war planes, 237 00:15:32,459 --> 00:15:34,640 Nor would Sadat attack alone, 238 00:15:34,931 --> 00:15:36,909 Another of his alliance, 239 00:15:36,910 --> 00:15:40,662 President Assad of Syria would be joining in the fight. 240 00:15:43,414 --> 00:15:45,496 The keys of the Egyptian plan 241 00:15:45,497 --> 00:15:49,129 Was a surprise coordinated ground attack on Israel. 242 00:15:49,130 --> 00:15:51,374 The Syrian will attack on the Golan. 243 00:15:51,375 --> 00:15:53,064 At exactly the same moment, 244 00:15:53,065 --> 00:15:56,427 As the Egyptian struggle on the entire length of the canal. 245 00:15:56,428 --> 00:15:59,530 But Shazly knew 246 00:15:58,219 --> 00:16:00,664 That the matter how a stunned The Israelis is might be 247 00:15:59,531 --> 00:16:02,350 By this troop round defensive. 248 00:16:02,351 --> 00:16:04,047 They would soon counter attack, 249 00:16:04,048 --> 00:16:05,790 With there most lethal weapon. 250 00:16:05,801 --> 00:16:07,164 Their air force 251 00:16:07,165 --> 00:16:10,810 And that for Israel for SAM missiles came in. 252 00:16:11,489 --> 00:16:15,428 Shazly concentrated his Sam's along the Suez Canal. 253 00:16:15,793 --> 00:16:17,743 These missiles could bring down 254 00:16:17,744 --> 00:16:20,808 Any Israeli planes that came within 15 miles. 255 00:16:20,859 --> 00:16:23,818 The Sam's and regular artillery guns. 256 00:16:23,820 --> 00:16:26,905 Would create a protective umbrella shown here in red. 257 00:16:26,906 --> 00:16:30,944 Under which Egyptian boats and infantry could cross safely. 258 00:16:31,319 --> 00:16:34,529 They will then seize the force of the Bar-Lev Line. 259 00:16:34,530 --> 00:16:38,469 And secure a strip of land of few miles deep into the Sinai. 260 00:16:38,977 --> 00:16:41,923 The days of the attack were set for the October the sixth. 261 00:16:41,924 --> 00:16:46,747 When the tides would give the most favourable conditions for crossing the Canal. 262 00:16:47,288 --> 00:16:49,361 But October the sixth was also 263 00:16:49,362 --> 00:16:52,018 The holiest day of jewish year. 264 00:16:52,053 --> 00:16:53,327 Yom Kippur. 265 00:16:53,328 --> 00:16:55,995 When Israelis revealed home of the Synagogue. 266 00:16:58,596 --> 00:17:00,383 With their plans in place 267 00:17:00,384 --> 00:17:02,421 The Egyptians of their Syrian allies, 268 00:17:02,434 --> 00:17:05,394 set about insuring that the Israelis had no idea. 269 00:17:05,717 --> 00:17:08,068 They were about to be attacked on two fronts. 270 00:17:19,628 --> 00:17:22,997 The Egyptians put into effect a complicated deception plan. 271 00:17:22,998 --> 00:17:27,205 To trying non Israeli military intelligence into complacency. 272 00:17:27,206 --> 00:17:30,351 They have been gradually mobilizing their reserves. 273 00:17:30,386 --> 00:17:33,977 But the beginning of October they demobilize 20 thousand men. 274 00:17:33,978 --> 00:17:35,506 And send them home. 275 00:17:37,198 --> 00:17:39,138 From what the Israelis can see, 276 00:17:39,139 --> 00:17:42,149 didn't look like Egyptian army was gearing up for war. 277 00:17:42,382 --> 00:17:45,161 As the Egyptian soldiers based beside the Canal. 278 00:17:45,264 --> 00:17:47,807 They were told, act as if there is nothing much was up. 279 00:17:48,008 --> 00:17:49,128 They can go swimming. 280 00:17:49,163 --> 00:17:52,370 And bask in the sun in full view of the Israeli troops, 281 00:17:52,371 --> 00:17:54,180 In the forts of the Bar-Lev Line. 282 00:17:56,833 --> 00:18:00,014 Any military activity the Israeli lookout dead spot, 283 00:18:00,015 --> 00:18:02,524 Appeared to be just another regular exercise 284 00:18:03,251 --> 00:18:05,945 By day, they watch, there is Egyptian troops. 285 00:18:05,946 --> 00:18:08,994 Came close to the Canals to carry out maneuvers. 286 00:18:18,538 --> 00:18:21,117 At night, they appeared to head back in land, 287 00:18:21,118 --> 00:18:23,587 To their barracks many miles away. 288 00:18:29,581 --> 00:18:31,148 Hundreds of miles from north, 289 00:18:31,149 --> 00:18:34,628 The Syrian on the Gulan appear to be doing the same. 290 00:18:34,829 --> 00:18:38,543 But in fact, these troops went withdrawing every evening. 291 00:18:38,544 --> 00:18:40,049 On the cover of darkness. 292 00:18:40,050 --> 00:18:43,571 More and more Arab soldiers were massing on both fronts. 293 00:18:46,081 --> 00:18:48,971 And we started on train with real ammunition. 294 00:18:48,972 --> 00:18:51,456 There also told me, but going to Suez. 295 00:18:52,072 --> 00:18:54,455 We started to take our tanks. 296 00:18:54,460 --> 00:18:58,060 Our amphibians unit on the real road, 297 00:18:58,385 --> 00:19:01,073 At night only, so the civilians couldn't see. 298 00:19:06,761 --> 00:19:09,154 Reports of all this Egyptian activity 299 00:19:09,155 --> 00:19:12,576 Would giving to the heads of Israel's militaries intelligence. 300 00:19:13,149 --> 00:19:16,400 There have been a number of false alarms in the past, 301 00:19:16,601 --> 00:19:20,078 And they were convinced, that this was another one. 302 00:19:22,834 --> 00:19:24,845 But they were wrong. 303 00:19:26,180 --> 00:19:29,623 At 4:30 AM. on the six of October, 304 00:19:29,624 --> 00:19:32,057 The day of Yom Kippur, 305 00:19:32,058 --> 00:19:35,906 The phone rang at the home of Israel's military chief. 306 00:19:36,749 --> 00:19:39,066 General David Elazar. 307 00:19:39,471 --> 00:19:42,205 Elazar had been made Israeli chief of staff. 308 00:19:42,273 --> 00:19:45,943 After a long military career and a host of victories. 309 00:19:46,289 --> 00:19:48,867 The call from the Israeli military's intelligence, 310 00:19:48,868 --> 00:19:51,772 Informed him that both Egypt and Syria, 311 00:19:51,773 --> 00:19:54,495 Would launch an attack in hours. 312 00:19:55,454 --> 00:19:57,264 Elazar of immediate thought, 313 00:19:57,265 --> 00:19:59,480 Was to send air force to hit the Arabs. 314 00:19:59,481 --> 00:20:01,592 Before they have the chance to strike. 315 00:20:01,793 --> 00:20:06,243 But that decision could only be taken in the halls of power. 316 00:20:06,244 --> 00:20:07,900 By Israel's politicians. 317 00:20:08,247 --> 00:20:11,077 And ultimately that meant one person. 318 00:20:11,638 --> 00:20:14,734 Israel's prime minister Golda Meir. 319 00:20:16,868 --> 00:20:21,579 This 75 years old receive as the Iron Lady of Israeli politics. 320 00:20:21,814 --> 00:20:24,854 But she said no to air strikes. 