Israel Completes Withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula: April 25, 1982

On April 25, 1982, Israel completed its withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula, a substantial step in the peace process between Israel and Egypt as outlined in the Camp David Accords. This historic event marked the conclusion of a phased withdrawal process that began in 1979.

Background

The Sinai Peninsula was captured by Israel from Egypt during the Six-Day War in 1967. The region remained under Israeli control until the signing of the Camp David Accords in 1978, brokered by U.S. President Jimmy Carter with Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin. The Accords laid the groundwork for peace and included provisions for Israel to return the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt.

The Withdrawal Process

The withdrawal from the Sinai was conducted in several phases, beginning shortly after the signing of the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty on March 26, 1979. Israel gradually withdrew from the area, dismantling settlements and military installations, and returning the territory to Egyptian control.

The final phase, culminating on April 25, 1982, included the evacuation of the last Israeli settlers from the coastal settlement of Yamit in northern Sinai. Some residents protested leaving, requiring intervention by Israeli forces to ensure peaceful evacuation.

Aftermath and Historical Significance

• Peaceful Relations: The return of Sinai solidified peaceful relations between Israel and Egypt, making Egypt the first Arab country to officially recognize Israel.
• Strategic Implications: The withdrawal significantly altered the military and strategic landscape of the Middle East, with both countries benefiting from a demilitarized zone supervised by international peacekeeping forces.
• Influence on Future Peace Efforts: The success of the Sinai withdrawal demonstrated the potential for negotiated peace agreements and influenced future diplomatic efforts in the region.

In summary, Israel’s complete withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula on this day in 1982 was a transformative moment in Middle Eastern history. It underscored the possibility of achieving lasting peace agreements after years of conflict and set a precedent for future Arab-Israeli diplomacy.