jun 7, 1948 - Battle of Nitzanim

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The Battle of Nitzanim on June 7, 1948, marked the first significant Egyptian victory in the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, resulting in an Israeli surrender. It began with intense bombardment and was followed by ground attacks. Despite initial resistance, the Israeli defenders were overwhelmed, and by 16:00, 105 Israelis surrendered. The battle was perceived as a humiliation in Israel, leading to debates about the decision to surrender and subsequent demands for an inquiry, which ultimately sided with the defenders' justification for surrender.

Background: Nitzanim, isolated and vulnerable due to its location, had been a focal point of conflict since the 1947–1948 Civil War in Mandatory Palestine. It was strategically significant, surrounded by Arab localities and earmarked as part of an Arab state in the UN Partition Plan.

Battle Dynamics: The Egyptian forces, after capturing Yad Mordechai and halting near Ashdod, focused on clearing their flanks, targeting Nitzanim to secure their rear. The battle involved intense artillery and air bombardment, leading to the eventual breach of Israeli defenses and surrender.

Aftermath: The surrender was controversial within Israel, with significant criticism from military personnel and public figures. However, an official investigation later justified the surrender under the circumstances. The battle left a lasting impact on the community and Israeli society, influencing perceptions of military conduct and honor in the face of overwhelming odds.

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