321 00:20:25,526 --> 00:20:28,663 She argued that if Israel was to win in to the actual support, 322 00:20:28,864 --> 00:20:30,474 After the six day war. 323 00:20:30,709 --> 00:20:34,184 It had to be seen not as the aggressor but the victim. 324 00:20:35,362 --> 00:20:38,617 Elazar was appalled of his leader reaction. 325 00:20:38,818 --> 00:20:40,809 He was only given permission to mobilize, 326 00:20:40,810 --> 00:20:43,269 A fraction of the reserve's, he needed. 327 00:20:43,306 --> 00:20:45,347 And yet within a few hours, 328 00:20:45,348 --> 00:20:48,234 His country would face invasion of two fronts. 329 00:20:50,908 --> 00:20:54,927 Egypt and Syria will poised to launch their attack. 330 00:20:57,846 --> 00:21:02,259 Suez Canal 6th October 331 00:21:04,399 --> 00:21:09,102 Just before 2 o'clock the Egyptians put their part of the plan into action. 332 00:21:16,217 --> 00:21:19,769 Their assault to cross the canal on the forts of the Bar-Lev Line 333 00:21:19,770 --> 00:21:22,474 With such a momentous event of Egyptian history, 334 00:21:22,475 --> 00:21:25,166 It was later re-stage for the cameras. 335 00:21:32,907 --> 00:21:35,266 Thousands of Egypt's best trained commandos, 336 00:21:35,267 --> 00:21:37,638 cross the Suez Canal in row boat in keys. 337 00:21:41,038 --> 00:21:42,500 They landed on the east bank, 338 00:21:42,501 --> 00:21:45,187 In the gaps between the fort's of the Bar-Lev Line. 339 00:21:45,472 --> 00:21:49,322 The Egyptian Commandos then scrambled at the high sand ramparts. 340 00:21:52,048 --> 00:21:56,115 They touch rope ladder to make it easier for soldiers following on behind them. 341 00:22:00,676 --> 00:22:02,660 behind this first wave were, 342 00:22:02,661 --> 00:22:04,612 A hundred thousand Egyptian infantry, 343 00:22:04,613 --> 00:22:07,905 And more than a thousand tanks waiting to cross the canal. 344 00:22:07,906 --> 00:22:11,308 But the biggest obstacles turn where the giant sand 345 00:22:11,309 --> 00:22:13,339 Ramparts on the Israeli side, 346 00:22:13,340 --> 00:22:16,389 This was much than 60 feet in height. 347 00:22:16,523 --> 00:22:19,150 It was impossible for the Egyptian tanks and Heavy Artillery, 348 00:22:19,151 --> 00:22:21,834 To climb up on over them. 349 00:22:21,835 --> 00:22:24,645 The Egyptian experimented with using dynamite, 350 00:22:24,646 --> 00:22:27,022 And blow hoses but this was found is to take far too long. 351 00:22:27,023 --> 00:22:31,043 But then one junior engineer officer had a flash of genius. 352 00:22:31,078 --> 00:22:34,763 He suggested using high pressure hoses, 353 00:22:34,764 --> 00:22:38,216 To blast the ramparts with water from the canal. 354 00:22:50,150 --> 00:22:53,115 It was an extraordinary idea which would have to work. 355 00:22:53,116 --> 00:22:56,253 If the entire Egyptian assault was to be success. 356 00:22:59,087 --> 00:23:00,755 4 hours into the attack, 357 00:23:00,756 --> 00:23:02,710 And with fighting raging around them. 358 00:23:02,747 --> 00:23:05,768 The Egyptian engineers finally broke through the ran pass. 359 00:23:05,769 --> 00:23:08,487 And the first tank starts to pull through. 360 00:23:10,159 --> 00:23:14,123 I never believed I will see the day when I was in Sinai. 361 00:23:14,234 --> 00:23:16,318 But this was actually Sinai. 362 00:23:16,319 --> 00:23:18,721 I looked back at the west bank. 363 00:23:18,722 --> 00:23:20,891 And all the green of the other side, 364 00:23:20,892 --> 00:23:24,429 And to the east all I could see is desert. 365 00:23:24,630 --> 00:23:27,286 It was good feeling. 366 00:23:29,132 --> 00:23:31,119 The eastern bank of the canal, 367 00:23:31,120 --> 00:23:33,488 Now became a battlefield. 368 00:23:35,219 --> 00:23:37,107 The Israelis manning the forts, 369 00:23:37,142 --> 00:23:40,188 Spread machine gun fire on their Egyptian attacker. 370 00:23:40,189 --> 00:23:41,886 To try and strain the time. They try and stint buttal. 371 00:23:43,667 --> 00:23:47,570 but within 2 hours, 23 thousand of Egyptian infantry 372 00:23:47,571 --> 00:23:48,989 were in the east bank, 373 00:23:48,990 --> 00:23:51,941 And advanced up to one mile into Sinai. 374 00:23:56,583 --> 00:23:58,951 Their fort was surrounded by Egyptian forces. 375 00:23:58,952 --> 00:24:01,127 And was under constant fire. 376 00:24:01,702 --> 00:24:03,874 And it did cost well, 377 00:24:03,875 --> 00:24:08,283 We fired from a time to time and reported back what we saw, 378 00:24:08,602 --> 00:24:12,360 But mainly we tried to keep up our morale 379 00:24:15,739 --> 00:24:20,003 But the Israelis were sure that their air force will come to the rescue. 380 00:24:20,204 --> 00:24:23,226 The first Israeli Jets was sent to them on 4 PM. 381 00:24:23,416 --> 00:24:25,752 Flying low over the desert. 382 00:24:27,358 --> 00:24:29,031 But as they approach the canal, 383 00:24:29,032 --> 00:24:32,272 They found themselves under attack from the ground. 384 00:24:33,563 --> 00:24:38,268 The Egyptian SAM missiles, the antiaircraft guns caused havoc. 385 00:24:40,840 --> 00:24:43,749 As Israelis planes were shot down that afternoon. 386 00:24:43,750 --> 00:24:45,354 It soon became clear 387 00:24:45,355 --> 00:24:50,157 That Egypt's and elaborate air defense umbrella was working. 388 00:24:54,542 --> 00:24:57,747 Israel single greatest weapon, it's air force. 389 00:24:57,748 --> 00:25:01,650 Was virtually powerless to hold back the Egyptian onslaught. 390 00:25:05,688 --> 00:25:09,787 The most immediate hope for the surrounded in the forts, 391 00:25:09,788 --> 00:25:13,510 Were Israeli tanks stationed just a few miles away. 392 00:25:18,370 --> 00:25:20,752 The Israeli tanks raced towards the canal. 393 00:25:20,753 --> 00:25:22,483 They thought they throw the Egyptian back. 394 00:25:22,484 --> 00:25:25,197 As easy as they have done in 1967. 395 00:25:25,279 --> 00:25:27,340 But as they get closer they found themselves, 396 00:25:27,341 --> 00:25:29,961 Coming under attack from a weapon like never faced before. 397 00:25:34,804 --> 00:25:36,562 The Sagger Missile 398 00:25:39,304 --> 00:25:42,194 This Soviet made weapon was specifically designed, 399 00:25:42,195 --> 00:25:45,163 To punch through the pick battle armor attacks, 400 00:25:45,294 --> 00:25:48,750 It will be small off to be carried on to the battlefield in a pack pad. 401 00:25:51,784 --> 00:25:53,657 Unlike bigger Antitank guns. 402 00:25:53,658 --> 00:25:56,173 The Sagger can be set up in moments. 