A student is studying the Yom Kippur War of 1973. The following extract is from a history textbook:

'The Egyptian and Syrian attack on 6 October 1973 achieved complete tactical surprise. Israeli forces were initially pushed back on both fronts before eventually recovering.'

Which factor best explains why Egypt and Syria achieved surprise?

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Question

A student is studying the Yom Kippur War of 1973. The following extract is from a history textbook:

'The Egyptian and Syrian attack on 6 October 1973 achieved complete tactical surprise. Israeli forces were initially pushed back on both fronts before eventually recovering.'

Which factor best explains why Egypt and Syria achieved surprise?

Accepted Answer

The attack was launched on Yom Kippur, Judaism's holiest day, when Israeli defences were reduced — Award 1 mark for identifying that the timing of the attack on Yom Kippur, when many Israeli soldiers were on leave and the country was observing the religious fast, contributed to the surprise. A is incorrect because Israel had intelligence services (Mossad). C is incorrect because the UN gave no such assurance. D is incorrect because no nuclear weapons were used.

Answer

Egypt and Syria used nuclear weapons to overwhelm Israeli positions

Answer

The attack was launched on Yom Kippur, Judaism's holiest day, when Israeli defences were reduced

Answer

Israel had no intelligence services monitoring Arab military activity

Answer

The United Nations had assured Israel that no attack would occur

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