Who actually won the Yom Kippur war?

Israel emerged as the ultimate victor of the Yom Kippur War.

While the war began with surprise attacks by Arab coalition forces on two fronts, Israel effectively countered these offensives and secured a decisive victory on the ground. This outcome significantly reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

Key Outcomes and Territorial Shifts

The Israeli ground forces demonstrated an overwhelming capacity to not only defend their territory but also to make significant gains and consolidate control over strategic areas.

Here’s a breakdown of the territorial outcomes for Israel:

• Golan Heights: Israeli units successfully drove back Syrian forces, maintaining and reinforcing their control over this strategically vital plateau.
• Gaza Strip: Israel took control of the Gaza Strip, expanding its influence in the region.
• Sinai Peninsula: Forces pushed back Egyptian advances and gained control of the Sinai Peninsula.
• West Bank: Jordanian forces were driven back, solidifying Israeli control over the West Bank.
• Jerusalem: Crucially, the Israelis were left in sole control of Jerusalem, a city of immense historical and religious significance.

The following table summarizes the key territorial changes and their ultimate resolution in favor of Israel:

This overwhelming ground victory underscored Israel's military dominance in the immediate aftermath of the conflict. Despite the initial shock and heavy losses, Israel's ability to recover, counter-attack, and secure significant territorial advantages solidified its position as the clear winner.