403 00:25:56,208 --> 00:25:57,858 This light weight piece of kit, 404 00:25:57,993 --> 00:26:02,415 was made an armor because the missile could be stead into its target. 405 00:26:08,137 --> 00:26:13,001 Today Dan and I have come to the Royal Marines Commando Training Center in Devon. 406 00:26:13,036 --> 00:26:16,106 We gonna find out why the Egyptian foot soldiers, 407 00:26:16,107 --> 00:26:20,135 Found the new generation of antitank weapons so useful. 408 00:26:21,980 --> 00:26:25,755 A modern day equivalent of the Sagger is called the Javelin. 409 00:26:25,756 --> 00:26:29,429 It cast 75 thousand pound to fire one missile. 410 00:26:29,430 --> 00:26:31,797 So I am been shown the road through a Simulator. 411 00:26:33,733 --> 00:26:36,502 Ok so I should look at through the office now that I am hope 412 00:26:36,503 --> 00:26:38,823 You are seeing exactly same picture all you have seen. 413 00:26:38,824 --> 00:26:40,652 - On computer screen. - yeah. 414 00:26:41,889 --> 00:26:46,754 Rather than firing off a real missile the Javelin trainer using a laser system. 415 00:26:46,755 --> 00:26:49,932 If I hit the target it will show up on the control panel. 416 00:26:52,888 --> 00:26:55,477 - Good scan? - up there is one up there on that bridge line. 417 00:26:56,150 --> 00:26:58,493 That some flow bingo spot that one 418 00:27:00,095 --> 00:27:02,080 There is another one, it coming through towards me 419 00:27:02,081 --> 00:27:05,941 - ok so all make that your primary target because that's direct threat to you. 420 00:27:05,942 --> 00:27:08,351 - Ok. - At back seek up and release. 421 00:27:10,398 --> 00:27:13,135 - right - it go on behind a feedable head up something back 422 00:27:13,170 --> 00:27:15,331 - ok. - And now I seek a field appearing. 423 00:27:15,332 --> 00:27:17,609 To what material going to sow to engage up that vehicle. 424 00:27:17,610 --> 00:27:19,800 So squeeze and hold left hand trigger 425 00:27:20,717 --> 00:27:23,264 Squeeze and release right go now. 426 00:27:24,547 --> 00:27:27,740 - Let's see how they do it. - just watching him out. 427 00:27:27,742 --> 00:27:29,671 - Let us watch it. - It is not now stare at me. 428 00:27:30,394 --> 00:27:31,870 - In case of. - Got right. - Good hit. 429 00:27:31,871 --> 00:27:34,143 - You walked smack the center target. - Right ... Right. 430 00:27:36,368 --> 00:27:39,688 I was ready to take the Simulator out into the field. 431 00:27:42,304 --> 00:27:44,209 I am aiming into a real target. 432 00:27:47,477 --> 00:27:51,631 That truck fitted with a laser detector that all register ahead. 433 00:27:52,446 --> 00:27:54,974 What we all know this moving vehicle making the target. 434 00:27:54,975 --> 00:27:56,542 for them very likely 435 00:27:56,543 --> 00:27:58,816 Israelis is moving forward to. 436 00:27:58,817 --> 00:28:02,335 Attack the Egyptian in Sinai must have made them Egyptian. 437 00:28:05,567 --> 00:28:09,367 For novice like me a Javelin is easy to handle than a Sagger. 438 00:28:09,755 --> 00:28:13,331 When Sagger was fired it trail the control wire behind it. 439 00:28:13,332 --> 00:28:15,054 And your operating is to joystick. 440 00:28:15,055 --> 00:28:18,418 Which have to keep staring the missile until it reached its target. 441 00:28:20,300 --> 00:28:21,851 I think I can see something now! 442 00:28:24,311 --> 00:28:27,608 A hit required a good training and a steady hand. 443 00:28:30,943 --> 00:28:32,546 I was gonna have a pop at them. 444 00:28:33,283 --> 00:28:36,669 With the Javelin all I have to do is get the truck in their sites. 445 00:28:36,670 --> 00:28:39,391 Lock the guide and system on to it, and fire. 446 00:28:39,492 --> 00:28:42,435 - Just up to that to see the slight new tech yes. - yes .. yes ..yes. 447 00:28:42,436 --> 00:28:44,899 - Don't let him see a gun. - Ok. 448 00:28:45,361 --> 00:28:47,351 - Ok I will go for it. - Go for it. 449 00:28:48,377 --> 00:28:50,563 At least that is the theory. 450 00:28:56,361 --> 00:28:58,328 Go hit tricky with that! 451 00:28:58,551 --> 00:29:01,748 That model when you just trying to get the track gates on the target. 452 00:29:01,974 --> 00:29:05,772 - Would i miss? - Fortunately that's a no result which major misses. 453 00:29:07,242 --> 00:29:10,011 I really had no idea, where Dan was. 454 00:29:10,012 --> 00:29:11,789 I will speed just let us got him to now. 455 00:29:11,790 --> 00:29:13,510 This stat of the art Javelin, 456 00:29:13,511 --> 00:29:16,743 Can hit my vehicle from over 2 kilometers away. 457 00:29:16,748 --> 00:29:20,054 A similar range of the Sagger in 1973. 458 00:29:21,319 --> 00:29:24,766 No wonder the Israeli tank drivers were taken by surprise. 459 00:29:24,767 --> 00:29:27,011 As they head it toward the Suez canal. 460 00:29:27,339 --> 00:29:31,371 They simply couldn't see the Egyptian laying and wait with the Saggers. 461 00:29:39,125 --> 00:29:42,422 - Hit! Well done! - Oh! Really! 462 00:29:46,137 --> 00:29:48,715 - Hi dad. - OK! Tell me, you missed us. 463 00:29:48,716 --> 00:29:50,018 I am afraid to say. 464 00:29:50,455 --> 00:29:52,046 - I've got a hit - You didn't 465 00:29:52,047 --> 00:29:55,120 Yes .. see that hit .. 700 meters. 466 00:29:55,121 --> 00:29:58,034 - Good grace and well don! - yes .. I might did it miss the first time. 467 00:29:58,069 --> 00:30:01,480 You have got the most modern guided missile there probably in the world. 468 00:30:01,481 --> 00:30:02,334 Yes I know. 469 00:30:02,335 --> 00:30:04,614 Because the one you have seen that the saggers, 470 00:30:04,649 --> 00:30:09,182 A wired guided missiles, you had to keep the side on the target. 471 00:30:09,183 --> 00:30:11,600 All the time the missile just traveling towards it. 472 00:30:11,601 --> 00:30:15,390 - It will be fixed there where, you just fire, doesn't forgot. - yes 473 00:30:15,391 --> 00:30:18,547 It's hard enough to get there a side locked on to you. 474 00:30:18,548 --> 00:30:21,660 And actually I've tried to keep it there for the entire kind of missiles. 475 00:30:21,661 --> 00:30:25,023 Because In the air will be incredible you be shaking, you're breathing, you're nervous. 476 00:30:25,024 --> 00:30:29,810 I would, I couldn't have don it, if I hadn't been through a lock on and forget abut it. 477 00:30:29,811 --> 00:30:32,340 Very .. very powerful form to tame warfare 478 00:30:32,375 --> 00:30:35,403 For the Israelis quite a new ordeal. 