**The Secret War: When Israel Fought the Soviet Union**

In a little-known chapter of Cold War history, Israel and the Soviet Union found themselves in direct conflict during the late 1960s. As the Cold War intensified, the Soviet Union actively opposed U.S. influence globally, perceiving Israel as a key ally of the United States in the Middle East. This led to the USSR’s support for Arab nations that frequently engaged in military confrontations with Israel.

The pivotal moment came in June 1967, during the Six-Day War, when Israel launched a series of surprise attacks against Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) achieved notable victories, destroying and capturing hundreds of enemy aircraft and tanks, ultimately gaining control of significant territories, including the Sinai Peninsula and the Golan Heights. In the immediate aftermath, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser initially announced his resignation but reversed his decision following widespread public support.

Under immense pressure from the USSR, Israel agreed to a ceasefire, allowing Arab states to regroup for future confrontations. By September 1967, Arab nations adopted the “three nos” policy, which rejected peace, recognition, or negotiations with Israel. Nasser believed that military action was the only viable path to reclaiming lost territories, particularly the Sinai.

To bolster Egypt’s military capabilities, the Soviet Union stepped in, providing substantial military aid amounting to over $3 billion between 1965 and 1970. The Egyptian Army was equipped with Soviet tanks, air defense systems, and fighter aircraft. Soviet officers and technical experts were also dispatched to train Egyptian forces, leading to a significant rebuild of their military after the 1967 defeat.

With renewed confidence, Egypt launched the War of Attrition on March 8, 1969, aiming to exhaust Israeli forces through sustained military pressure. Initial Egyptian offensives inflicted considerable losses on the IDF, utilizing advanced artillery and Soviet fighter jets. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir escalated attacks, employing a strategy of disproportionate retaliation dubbed “asymmetrical response.”

By mid-1969, the situation was dire for both sides as the conflict intensified. Notably, the Soviet Union covertly deployed troops and military assets to Egypt under the operation code-named “Caucasus.” While the Soviets aimed to strengthen Egypt’s air defenses without provoking U.S. intervention, Israeli forces grew increasingly aware of Soviet involvement.

Tensions culminated in a series of aerial confrontations, with Israeli and Soviet pilots clashing directly. The first significant engagement occurred on June 22, 1970, when Soviet MiG-21s pursued Israeli aircraft into Sinai. This marked a turning point in the conflict, with both sides suffering losses and showcasing the effectiveness of advanced air defense systems.

The stakes escalated further in late July, as the Soviets moved their surface-to-air missile units closer to the Suez Canal, resulting in a series of skirmishes with Israeli aircraft. Despite claiming victories in air battles, the Israeli Air Force faced mounting challenges due to the growing Soviet presence.

By early August 1970, the toll of the War of Attrition became apparent. Both sides recognized the futility of continuing the conflict, particularly with the impending threat of superpower escalation. The Soviet Union withdrew its support, and diplomatic pressure mounted for a ceasefire. On August 7, 1970, after prolonged negotiations, the Rogers Plan was signed, signaling a temporary halt to hostilities.

The human cost of the War of Attrition was significant. Israel lost between 600 and 1,400 soldiers, while Egypt’s casualties ranged from 2,800 to 10,000, alongside the loss of Soviet personnel. Ultimately, the conflict ended without a decisive victor, with Egypt failing to achieve its primary objective of expelling Israeli forces from Sinai.

In the aftermath, Egyptian President Nasser passed away in September 1970, paving the way for Anwar Al-Sadat’s leadership. While Sadat initially maintained a ceasefire, he began preparations for a more aggressive stance against Israel, leading to the Yom Kippur War three years later. As for the Soviet soldiers, they gradually withdrew from Egypt, their presence remaining largely obscured until decades later, when the full extent of their involvement in the conflict was finally revealed.