The Tripartite Aggression

The Tripartite Aggression or the 1956 War, as it is known in Egypt and Arab countries, or the Suez Crisis, as it is known in Western countries, or the Sinai Campaign, as it is known in Israel, was a war fought by Britain, France, and Israel against Egypt in 1956. It was the second Arab-Israeli war after the 1948 War, and one of the most important global events that contributed to determining the future balance of international power after World War II.

The roots of the Suez Crisis began to emerge after the signing of the Evacuation Agreement in 1954, following Egyptian-British negotiations accompanied by fierce popular resistance to British forces in the canal. At that time, Nasser's relationship with Western countries was good, especially since the International Bank had agreed to a US-UK loan to support Egypt's High Dam project, which Nasser hoped would achieve an agricultural and industrial revolution in the country.

During this period, border clashes continued intermittently between Arab states and Israel since the 1948 War. Nasser openly declared his hostility towards Israel and tightened the noose on Israeli ships in the Suez Canal and the Gulf of Aqaba, which encouraged Israel to strengthen its military arsenal by signing an arms deal with France. Nasser decided to ask the United States and Britain for arms, but they refused, citing a need to end the arms race in the Middle East.

Nasser had no alternative but to turn to the Soviet Union, which welcomed his request to strengthen its position in the region. In response, Britain and the United States decided to counter Nasser's move by implementing a new plan called "Omega," aimed at limiting Nasser's system through economic sanctions, including a ban on military aid, an attempt to drive a wedge between Egypt and its Arab allies, reducing funding for the dam, and eventually canceling it altogether.

Nasser saw nationalizing the Suez Canal as his only chance to secure the necessary financing for the High Dam project. On July 26, 1956, he announced the decision to nationalize the canal. When diplomatic pressure failed to persuade Egypt to reverse its decision, Britain, France, and Israel decided to use military force against Egypt under a plan code-named "Protocol Sevier." The British goal was to eliminate Nasser, who threatened British influence by achieving independence, allying with the Soviets, and controlling the Suez Canal, which carried British interests. For France, nationalizing the canal was an opportunity for revenge against Nasser, who had supported the Algerian Revolution and controlled the canal under French administration.

Israel saw its chance to break the tight blockade on its ships in the Suez Canal and Gulf of Aqaba, as well as destroy Egyptian forces in Sinai, which posed a direct threat. According to Protocol Sevier, Israeli troops landed in deep Sinai on October 29, 1956, heading towards the canal to convince the world that the Suez Canal was threatened.

On October 30, Britain and France issued an ultimatum demanding that Egypt and Israel cease fighting, withdraw ten kilometers from the canal, and allow British-French forces to occupy canal cities to protect navigation. If they refused, the two powers would intervene militarily to enforce their demands. Egypt rejected the ultimatum, refusing to allow foreign troops into its territory.

Note: The translation is a direct rendering of the original text without any modifications or additions.