Middle East 581
365 RUSSIA/666 ISRAELMID#345
Dispute Number: 345
Date(s): May 1967 to June 19, 1967
Participants: 365 Russia/2 United States of America, 666 Israel
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: 26–100 deaths
Narrative: The Soviet Union began a buildup of naval forces in the eastern Mediter-
ranean as tensions increased in the Middle East. The United States complained of the
buildup on May 17, 1967, while Lebanon asked for a postponement of the semiannual
visit of the US Sixth Fleet to Beirut. The Soviets claimed to be trying to exercise a
calming influence in the region, and, by May 28, fifteen Russian ships were tracking
American ships in the area.
Fighting broke out between Israel and its neighbors in the Six Day War on June 5,
- American and Soviet ships went on alert. On June 8, Israeli fighters accidentally
attacked the USS Liberty. President Lyndon Johnson used the Hot Line to inform the
Soviets that American aircraft in the area were going to aid the Liberty.
The Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc allies threatened to intervene militarily on June
9, 1967, when it seemed that Israel was close to overrunning Syrian positions and tak-
ing Damascus. A ceasefire was called the next day amid mounting pressure from both
the United States and the Soviets. On June 19, the Israelis released five Soviet officers
who had been captured in a Syrian artillery post.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from May 23, 1967. Fatalities changed from
None.
MID#1480
Started in June 1967. See the narrative in the 651 Egypt/666 Israel dyad dispute list.
MID#3659
Dispute Number: 3659
Date(s): November 6, 1971
Participants: 365 Russia/666 Israel
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: Israel reported that two Soviet MiG-23s flew over the Sinai.
MID#3174
Dispute Number: 3174
Date(s): August 2, 1974 to August 28, 1974
Participants: 365 Russia/666 Israel
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)