479 00:30:36,715 --> 00:30:42,562 In 1973 the Sagger was turning the Sinai into a tank grave yard. 480 00:30:43,634 --> 00:30:46,562 The tanks which for the pride of Israel's army, 481 00:30:46,597 --> 00:30:49,672 Were been destroyed by the Egyptian infantrymen. 482 00:30:49,873 --> 00:30:54,280 Israel had began the war with around 300 tanks in Sinai. 483 00:30:54,315 --> 00:30:56,791 By the end of the first 36 hours. 484 00:30:56,792 --> 00:30:59,546 They had lost approximately half of this number. 485 00:31:01,259 --> 00:31:04,629 Things were critical for the Israelis soldiers in Sinai. 486 00:31:06,143 --> 00:31:09,080 But that was only half of the story. 487 00:31:10,790 --> 00:31:13,585 At the same time, the Egyptians launch there attack. 488 00:31:13,586 --> 00:31:15,659 The Syrians had launch their bid. 489 00:31:15,660 --> 00:31:18,014 To retake the Golan Heights. 490 00:31:18,679 --> 00:31:23,089 Golan Heights 6th October 491 00:31:43,659 --> 00:31:46,089 The fertile soil of this battlefront. 492 00:31:46,124 --> 00:31:48,647 Couldn't have been greater contrast, 493 00:31:48,648 --> 00:31:50,815 To the arid desert to the Sinai. 494 00:31:53,964 --> 00:31:56,218 To Golan Heights have been a valuable price. 495 00:31:56,219 --> 00:31:59,172 When the Israelis captured them in 1967. 496 00:31:59,700 --> 00:32:02,673 These Golan Heights provided Israel 497 00:32:02,674 --> 00:32:04,983 With more than just good farm land. 498 00:32:05,233 --> 00:32:07,552 They afford in security too. 499 00:32:08,350 --> 00:32:10,333 This is the Golan here. 500 00:32:10,334 --> 00:32:14,797 Once part of Syria, occupied by Israel since 1967. 501 00:32:15,631 --> 00:32:18,657 The area is no more than 15 miles wide. 502 00:32:18,658 --> 00:32:22,167 And it dunes with a steep slope down to the river Jordan. 503 00:32:23,984 --> 00:32:27,112 To Israelis the Golan was a vital buffer, 504 00:32:27,113 --> 00:32:29,889 Between their heartland and Syria. 505 00:32:30,316 --> 00:32:33,916 Despite this, only a 170 Israeli tanks, 506 00:32:33,917 --> 00:32:37,621 And 400 soldiers were stationed on the frontline of the Golan. 507 00:32:38,047 --> 00:32:40,790 Most of the Israeli forces were here in the north. 508 00:32:41,217 --> 00:32:44,714 Because Israeli commanders felt this was the most likely place, 509 00:32:44,715 --> 00:32:46,582 That any Syrian assault. 510 00:32:47,425 --> 00:32:49,482 But when the Syrian made their move 511 00:32:49,517 --> 00:32:53,231 Their 1200 tanks and sixty thousand men, 512 00:32:53,232 --> 00:32:56,266 Attacked all the way along the line. 513 00:32:56,972 --> 00:32:58,873 6 hours into the battle, 514 00:32:58,874 --> 00:33:02,665 The Syrian overwhelming strengths was beginning to tell. 515 00:33:02,727 --> 00:33:04,611 And their tanks broke through. 516 00:33:04,812 --> 00:33:07,183 Down here on the border lightly defend itself. 517 00:33:07,738 --> 00:33:11,035 By nightfall, it almost reached the western age of the heights. 518 00:33:11,036 --> 00:33:13,279 Where they could look down on the river Jordan. 519 00:33:13,280 --> 00:33:17,738 If Syrian tanks could now seize the vital bridges across the Jordan. 520 00:33:17,739 --> 00:33:21,424 They will be able to pour across the river into Israel's heart land. 521 00:33:28,146 --> 00:33:32,030 For Israeli soldiers and bunkers on the frontline of the Golan Heights. 522 00:33:32,031 --> 00:33:34,729 The first day of the war had been a disaster. 523 00:33:34,730 --> 00:33:36,748 Their strong defensive positions 524 00:33:36,749 --> 00:33:39,902 Had done a little to halt the Syrian advance. 525 00:33:48,811 --> 00:33:51,082 This is one of the Israeli bunkers. 526 00:33:51,083 --> 00:33:55,358 Dug in the Golan Heights and it is incredibly strong constructions, 527 00:33:55,359 --> 00:33:58,448 Deep on the ground, it's real force concreteness. 528 00:33:58,449 --> 00:34:00,305 Steel plates here as well. 529 00:34:00,306 --> 00:34:03,261 The amazing thing about 1973 of these strong points, 530 00:34:03,262 --> 00:34:06,418 Was so difficult for the Syrian to take, they didn't even bother trying. 531 00:34:06,419 --> 00:34:10,566 They simply bypass them with their tanks and kept pushing forward. 532 00:34:15,223 --> 00:34:16,233 By the end of the day, 533 00:34:16,234 --> 00:34:20,834 The Syrians have taken almost the entire southern half of the Golan Heights. 534 00:34:26,541 --> 00:34:29,271 It was a nightmare situation for Israel. 535 00:34:29,272 --> 00:34:34,577 it had been caught unawares with far to few troops on both frontlines. 536 00:34:35,325 --> 00:34:38,040 All Elazar the Israeli chief of staff could do, 537 00:34:38,141 --> 00:34:41,978 Must had mobilized every single reserves in their country. 538 00:34:43,719 --> 00:34:46,484 In towns, villages and farms across Israel. 539 00:34:46,485 --> 00:34:49,813 News felted out that their country was under attack. 540 00:34:49,825 --> 00:34:53,025 Because it was as a holiday, TV and radio were off the air. 541 00:34:53,026 --> 00:34:54,782 And so soldiers on motorbikes, 542 00:34:54,783 --> 00:34:58,126 Had to race through built up areas calling up the reserves. 543 00:35:05,914 --> 00:35:07,510 I was in my Kippot in Yom Kippur 544 00:35:07,511 --> 00:35:11,040 When I heard a planes taken up from the air force base in the area. 545 00:35:11,817 --> 00:35:13,837 I drove with another member of my kippot 546 00:35:13,838 --> 00:35:15,694 So he was also our accompany commander. 547 00:35:15,695 --> 00:35:17,408 To our assembly point, 548 00:35:17,918 --> 00:35:20,390 On the way we said whatever was happening, 549 00:35:20,425 --> 00:35:23,238 We will propably be back home in a day or two. 550 00:35:34,200 --> 00:35:37,553 Men and tanks headed out towards both fronts. 551 00:35:37,554 --> 00:35:39,609 But it would take two long days. 552 00:35:39,610 --> 00:35:42,213 Before they be ready to mount a counterattack. 553 00:35:48,020 --> 00:35:50,042 Then on October the 8th, 554 00:35:50,043 --> 00:35:52,384 David Elazar announced to the world. 555 00:35:52,519 --> 00:35:54,878 That his army finally gone on the attack. 556 00:35:55,516 --> 00:36:01,074 This morning we started our counterattack. 557 00:36:02,442 --> 00:36:04,532 And we shall break, 558 00:36:04,533 --> 00:36:07,453 And destroy completely, 559 00:36:07,488 --> 00:36:10,374 All the attacking forces. 