His policy at first seemed successful.

The Babylonian army which was besieging Jerusalem retired on the approach of Psammetikhos II., who had succeeded his father Necho, and the Jewish statesmen again breathed freely.

But the respite lasted for only six years.

The Babylonian troops returned with increased strength; the Egyptians retreated to their own country, and Jerusalem fell in B.C.
588, one year after the death of the Egyptian king.
His son Hophra or Apries had made a vain attempt to rescue Zedekiah.

His fleet had held the sea, while his army marched along the coast of Palestine and occupied Tyre and Sidon.