History Today: When Israel captured Golan Heights from Syria in 1967

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It was the fifth day of the Six-Day War in West Asia when Israel captured Golan Heights from Syria on June 9, 1967. This turned out to be a decisive win against the Arab country. On the lighter side, on this day in 1934, Disney's iconic character Donald Duck made its first appearance read more
Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria during the Six-Day War in 1967. File image/AP
The Six-Day War took place between Israel and its Arab neighbours in June 1967. On the fifth day, i.e. June 9, after Israel had already achieved significant victories, it launched a decisive assault to capture the Golan Heights from Syria.
If you are a history geek, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today is your one-stop destination to explore the big events.
Also, on this day in 1934, Disney's iconic character Donald Duck was introduced for the first time to the world. He was introduced in the Animated short film 'The Wise Little Hen'.
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Here is all that happened on this day across the world.
Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria
Israel was fighting one of the bloodiest wars in West Asia from June 5, 1967, namely the Six-Day War. The Jewish nation had already achieved some significant victories, but the biggest and most decisive one came on June 9 with the capture of the Golan Heights from Syria .
While Israel had already captured the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank and East Jerusalem from Egypt and Jordan, respectively, tensions had been high between Israel and Syria. From its elevated position, Syrian artillery had frequently shelled Israeli communities below, posing a direct threat to civilian populations in northern Israel. With the other fronts largely stabilised, Israel turned its attention to securing this critical high ground.
By the end of June 9, Israeli forces had achieved substantial control over the Golan Heights. File image/AP
So, under intense aerial cover from the Israeli Air Force, engineer troops swiftly constructed access roads up the challenging and steep terrain of the Golan. This was followed by Israeli armoured vehicles and infantry launching a direct assault against the heavily fortified Syrian positions. While the ensuing combat was fierce, Syrian defenders ultimately caved in to the relentless Israeli advance.
By the end of the day, Israeli forces had achieved substantial control over the Golan Heights. This acquisition was cemented when Syria formally accepted a United Nations-brokered ceasefire on June 10, effectively terminating active hostilities on this front. The seizure of the Golan Heights furnished Israel with a vital strategic buffer zone.
Donald Duck made his first appearance
One of the most iconic characters created by Walt Disney, Donald Fauntleroy Duck, was introduced to the world on this day in 1934 through Silly Symphonies animated short film, 'The Wise Little Hen.'
He was introduced as a supporting character alongside Peter Pig, both of which portrayed laziness. They feigned stomach aches to avoid helping the wise little hen with her corn. Even though his animated design was still rough and basic as compared to his later version, it was his iconic and distinctive voice that made him immediately recognisable. Legendary voice artist Clarence Nash's unparalleled 'duck' impression impressed Walt Disney so much that it became a key factor in Donald's very creation.
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Donald Duck made his first appearance in the 'The Wise Little Hen' short film. Representational image
'The Wise Little Hen' established Donald's core personality trait - his notorious temper. Though initially a minor character, his popularity quickly grew due to his relatable frustrations and explosive outbursts, which provided a perfect foil to the more wholesome and always cheerful Mickey Mouse . Audiences found his often unintelligible squawks and comedic fits highly entertaining.
Following this debut, Donald's character and design continued to evolve. He soon began appearing regularly in Mickey Mouse cartoons and by 1937, received his own starring roles in shorts like 'Don Donald.' Over the decades, Donald Duck would become one of the most prolific and beloved characters in animation history.
This Day, That Year
On this day in 1983, British Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was re-elected for a second term.
Celebrated English writer Charles Dickens passed away in Chatham, Kent.