may 15, 1948 - Operation Barak

Description:

Operation Barak, a Haganah offensive executed by the Giv'ati Brigade under Shimon Avidan, was launched just before the end of the British Mandate in Palestine as part of Plan Dalet. Its primary objective was to capture villages north of Gaza to thwart the anticipated arrival of the Egyptian army. The operation began with the occupation of 'Aqir on May 4, 1948, and continued with attacks on multiple villages including Bayt Daras, which faced mortar bombardment and subsequent occupation with houses being destroyed to demoralize and displace the local population.

Throughout the operation, the Giv'ati Brigade captured at least 16 villages, causing over 20,000 people to become refugees. The action was characterized by strategies aimed at breaking enemy morale and causing general panic, leading to the flight of inhabitants from smaller settlements. This military strategy not only involved direct confrontations but also psychological tactics to ensure the displacement of the local Arab population, aligning with broader objectives of securing territory in anticipation of larger regional conflicts post-Mandate.

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