I think that this is the first war in history that on the morrow the victors sued for peace and the vanquished called for unconditional surrender.

The quote by Abba Eban reflects his sharp observation of the paradoxes within modern warfare and diplomacy. By stating that this was the first war in history where the victors sued for peace while the vanquished demanded unconditional surrender, Eban highlights the unusual reversal of roles between winners and losers. Traditionally, it is the defeated who plead for peace, while the victorious impose terms—but here, the pattern was inverted, revealing the complexities of international politics.

Eban’s words point to the Arab-Israeli conflicts, particularly the aftermath of the Six-Day War of 1967. Israel, despite its swift and decisive victory, showed readiness to negotiate peace, while the Arab states—though militarily defeated—took a hardline stance, epitomized by the Khartoum Resolution with its “Three No’s” (no peace, no recognition, no negotiations with Israel). This historical context explains Eban’s remark, which encapsulates the irony of that political moment.

The deeper meaning of the quote underscores Eban’s belief in the necessity of realism and pragmatism in diplomacy. For him, the refusal of the defeated to acknowledge defeat and the willingness of the victors to compromise showed how pride, ideology, and politics can distort the normal logic of war and peace. His observation criticizes the intransigence of the Arab states while highlighting Israel’s willingness—at least rhetorically—to pursue peace.

The origin of this quote lies in Abba Eban’s role as Israel’s Foreign Minister and one of its most eloquent diplomats. Known for his wit and rhetorical skill, Eban often used irony to capture the contradictions in international relations. This particular statement became one of his most memorable, symbolizing the unique dynamics of the Middle East conflict and illustrating how history sometimes defies conventional expectations.