October War 1973: A turning point in global military tactics

CAIRO – 4 October 2024: Strategic experts assert that the October 6, 1973, victory dramatically shifted global concepts of warfare and military strategy. This landmark triumph, achieved by the Egyptian Armed Forces, is regarded as a crucial moment in the history of the Arab world and the Middle East due to the wealth of strategic lessons it offered.

According to the experts, the success of the Egyptian military was largely attributed to meticulous planning, especially following the June 1967 setback. The political and military leadership focused on reorganizing forces and crafting strategic plans, which culminated in Egypt’s remarkable success in the War of Attrition and, ultimately, the October 1973 victory.

A War for Honor and Peace

Air Marshal Dr. Hisham Halaby, a strategic expert at the Military Academy of Higher Studies, emphasized that the October 6 War was a battle for honor and reclaiming Egypt's precious land. It was also the final stage after failed peace negotiations before 1973, where Israel had insisted on the "peace for peace" principle, meaning it would retain the occupied territories. Egypt rejected this, opting to fight to dismantle Israel's security doctrine.

Halaby highlighted how the 1973 war transformed Israel's stance, forcing it to the negotiation table under the principle of "land for peace." This shift was a significant victory for Egypt and a monumental change in Israeli thought.

He attributed Egypt’s success to superior planning and the effective use of strategies like "strategic deception," which played a pivotal role during the preparatory stages of the war. He also stressed the trust the Egyptian people have in their military, always confident in its ability to overcome challenges and secure the nation’s safety.

Halaby underscored that the war marked the beginning of Sinai's development through two key paths: military protection by the Egyptian Armed Forces and development projects aimed at increasing the population in Sinai, a historically vulnerable gateway for foreign threats.

A Message to Egypt’s Youth

Addressing Egypt’s younger generations, Halaby urged them to remain alert against misinformation and malicious attempts to undermine the country by manipulating the minds of the youth. He stressed the importance of awareness as a key weapon in resisting destructive ideologies.

The Role of Egypt's Military in Securing the Nation

General Dr. Mohamed El-Ghobary, former Director of the National Defense College, stated that a strong military is the foundation of state protection and stability. He pointed out that the October War established new principles for safeguarding Egypt’s security and stability from external threats.

El-Ghobary explained that the October War compelled Israel to pursue peace, highlighting that Egypt's triumph was primarily a war fought for peace. He also reflected on the period following the 1967 defeat, praising the role of the military's morale-building division in raising the spirits of Egyptian soldiers.

He noted that the War of Attrition, which preceded the October 1973 victory, was a crucial phase that showcased the Egyptian military's resilience and preparedness, signaling to Israel that Egypt would never relinquish an inch of its land.

War as a Political Tool

El-Ghobary described war as a political tool for achieving objectives when diplomacy fails, which was why Egypt chose war after exhausting all peace efforts. The October War dismantled the myth of the "invincible army," proving that even the most powerful forces can be defeated.

A Lasting Impact on Egypt's Security

General Mohamed Zaki Al-Alfi, another strategic expert and a veteran of the October War, emphasized the war's significance, particularly regarding Sinai, which is considered Egypt’s eastern strategic depth. He stressed the military's long-standing responsibility to protect Egypt’s land, with the October War as a prime example of the military’s dedication to defending the nation.

Al-Alfi praised the Egyptian military's accomplishments in the 1973 war, calling it a "miracle" given the disparity in military capabilities between Israel and Egypt. However, Egypt’s military ingenuity and determination ultimately secured the victory.

He urged Egypt’s youth to stay vigilant against plots aimed at destabilizing the country and to be prepared to sacrifice for the nation. He also called on Egyptians to unite behind the national leadership, which is working tirelessly to safeguard Egypt's security, especially amid the growing regional threats.