15 apr 1948 anni - Battle of Mishmar HaEmek

Descrizione:

The Battle of Mishmar HaEmek was a significant conflict from April 4 to 15, 1948, involving around 1,000 Arab Liberation Army (ALA) militiamen and 170 Jewish defenders, later reinforced by Palmach companies. The battle began with the ALA, commanded by Fawzi al-Qawuqji, attacking the strategically positioned kibbutz of Mishmar HaEmek, using artillery and infantry assaults. Despite initial losses, including civilian casualties, the Jewish forces held the lines and received reinforcements.

The ALA offered a 24-hour ceasefire on April 7, during which the kibbutz evacuated non-combatants, but the ceasefire was rejected by Jewish leaders who opted for a counter-offensive. This shift turned the defense into an aggressive expulsion of ALA forces and local Arab populations from surrounding villages, aligning with Plan Dalet's objectives to secure the area.

The Jewish counter-attack led to the capture and destruction of several nearby villages from April 8-12, effectively removing the immediate threats to Mishmar HaEmek and opening the corridor to Haifa. ALA forces were pushed back to Jenin after nearly being encircled, with the remaining villages destroyed in subsequent days.

The aftermath of the battle saw the area around Mishmar HaEmek cleared of Palestinian villages, which were razed, and the land was later leased to Jewish settlements. Criticism arose within Jewish ranks about the morality of the actions taken during and after the battle. The defeat significantly diminished the ALA’s morale and operational effectiveness for the remainder of the conflict.

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