560 00:36:12,821 --> 00:36:16,505 Elazar's first push was in the Sinai desert. 561 00:36:17,266 --> 00:36:19,475 Egyptians had known that the Israelis. 562 00:36:19,476 --> 00:36:20,940 Would always be counterattack. 563 00:36:20,941 --> 00:36:23,526 And they have been lying and wait for just this moment. 564 00:36:23,527 --> 00:36:25,802 As soon as the Israeli tanks came into view. 565 00:36:25,803 --> 00:36:30,670 They let rep with devastating rocket artillery and Sagger missile fire. 566 00:37:00,907 --> 00:37:04,326 The Israeli is suffered heavy casualties all day. 567 00:37:09,351 --> 00:37:13,342 At least 50 of their tanks were destroyed or disabled. 568 00:37:13,675 --> 00:37:16,513 To the Israelis, it was abundantly clear. 569 00:37:16,514 --> 00:37:21,042 This was no longer the poorly trained Egyptian army they fought in the past. 570 00:37:24,703 --> 00:37:28,963 By the end of the day Israel was facing catastrophe. 571 00:37:30,688 --> 00:37:33,873 Israelis had believe that once their army was in place 572 00:37:33,874 --> 00:37:35,925 They would be victorious. 573 00:37:36,126 --> 00:37:41,145 Now they have to face the shocking truth that this haven't happened. 574 00:37:42,452 --> 00:37:46,263 Prime Minister Meir sends an urgent request to the Americans. 575 00:37:46,264 --> 00:37:48,812 Begging them to resupply the country. 576 00:37:50,627 --> 00:37:52,717 Under attack on two fronts. 577 00:37:52,752 --> 00:37:56,782 Israelis felt their country was about to be squeezed out of existence. 578 00:37:57,705 --> 00:38:01,422 It will need a bold change of strategy to save the day. 579 00:38:03,047 --> 00:38:06,787 The simple truth was Israel did not have the strength. 580 00:38:06,788 --> 00:38:10,077 To fight this war on two fronts at the same time. 581 00:38:10,374 --> 00:38:14,019 Elazar had to concentrate his strength on one front. 582 00:38:14,054 --> 00:38:16,613 Before he try to role back his enemy on the other, 583 00:38:18,144 --> 00:38:20,951 In the Sinai the Egyptian was seprated, 584 00:38:20,952 --> 00:38:23,835 From Israel by houndreds of miles of desert. 585 00:38:23,915 --> 00:38:27,810 But here on the Golan the Syrians were perilously to close. 586 00:38:27,811 --> 00:38:30,759 To Israel's main Villages and towns across 587 00:38:30,760 --> 00:38:33,429 The Jordan just a few miles drive away. 588 00:38:33,701 --> 00:38:37,185 For Golan had to be Elazar's priority. 589 00:38:37,486 --> 00:38:39,537 So he ordered the army and the Airforce. 590 00:38:39,538 --> 00:38:42,964 To put everything they had into throwing the Syrian back. 591 00:38:43,966 --> 00:38:47,235 Some tank you get for attack half way along the Golan. 592 00:38:47,236 --> 00:38:49,291 To relive the pressure on Nafakh, 593 00:38:49,292 --> 00:38:51,690 The Israeli edge queue on the heights. 594 00:38:52,833 --> 00:38:57,281 Other Israeli tanks had already been ordered to go up on to the southern Golan. 595 00:38:57,282 --> 00:39:00,658 If the Syrian were closes to the Israel's heart land. 596 00:39:01,777 --> 00:39:06,302 Their commander had been told bluntly you are Israel's last hope. 597 00:39:07,276 --> 00:39:10,230 But one have been in their favored was that the Syrian. 598 00:39:10,231 --> 00:39:12,089 Had make an extraordinary decision. 599 00:39:12,090 --> 00:39:14,606 To halt up on the high ground, 600 00:39:14,607 --> 00:39:17,310 Rather than to press on towards river Jordan 601 00:39:17,409 --> 00:39:20,239 It gave the Israelis vital breathing room. 602 00:39:20,240 --> 00:39:23,474 To cross the river and move up towards the Golan. 603 00:39:28,175 --> 00:39:29,865 On the night of October the 8th 604 00:39:29,866 --> 00:39:32,830 Israeli tanks stormed the Syrian positions. 605 00:39:42,933 --> 00:39:45,116 The fighting raged around the clock. 606 00:39:45,317 --> 00:39:47,218 The Soviets had given the Syrians, 607 00:39:47,219 --> 00:39:49,793 Their latest infrared night fight equipment. 608 00:39:49,965 --> 00:39:52,039 The Israelis had nothing of the kind. 609 00:39:52,040 --> 00:39:54,006 And that meant during the hours of darkness 610 00:39:54,007 --> 00:39:58,494 The Syrian to identify the Israeli tanks and cause terrific casualties. 611 00:39:59,627 --> 00:40:01,984 I scanned the area with a microscope. 612 00:40:01,985 --> 00:40:05,825 And picked up a film infrared lights coming directly at me. 613 00:40:06,029 --> 00:40:10,759 I took another look the head lamps were still approaching 614 00:40:10,760 --> 00:40:12,799 The Syrian was targeting in on us 615 00:40:13,148 --> 00:40:17,809 Tray to pick up by a screen, and the tank off back, then we can go stop. 616 00:40:24,094 --> 00:40:26,290 But as day broke the Israeli ground troops, 617 00:40:26,291 --> 00:40:29,009 Got so much needed relive from their air force. 618 00:40:36,635 --> 00:40:38,442 Through out the rest of the day however 619 00:40:38,444 --> 00:40:41,472 The Israelis' fought desperately to hold the line. 620 00:40:45,025 --> 00:40:47,993 The Israelis knew that if they gave way here 621 00:40:48,028 --> 00:40:51,142 Their country faced a real threat to off extension. 622 00:40:53,203 --> 00:40:55,363 losses mounted on both sides. 623 00:40:55,364 --> 00:40:57,249 but as the battle progressed, 624 00:40:57,250 --> 00:41:00,785 It became clear that despite some Syrian technological advantages. 625 00:41:00,786 --> 00:41:03,314 The Israeli's tanks had thicker armor. 626 00:41:03,315 --> 00:41:06,271 And the Israeli cruise could fire more quickly, 627 00:41:06,272 --> 00:41:09,104 And more accurately mass Syrian counterparts. 628 00:41:11,689 --> 00:41:13,783 After 4 days of combat 629 00:41:13,784 --> 00:41:17,606 I wasn't particularly worried by the Syrian tanks. 630 00:41:17,802 --> 00:41:19,612 It was enough to locate them. 631 00:41:19,613 --> 00:41:21,691 And to wave them come out to meet us, 632 00:41:21,692 --> 00:41:23,969 And victory will be ours. 633 00:41:28,781 --> 00:41:32,358 By the 10th of October, four days into the war, 634 00:41:32,359 --> 00:41:34,829 There was an astonishing turnaround. 635 00:41:35,586 --> 00:41:39,426 The Syrians were in full flight from here on the Golan. 636 00:41:39,627 --> 00:41:42,961 Israel's tanks chased them in the Syria itself. 637 00:41:43,360 --> 00:41:47,919 And soon the Israelis were in shelling distance of the Syrian capital Damascus. 