Execution+of+the+Suez+attack


 * 20. Execution of the attack**


 * Background** : In July 1956, Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal, causing anger among the British, French and Israeli’s. Thus, Israel prepared for war with Egypt. Britain and France hoped to regain control of the canal and possibly overthrow Nasser. Negotiations attempts were made, but were unsuccessful and the attack against Egypt was inevitable.


 * Goal:** The goal of the attack was to remove Soviet Arms from Egypt, take control over the Suez Canal, destroy the Fedayeen threat, and overthrow Nasser.


 * Timing of attack:** The attack was to happen at the same time as the upcoming presidential elections in the United States. The hope was that the American government would be preoccupied with the elections and would not intervene in Egypt.

The attack also happened when the Russians were distracted in Poland and Hungary with issues that would erupt into a revolution in Hungary. This was also strategic because the Russians would be preoccupied and unable to assist the Egyptians at the time of the attack.

Lastly, the attack was kept a surprise when Israel gave false impressions that they were going to retaliate against Jordan for a Fedayeen raid that occurred on October 10th. Isreal attacked an Arab League police for on October 11, giving the impression that they were mobilizing to undertake an offensive against Jordan.

All three of these events helped Israel to keep their plan of attack a secret, and to ensure that Egypt would receive little help from the U.S. or Russia.

October 29th, 1956: Isreal makes a paratroop drop into central Sinai and surprises the Egyptians. The Egyptians respond, resulting in a full-scale war in Sinai.
 * Execution:**

British remind Egypt that they have the right to intervene if Egypt were attacked by a third power (a power in the reserve clause of the 1954 treaty). So, the British announce that a combined British and French force are going to intervene to protect the Canal.

October 30th: British and French deliver ultimatum calling for a halt to fighting and warns Egypt to withdraw ten miles from the canal.

November 1st: Nasser replies to the ultimatum and refuses to retreat from the canal.

At the same time British and French planes attack Egyptian air bases. An allied landing was scheduled for Nov. 1st, but it almost never occurred and was largely ineffective. Instead the allied task force just now sets sail across the Mediterranean.

November 5th: The Anglo-French force arrives at Port Said and attempts to secure the area with limited success. November 6-7: The British agree to cease-fire during the night. France and Israel reluctantly follow.