1. Secure Land Border: The Sinai Peninsula provided Israel with a strategic buffer zone against Egypt, reducing the risk of direct military conflict. It gave Israel control over the approaches to the Gulf of Aqaba, securing access to the Red Sea and safeguarding the southern port city of Eilat.
2. Control of Territory: The capture of Sinai gave Israel control over the vital land route connecting Egypt and Jordan. This strategic depth allowed Israel to influence the movement of troops and resources in the region and enhance its defense capabilities.
3. Territorial Expansion: Some Israelis believed that the Sinai Peninsula had historical, religious, and geographic ties to the biblical Land of Israel, justifying its inclusion under Israeli sovereignty.
Economic Considerations
1. Natural Resources: The Sinai Peninsula contained potentially lucrative natural resources, such as oil reserves, mineral deposits, and fertile agricultural land. Some Israelis saw the potential economic benefits of exploiting these resources.
2. Tourism Potential: The Sinai Peninsula's unique geography, including the Red Sea coastline, Mount Sinai, and the ancient city of Petra, offered substantial tourist attractions. Developing these areas for tourism could bring economic opportunities.
Geopolitical Factors
1. Influence in the Region: Controlling Sinai gave Israel a stronger presence in the Middle East and influence over regional politics and alliances. It was seen as a way to offset the power and influence of Arab nations.
2. Negotiation Leverage: The Sinai Peninsula served as a bargaining chip in future peace negotiations with Egypt and other Arab countries. Israel hoped that holding onto Sinai could provide concessions or other advantages in diplomatic discussions.
Post-1967 War Dynamics
1. Defeating Arab Aggression: The capture of Sinai was seen by many Israelis as a decisive victory and a response to the Arab nations' hostility and military actions leading up to the 1967 war.
2. Changing Attitudes: Over time, as the political and regional landscape evolved, Israeli attitudes towards holding onto the Sinai Peninsula shifted, leading to its return to Egypt as part of the 1979 peace treaty.
It's important to note that the decision to take and hold onto the Sinai Peninsula was a multifaceted and complex issue influenced by a variety of strategic, economic, and geopolitical factors.
