<P> Both the French and the British felt that Nasser should be removed from power . The French "held the Egyptian president responsible for assisting the anti-colonial rebellion in Algeria". France was nervous about the growing influence that Nasser exerted on its North African colonies and protectorates . </P> <P> Israel wanted to reopen the Straits of Tiran leading to the Gulf of Aqaba to Israeli shipping, and saw the opportunity to strengthen its southern border and to weaken what it saw as a dangerous and hostile state . This was particularly felt in the form of attacks injuring approximately 1,300 civilians emanating from the Egyptian - held Gaza Strip . </P> <P> The Israelis were also deeply troubled by Egypt's procurement of large amounts of Soviet weaponry that included 530 armored vehicles, of which 230 were tanks; 500 guns; 150 MiG 15 jet fighters; 50 Ilyushin Il - 28 bombers; submarines and other naval craft . The influx of this advanced weaponry altered an already shaky balance of power . Israel was alarmed by the Czech arms deal, and believed it had only a narrow window of opportunity to hit Egypt's army . Additionally, Israel believed Egypt had formed a secret alliance with Jordan and Syria . </P> <P> In July 1956, Eden ordered his CIGS, Field Marshal Gerald Templer to begin planning for an invasion of Egypt . Eden's plan called for the Cyprus - based 16th Independent Parachute Brigade Group to seize the canal zone . The Prime Minister's plan was rejected by Templer and the other service chiefs, who argued that the neglect of parachute training in the 16th Independent Parachute Brigade rendered his plan for an airborne assault unsuitable . Instead, they suggested the sea - power based Contingency Plan, which called for the Royal Marines to take Port Said, which would then be used as a base for three British divisions to overrun the canal zone . </P>

Who did the us side with in the suez war