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Originally Posted by Munchmasterman View Post
I wouldn't use the 6 Day War as the example. Israel launched preemptive strikes after Egypt mobilized it's troops. And it was "only" against 3 countries. They had plenty of arms from the US.
You talking about the late 60's?
You might want to "fact check" your statement as to:
1. # of Arab countries (mostly French, and they "confiscated")
The Israelis had a knack for "re-tooling" and maximizing the "bang for the buck" and at that time had probably the best ground support pilots in the world, who were experts in conserving ordinance, with several pilots for each one of their limited aircraft.
The cross-trained tank crews to drive units from different countries and be able to effectively use them ... and actually carried extra crews on the backs of tanks to "man" abandoned units left by fleeing Arabs.
The Israelis were out numbered in every category...personnel, tanks, and aircraft roughly 6 to 1.
2. U.S. weapons. (SAMS and intelligence).
LBJ was ramping up S.E. Asia. The Middle East was not of primary interest and was incidental. There was a "presence" but mostly information and training.... in some instances both sides!
As for "pre-emptive strikes" ... when one is against six who are threatening imminently serious bodily injury, if not death, then a "pre-emptive strike" is a pretty good strategy to maximize the opportunity for success in neutralizing the opposition.