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How did the Six-Day War affect communities west of the Jordan River?
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Jordan River
Portion of the Jordan Valley, a rift valley that runs north-south along the Jordan River.
The Six-Day War of 1967 profoundly altered the lives of communities living west of the Jordan River, specifically in the West Bank, by placing them under Israeli military occupation.12
The conflict had several immediate and long-term impacts:
- Displacement and Refugees: The war triggered a significant exodus, with approximately 380,000 Palestinians fleeing the West Bank to the eastern bank of the Jordan River.34
- Military Administration: Israel established a military administration over the territory and imposed strict limitations on political activities.1
- Annexation and Residency: Israel annexed East Jerusalem, leading to the eviction of thousands of Palestinians and the loss of residency rights for many others over the following decades.31
- Settlement Movement: A movement emerged among Israelis advocating for the settlement of the occupied territories, leading to the arrival of several thousand Jewish settlers in the West Bank in the decade following the war.4
- Economic Constraints: Israeli occupation introduced constraints on industrial development, and while some transportation infrastructure was improved for military purposes, economic uncertainty and restrictions on market access have hindered growth.3