638 00:41:47,954 --> 00:41:50,444 Just 30 miles of that way. 639 00:41:51,325 --> 00:41:55,345 Syrian president Assad sent a message to president Sadat. 640 00:41:55,634 --> 00:41:59,914 Urging the Egyptian leader to do something to relieve the pressure on Syria. 641 00:42:00,918 --> 00:42:03,967 And now Sadat made a momentous decision. 642 00:42:05,300 --> 00:42:07,096 Down on the Suez Canal 643 00:42:07,097 --> 00:42:08,995 Sadat ordered his men 644 00:42:08,996 --> 00:42:11,625 To thrust way beyond the strong defence line. 645 00:42:11,852 --> 00:42:14,466 They did established on the east bank of the Canal. 646 00:42:15,934 --> 00:42:20,149 Their objective, strategic passes through these mountains. 647 00:42:20,329 --> 00:42:21,565 But to get there, 648 00:42:21,566 --> 00:42:26,626 It had to leave the safety of their Sam missile umbrella way behind them. 649 00:42:27,425 --> 00:42:29,319 It was a high risk strategy 650 00:42:29,320 --> 00:42:32,113 And Shazly was appalled by the decision. 651 00:42:32,114 --> 00:42:34,538 But Sadat was immovable 652 00:42:34,879 --> 00:42:38,957 What follow, will be one of the biggest tanks battles in history. 653 00:42:48,882 --> 00:42:50,955 25 miles east of the Canal 654 00:42:50,956 --> 00:42:53,138 Israeli tank commanders well dug in, 655 00:42:53,139 --> 00:42:55,774 On high ground and good defensive positions. 656 00:42:57,283 --> 00:42:58,757 across the open desert, 657 00:42:58,758 --> 00:43:00,810 They could see the sand been kicked up. 658 00:43:00,811 --> 00:43:03,710 By hundreds of advancing Egyptian tanks. 659 00:43:10,624 --> 00:43:14,871 The Egyptians would totally expose to wavering Israeli fire 660 00:43:20,446 --> 00:43:21,992 but over the following hours 661 00:43:21,993 --> 00:43:24,368 The Egyptian tank wreckage repeatedly 662 00:43:24,369 --> 00:43:27,065 Try to push further east into the Sinai. 663 00:43:30,147 --> 00:43:34,109 As the Egyptian moved out beyond the protective cover of their Sam's. 664 00:43:34,110 --> 00:43:38,726 Israeli aircraft rain down Bombs on the exposed Egyptian tanks. 665 00:43:49,038 --> 00:43:51,942 The Israeli skillful use of their tank guns. 666 00:43:51,943 --> 00:43:54,891 Meant that they pulverize the Egyptian exposed, 667 00:43:54,892 --> 00:43:57,198 Down on the open ground. 668 00:44:03,738 --> 00:44:08,066 The Israelis knocked out to the estimated 260 Egyptian tanks. 669 00:44:08,267 --> 00:44:10,811 They lost only 20 of their own. 670 00:44:13,392 --> 00:44:17,358 We fought hard. It was a successful tackle. 671 00:44:17,359 --> 00:44:22,166 And what made it possible was the fighting spirit of our soldiers. 672 00:44:22,933 --> 00:44:26,259 This battle was a turning point in the war. 673 00:44:28,103 --> 00:44:31,808 Now the war started swing in Israel's favor. 674 00:44:32,918 --> 00:44:34,622 By the October the 15th 675 00:44:34,623 --> 00:44:39,246 The Americans had responded to prime minister Mair's request to re-supplies. 676 00:44:39,592 --> 00:44:42,792 For day's American's planes arrived in Israel. 677 00:44:42,809 --> 00:44:46,897 With huge number of tanks, shells and new planes. 678 00:44:47,098 --> 00:44:49,581 Israel was in a much stronger position. 679 00:44:52,146 --> 00:44:54,326 Elazar and his commanders were determined 680 00:44:54,327 --> 00:44:57,084 To force the Egyptian back across the canal 681 00:44:57,278 --> 00:45:00,927 They now plan an exceedingly ambitious and risky operation. 682 00:45:00,928 --> 00:45:05,702 And a man will play a key part of it is General Ariel Sharon 683 00:45:07,291 --> 00:45:10,130 Sharon would later become Israel's Prime Minister. 684 00:45:10,165 --> 00:45:13,763 But in 73 he was one of the country's must dynamic Generals. 685 00:45:13,764 --> 00:45:16,122 And immensely charismatic. 686 00:45:17,283 --> 00:45:19,340 He just left the army that summer, 687 00:45:19,341 --> 00:45:22,255 But when war broke out he was recalled. 688 00:45:24,176 --> 00:45:28,235 His detailed knowledge of a Sinai where he fought during the 6 day war. 689 00:45:28,236 --> 00:45:32,731 Would proveing valuable in framing Israel's or dashes new plan. 690 00:45:34,615 --> 00:45:37,047 The Egyptians on the east bank of the canal, 691 00:45:37,048 --> 00:45:39,081 Were separated into two armies. 692 00:45:39,737 --> 00:45:42,516 One in the North and one in the South. 693 00:45:42,517 --> 00:45:46,114 A hundred thousand men and about thousand tanks, 694 00:45:46,115 --> 00:45:49,110 Well dug in and well defended by mine fields. 695 00:45:49,111 --> 00:45:51,014 They looked impregnable. 696 00:45:51,308 --> 00:45:55,861 But one of Sharon's patrols had discover a narrow gap 697 00:45:55,862 --> 00:45:59,797 Just one mile wide between the two armies at this spot, 698 00:45:59,798 --> 00:46:03,182 Where the Suez Canal joined the Large salt Lake. 699 00:46:03,837 --> 00:46:06,941 Sharon was ordered to push through here of these tanks 700 00:46:06,942 --> 00:46:11,000 Wide in the gap and secure a corridor throughout of the Canal. 701 00:46:11,501 --> 00:46:13,646 The Israelis would bridge the Canal. 702 00:46:13,647 --> 00:46:16,375 And hundreds of tanks will then pour across it. 703 00:46:16,376 --> 00:46:21,180 And fan out North and South to cut off the Egyptians from behind. 704 00:46:21,181 --> 00:46:23,961 The Egyptians' positions on the eastern Canal bank, 705 00:46:23,962 --> 00:46:26,003 Would then be untenable. 706 00:46:26,704 --> 00:46:30,720 For the Israelis, the whole operation would be fraught with danger. 707 00:46:30,921 --> 00:46:34,394 A biggest fright was the Egyptian stronghold here. 708 00:46:34,395 --> 00:46:36,133 Called Chinese farm. 709 00:46:36,234 --> 00:46:39,156 It was just north the planned Israeli corridor. 710 00:46:39,420 --> 00:46:43,463 Sharon had to neutralize the Egyptians of Chinese farm. 711 00:46:43,600 --> 00:46:46,203 If the Israeli plan was to succeed. 712 00:46:48,816 --> 00:46:50,404 But what the Israelis didn't know. 713 00:46:50,405 --> 00:46:54,373 Was just how big the Egyptian presence was in Chinese farm. 714 00:46:56,412 --> 00:47:00,060 Large numbers of Egyptian tanks and infantry were gathered there. 