What are the historical examples of successful preemptive strikes

Several preemptive strikes in history are widely regarded as militarily successful, though their legality and morality have often been debated. Here are some of the most notable examples: The Six-Day War (1967): Israel launched a preemptive air strike against Egyptian, Syrian, and Jordanian forces massed near its borders. The operation destroyed much of the Arab air power on the ground, giving Israel decisive air superiority and contributing to a swift and overwhelming victory in just six days. Operation Opera (Osirak Raid, 1981): The Israeli Air Force conducted a preemptive strike on Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactor, aiming to prevent Saddam Hussein’s regime from acquiring nuclear weapons. The reactor was destroyed, delaying Iraq’s nuclear ambitions for years and being widely cited as a textbook example of a successful preemptive military operation. The Battle of Trenton (1776): During the American Revolutionary War, George Washington led a surprise attack against Hessian forces in Trenton, New Jersey. The unexpected assault resulted in a significant morale boost for the Continental Army and is considered a successful preemptive move in the context of the conflict. The Battle of France (1940): Nazi Germany’s surprise attack on France is often classified as a successful preemptive strike, as it swiftly overwhelmed French defenses and changed the course of World War II in Western Europe. The Caroline Affair (1837): While not a full-scale war, the British preemptive strike against the American steamer Caroline set an important legal precedent, establishing the "Caroline test" for the necessity and immediacy of preemptive self-defense in international law. These cases illustrate that preemptive strikes can achieve their immediate military objectives, though their broader political and ethical consequences often remain controversial.