Closure of the Suez Canal (1967–1975)

On 6 June 1967, after the start of the Six-Day War, Egypt closed the Suez Canal, which it owned and operated, and kept it closed until 5 June 1975, through most of the Israeli occupation of the Sinai Peninsula including the east bank of the Canal.

The Six-Day War had begun the day before the closure on 5 June 1967 between Israel and several Arab states including Egypt. Israel bombed most of Egypt's airfields and then entered and occupied the Sinai Peninsula including the entire east bank of the Suez Canal.

The Suez Canal was therefore the frontline between the Israeli and Egyptian military forces. Israel built the Bar Lev Line of fortifications along the east bank of the canal.

In 1966 through the Suez Canal passed 60% of Italy's, 39% of France's, and 25% of Britain's total oil consumption.