715 00:47:01,031 --> 00:47:05,013 Unaware of how out number they were at dusk of October 15th. 716 00:47:05,014 --> 00:47:07,274 The Israeli assault force moved in. 717 00:47:08,183 --> 00:47:10,816 Sharon's tank cruise approached Chinese farm, 718 00:47:10,817 --> 00:47:12,784 To make their surprise attack, 719 00:47:12,990 --> 00:47:15,606 They moved in from 3 different directions 720 00:47:15,663 --> 00:47:20,195 But the Egyptian position was a lot stronger than the Israelis have expected. 721 00:47:21,023 --> 00:47:23,615 Training Footage 722 00:47:23,616 --> 00:47:28,318 A ferocious night battle of ratted between the Israelis and the Egyptians. 723 00:47:28,319 --> 00:47:30,461 Both sides face the same problem. 724 00:47:30,462 --> 00:47:32,410 Their fighting was at such close quarters, 725 00:47:32,411 --> 00:47:36,164 That was difficult to tell who was friend and who is foe. 726 00:47:37,231 --> 00:47:40,329 At one point when my tank has stopped. 727 00:47:40,330 --> 00:47:42,770 An Egyptian soldier climbed on to it, 728 00:47:42,771 --> 00:47:44,923 And ask me now for big of cigarette. 729 00:47:45,300 --> 00:47:47,412 He thought we were Egyptians. 730 00:47:48,190 --> 00:47:53,660 I went down and pull the pin on the grenade and tilt it at him. 731 00:47:55,744 --> 00:47:58,531 All night the Egyptian proper stiff defence. 732 00:47:58,532 --> 00:48:02,596 They disable the Israeli tanks and killed them and wounded enemies soldiers. 733 00:48:02,597 --> 00:48:05,279 The Israelis realized they faced a tough fight, 734 00:48:05,280 --> 00:48:08,043 To secure the vital road to the Canal. 735 00:48:10,716 --> 00:48:13,310 The Egyptian war where is but not like a war show. 736 00:48:14,261 --> 00:48:16,219 They could shoot at us pull big size. 737 00:48:17,223 --> 00:48:20,640 It was like hell of fire and bullets every where 738 00:48:21,233 --> 00:48:24,832 I saw it from there, we are not going to get out alive. 739 00:48:25,799 --> 00:48:28,286 This was out this place. 740 00:48:30,700 --> 00:48:32,872 Sharon decided to cross the Canal. 741 00:48:32,873 --> 00:48:36,443 Before waiting for the battle of Chinese farm to be won. 742 00:48:36,756 --> 00:48:40,228 At midnight, he sent 750 para-troopers. 743 00:48:40,229 --> 00:48:44,432 To snake across and established the vital to hold on the west bank. 744 00:48:45,209 --> 00:48:47,546 His men had been totally unopposed. 745 00:48:48,015 --> 00:48:50,419 But to turn this into a major break though, 746 00:48:50,420 --> 00:48:53,491 The Israelis would need to get thousands war men, 747 00:48:53,492 --> 00:48:56,342 And tanks across the Canal. 748 00:48:58,773 --> 00:49:01,749 In fact, the Israelis had built a mobile bridge. 749 00:49:01,750 --> 00:49:04,812 A year before the war for just this purpose. 750 00:49:07,645 --> 00:49:10,075 The bridge was 180 meters long. 751 00:49:10,076 --> 00:49:14,063 Weight 400 tons and took 3 days to put together. 752 00:49:15,053 --> 00:49:17,676 Once assembled it was toad on metal rollers, 753 00:49:17,677 --> 00:49:19,869 Through the desert by 12 tanks. 754 00:49:19,870 --> 00:49:22,302 Along the only road down to the Canal. 755 00:49:23,669 --> 00:49:28,000 It was a problem because of the fighting still raging at the Chinese farm. 756 00:49:28,001 --> 00:49:31,297 The road to the Canal was blocked by huge traffic jam. 757 00:49:31,298 --> 00:49:34,161 By day break the bridge only traveled two miles. 758 00:49:34,296 --> 00:49:36,387 There is another 13 days to go. 759 00:49:38,444 --> 00:49:41,039 Sharon needed to get tanks across the Canal. 760 00:49:41,040 --> 00:49:43,922 To reinforce his troops in coast area. 761 00:49:46,066 --> 00:49:47,755 Without the bridge in place, 762 00:49:47,756 --> 00:49:52,072 He had to float 50 tanks across of inflatable rafts. 763 00:49:54,161 --> 00:49:57,482 The sudden appearance of Israeli tanks on the west bank of the Canal 764 00:49:57,483 --> 00:50:00,171 Was a huge surprise for the Egyptians. 765 00:50:00,472 --> 00:50:02,434 Soldiers manning the SAM batteries 766 00:50:02,664 --> 00:50:05,658 Reported that groups of several tanks were show up in a distance. 767 00:50:05,659 --> 00:50:08,230 Opened fire at them and then disappear. 768 00:50:14,894 --> 00:50:17,964 Later that day on the evening of October the 16th 769 00:50:17,965 --> 00:50:20,638 The Israeli prime minister Golda Mair 770 00:50:20,639 --> 00:50:23,189 Triumphantly told the Israeli parliament. 771 00:50:23,190 --> 00:50:26,320 Their troops had crossed the Canal into Africa. 772 00:50:26,391 --> 00:50:29,087 In reality, it will be another two days. 773 00:50:29,088 --> 00:50:32,017 Before the Israeli secured the corridor of the Canal. 774 00:50:32,710 --> 00:50:34,773 It was on the October the 19th. 775 00:50:34,874 --> 00:50:37,100 That the bridge was finally in place. 776 00:50:44,599 --> 00:50:47,615 As israeli tanks surged across the bridge 777 00:50:47,816 --> 00:50:50,017 They came under heavy bombardment, 778 00:50:50,052 --> 00:50:52,606 From Egyptian artillery and the aircraft. 779 00:50:53,284 --> 00:50:54,802 But their tanks pushed on, 780 00:50:54,803 --> 00:50:57,995 To their first objectives on the west bank. 781 00:50:58,796 --> 00:51:01,221 Egypt's SAM missiles sides, 782 00:51:01,765 --> 00:51:03,984 Once these missiles will destroyed. 783 00:51:04,085 --> 00:51:06,957 Israeli war planes swept into the attack. 784 00:51:07,346 --> 00:51:10,616 In support of the tanks fanning out North and South, 785 00:51:10,617 --> 00:51:12,782 On the west bank of the Canal. 786 00:51:15,115 --> 00:51:17,939 Egypt third army here on the East Bank. 787 00:51:17,940 --> 00:51:20,261 Will soon in danger of been surrounded. 788 00:51:20,563 --> 00:51:22,572 Shazli urged that some units, 789 00:51:22,585 --> 00:51:26,345 Should be pulled back here to the west bank to fight the Israelis. 790 00:51:26,844 --> 00:51:30,598 President Sadat reply abruptly: No retreat. 791 00:51:30,948 --> 00:51:34,020 He believed reducing forces on the East Bank, 792 00:51:34,021 --> 00:51:36,624 Would press closing everything they had fought for. 793 00:51:37,025 --> 00:51:39,895 But Sadat was ready for a ceasefire. 794 00:51:45,497 --> 00:51:48,269 It was once of the 22nd of October. 795 00:51:48,931 --> 00:51:51,329 The Israelis agreed to the ceasefire as well. 796 00:51:51,330 --> 00:51:53,842 But in reality, ignored it. 797 00:51:53,843 --> 00:51:58,158 And pushed on south to secure more land, west of the Canal. 798 00:52:09,849 --> 00:52:11,757 By October the Twenty third, 799 00:52:11,758 --> 00:52:14,719 The Egyptian third army was surrounded. 