may 14, 1948 - Operation Ben-Ami

Description:

Operation Ben-Ami was a Haganah military offensive led by the Carmeli Brigade, commanded by Moshe Carmel, during the final days of the British Mandate. The operation aimed to capture Acre and surrounding villages, strategically located in areas allocated to the Arab State by the 1947 UN Partition Plan. Initiated on May 13, 1948, the operation first isolated Acre from the interior by taking control of eastern villages. Acre surrendered following a mortar attack on the night of May 16-17.

The second phase began on May 20, targeting additional villages with objectives to conquer, destroy, and expel the populations, especially in villages like al-Kabri, due to previous hostilities. The operation concluded with the capture of al-Birwa on June 11, which was briefly recaptured by villagers before being permanently taken by the newly established Israeli Army.

The aftermath saw Acre's population reduced significantly, with remaining residents mostly old people or Christians relocated to Mazra'a. Villages were systematically destroyed to prevent returns, affecting thousands and leading to significant refugee movements to Lebanon and Nazareth. The operation left a substantial mark on the region, altering its demographic and physical landscape extensively.

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