I am a newb to this alternate history hobby but here is a 'what if' I argued about with a friend I'd like to run past you guys -
POD -
1) Suppose that on evening of October 5, a leaked CIA document is leaked in the New York Times and Le Monde saying Syria intends war on October 6.
2) King Hussein's warning on Sept 25th hits Golda Meir's gut feeling. On October 4th, Zvi Zamir meets with Ashraf Marwan and finds his allegations of imminent Syrian attacks convincing. On the morning of October 6th, these factors cause Meir to err on Elazar's, not Dayan's side.
Golda Meir gives the order to launch a preemptive strike on the Syrians as recommended by David Elazar. She believes the possible break down in relations with America are worth it to prevent the Syrian, likely Syrian-Egyptian assault.
The Israeli plan would mobilize the entire Air Force and four armored divisions, a total of 100,000 to 120,000 troops. The IDF would attack Syrian airfields at noon, Syrian missiles at 3:00 p.m., and Syrian ground forces at 5:00 p.m.
How would this conflict play out? How would it affect Arab-Israeli relations for the next several years?
*OP Edit for American and French foreknowledge of the attack.
POD -
1) Suppose that on evening of October 5, a leaked CIA document is leaked in the New York Times and Le Monde saying Syria intends war on October 6.
2) King Hussein's warning on Sept 25th hits Golda Meir's gut feeling. On October 4th, Zvi Zamir meets with Ashraf Marwan and finds his allegations of imminent Syrian attacks convincing. On the morning of October 6th, these factors cause Meir to err on Elazar's, not Dayan's side.
Golda Meir gives the order to launch a preemptive strike on the Syrians as recommended by David Elazar. She believes the possible break down in relations with America are worth it to prevent the Syrian, likely Syrian-Egyptian assault.
The Israeli plan would mobilize the entire Air Force and four armored divisions, a total of 100,000 to 120,000 troops. The IDF would attack Syrian airfields at noon, Syrian missiles at 3:00 p.m., and Syrian ground forces at 5:00 p.m.
How would this conflict play out? How would it affect Arab-Israeli relations for the next several years?
*OP Edit for American and French foreknowledge of the attack.
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