800 00:52:14,820 --> 00:52:18,025 The supply line of its 45 thousand men would cut. 801 00:52:18,026 --> 00:52:22,080 With only 4 days of food and water left. 802 00:52:22,081 --> 00:52:25,372 It wouldn't be long before they will starved into submission. 803 00:52:30,356 --> 00:52:33,566 Some Egyptian soldiers was so desperately surrendered, 804 00:52:33,688 --> 00:52:36,020 Others hang on. 805 00:52:37,178 --> 00:52:38,954 No food come to us, 806 00:52:38,955 --> 00:52:41,106 No munitions come to us. 807 00:52:41,232 --> 00:52:45,235 And no evacuation of any injured, no water 808 00:52:45,879 --> 00:52:48,795 And we didn't need gas that doesn't want to go anywhere. 809 00:52:51,044 --> 00:52:53,580 At just when it seemed to be over, 810 00:52:53,581 --> 00:52:56,569 The war took a dramatic turn. 811 00:52:56,589 --> 00:52:58,664 it was at this critical moment 812 00:52:58,665 --> 00:53:01,898 But Egypt's most powerful allied of Soviet Union. 813 00:53:01,899 --> 00:53:04,888 Made one final bid to help the Egyptians. 814 00:53:05,161 --> 00:53:07,682 The Soviet President Leonid Brezhnev, 815 00:53:07,683 --> 00:53:09,373 Tell the American unless they agree, 816 00:53:09,374 --> 00:53:14,187 To send a joint US Soviet peace keeping force to the Middle East. 817 00:53:14,222 --> 00:53:17,367 He would send Soviet troops on their own. 818 00:53:21,062 --> 00:53:25,729 The Americans will determine that no Soviet troops would enter the Middle East. 819 00:53:25,730 --> 00:53:31,182 In the sudden escalation America put its nuclear forces at alert. 820 00:53:34,299 --> 00:53:37,921 US nuclear missile were ready devour Sinai's. 821 00:53:37,922 --> 00:53:41,520 And two aircraft carriers with nuclear strike forces. 822 00:53:41,521 --> 00:53:44,219 Were ordered to the East of the Mediterranean. 823 00:53:45,662 --> 00:53:48,398 The implied threat of nuclear war, 824 00:53:48,399 --> 00:53:50,469 Forced Brezhnev to make a choice, 825 00:53:50,470 --> 00:53:53,578 To escalate. or to climb down. 826 00:53:58,012 --> 00:54:00,857 Brezhnev decided to climb down. 827 00:54:00,858 --> 00:54:03,389 And no Soviet troops went to the Middle East. 828 00:54:03,724 --> 00:54:07,144 But the flowery of international pressure had made its mark. 829 00:54:07,145 --> 00:54:08,960 On October the 25th, 830 00:54:08,961 --> 00:54:12,182 The Israelis finally headed the ceasefire. 831 00:54:12,317 --> 00:54:16,121 And the October war was effectively over. 832 00:54:42,375 --> 00:54:45,960 It's hard to say, who is the clear victor of this war. 833 00:54:45,961 --> 00:54:50,591 The Israelis who saw both air Fronts shattered by surprise attacks. 834 00:54:50,592 --> 00:54:53,726 Made an astonishing military campaign. 835 00:54:53,827 --> 00:54:57,468 But the Arabs gave Israel a real shook. 836 00:54:59,687 --> 00:55:02,887 For many Israelis, the nine and half thousand soldiers, 837 00:55:02,888 --> 00:55:04,935 Killed or wound during the October war. 838 00:55:05,026 --> 00:55:07,982 Wasn't unacceptably high price to pay. 839 00:55:07,983 --> 00:55:09,393 They blame their government, 840 00:55:09,394 --> 00:55:12,852 Of falling and hear their warnings that war was eminent. 841 00:55:13,357 --> 00:55:16,444 Israeli confidence was shattered. 842 00:55:16,845 --> 00:55:19,690 They will no longer the invincible military power, 843 00:55:19,691 --> 00:55:21,758 They had thought they were. 844 00:55:22,866 --> 00:55:26,356 Despite the fact it suffered up to 30 thousand casualties. 845 00:55:26,557 --> 00:55:32,274 Perhaps in the end the side gained the most from this war was Egypt. 846 00:55:32,775 --> 00:55:34,803 The Egyptian crossing of the Canal, 847 00:55:34,804 --> 00:55:37,656 Was seen as a major military achievement. 848 00:55:37,781 --> 00:55:41,524 That restored Arab pride and gave president Sadat 849 00:55:41,625 --> 00:55:45,537 That confidence to make a spectacular bid for peace. 850 00:55:52,979 --> 00:55:55,506 In November 1977, 851 00:55:55,627 --> 00:56:00,615 The Egyptian's president Anwar Sadat arrived in Israel. 852 00:56:00,616 --> 00:56:03,568 And in the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem itself, 853 00:56:03,569 --> 00:56:05,978 He became the first Arab leader, 854 00:56:05,979 --> 00:56:08,874 To recognize the stat of the Israel. 855 00:56:19,833 --> 00:56:23,388 Israel and Egypt are now on the road to peace. 856 00:56:23,389 --> 00:56:25,593 Which culminated in 1982, 857 00:56:25,594 --> 00:56:28,304 With what Sadat had always wanted. 858 00:56:28,421 --> 00:56:32,036 A complete Israeli withdrawal from the Sinai. 859 00:56:39,380 --> 00:56:42,313 But Sadat never saw it happened. 860 00:56:51,273 --> 00:56:56,107 On October the 6th 1981 the 8th anniversary of the war 861 00:56:56,108 --> 00:56:58,943 Anwar Sadat was assassinated by gunmen. 862 00:56:58,944 --> 00:57:01,154 Apposed to his peace treaty with Israel. 863 00:57:01,309 --> 00:57:05,148 The October war had claimed its last victim. 864 00:57:07,505 --> 00:57:08,881 The war didn't sort out 865 00:57:08,882 --> 00:57:12,347 The fundamental disputes between the Israelis and Arabs. 866 00:57:12,348 --> 00:57:16,684 In fact, technically Israel is still in a stat of war with Syria. 867 00:57:18,377 --> 00:57:20,425 All the treaties and all the talking, 868 00:57:20,426 --> 00:57:23,903 Still haven't brought peace to this part of the Middle East. 869 00:57:25,542 --> 00:57:27,872 And this barrier is a powerful reminder 870 00:57:27,873 --> 00:57:29,726 Of the conflicts with the Palestinians, 871 00:57:29,728 --> 00:57:31,289 Over who owns the land. 872 00:57:31,290 --> 00:57:33,851 Remains unresolved to this day. 873 00:57:47,308 --> 00:57:51,948 Next week 20th Century Battlefields brings you the Falklands war. 874 00:57:51,949 --> 00:57:56,923 In April 1982 Argentina invaded these remote islands. 875 00:57:56,924 --> 00:58:01,586 And shake it by one of the most ambitious military undertakings in British history 876 00:58:01,587 --> 00:58:05,743 I look at how the British force 8 thousand miles from home. 877 00:58:06,238 --> 00:58:09,607 And I will see how the troops tackle this hostile terrain. 878 00:58:09,608 --> 00:58:13,467 It wasn't away one of the centuries must bizarre conflicts 879 00:58:13,468 --> 00:58:16,898 Is the story of the battle for the Falklands. 880 00:58:16,899 --> 00:58:20,748 Subtitled by EAM