The Suez Crisis, often referred to as the Suez War, was a pivotal mid-20th-century conflict that reshaped global geopolitics. The question of who won the Suez Canal War is not straightforward, as military outcomes diverged significantly from political realities. While Israel, Britain, and France achieved their initial military objectives, the crisis ultimately resulted in a decisive diplomatic victory for the Soviet Union and the United States, forcing the invaders to withdraw.
The Military Campaign: Objectives and Execution
On October 29, 1956, Israeli forces launched Operation Kadesh, swiftly advancing into the Sinai Peninsula and capturing the Sinai oil fields within days. The Anglo-French invasion, beginning on November 5, saw paratroopers seize the critical Port Said airport while naval bombardment suppressed Egyptian defenses. By November 6, Israeli troops had reached the outskirts of Suez City, and Anglo-French forces occupied the canal zone, effectively splitting the Egyptian army and controlling the waterway.
Key Military Outcomes
From a strictly tactical perspective, the invasion appeared successful for the tripartite alliance. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) destroyed much of the Egyptian army in the Sinai, inflicting over 1,000 casualties and capturing vast territories. British and French forces successfully secured the canal zone, neutralizing the immediate threat to shipping lanes. Egypt suffered significant military losses, including aircraft destroyed on the ground and thousands of soldiers killed or captured.
The Diplomatic Reversal: Pressure and Withdrawal
The military success was short-lived. The United States, concerned about Soviet influence in the volatile Middle East and the stability of the dollar-gold relationship, invoked economic pressure. President Dwight D. Eisenhower threatened to sell US reserves of the British pound, causing the pound to plummet. Simultaneously, the Soviet Union issued an ultimatum, threatening rocket attacks on London and Paris, while the US backed a UN resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire. Facing financial ruin and potential nuclear confrontation, Britain and France accepted the ceasefire on November 6.
International Condemnation
Israel was also isolated diplomatically. While it secured US guarantees for freedom of navigation through the Straits of Tiran, the UN General Assembly condemned the invasion as a violation of international law. Under intense global pressure and lacking US support, Israel completed its withdrawal from the Sinai in March 1957, facilitated by US-led security assurances. The canal, left damaged and closed, was eventually cleared by UN peacekeepers and reopened in 1957.
The Clear Victor: Political and Strategic Analysis
Assessing the winner requires distinguishing between military and political objectives. Egypt lost the battle militarily but won the strategic war. President Gamal Abdel Nasser emerged as a hero across the Arab world for standing up to colonial powers, strengthening his nationalist credentials and unifying the Arab nationalist movement. The canal, though physically damaged, remained Egyptian sovereign territory, a core national goal.
Long-Term Geopolitical Shifts
The crisis marked the definitive end of European colonial dominance in the Middle East and North Africa. It demonstrated that the US and USSR, not Britain or France, were the true arbiters of global order. For Israel, while it secured maritime access, the invasion failed to achieve lasting peace or territorial concessions, setting the stage for future conflicts. The United Nations, through its peacekeeping mission, established its role in managing international crises, albeit with limited power to enforce resolutions.
Conclusion of the Conflict
No single party won the Suez Canal War in a comprehensive sense. Israel gained security assurances but faced regional isolation. Britain and France suffered a humiliating defeat, losing global prestige and facing economic turmoil. Egypt, though militarily defeated, achieved a monumental political victory that restored national pride and sovereignty. Ultimately, the crisis proved that military force without diplomatic legitimacy is unsustainable in the modern world.
