28 dic 1948 anni - Operation Hisul

Descrizione:

Operation Hisul was a failed Israeli military effort on December 28 during Operation Horev, aimed at dissolving the Egyptian-held pocket at al-Faluja, which had become a strategic concern for Israel after being encircled in Operation Yoav. The operation resulted in the second-worst single engagement loss for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) up to that point, following the Kfar Etzion massacre.

Background:
The Egyptian force of approximately 4,000 men at al-Faluja was a significant threat, located at a critical crossroads. The IDF tasked the Alexandroni Brigade, along with additional infantry and artillery units, to eliminate this pocket.

The Battle:
The operation began with intense bombardment on December 26-27, followed by a ground assault by the 33rd and 35th Battalions on the night of December 27. The initial advance was hampered by heavy rain, delaying the attack until 11:30 p.m. Company A of the 35th Battalion faced severe resistance, suffering 14 killed and 20 wounded as they attempted to secure a key checkpoint.

Despite early setbacks, the IDF captured strategic positions, including one known as the "Hill of the Three Trees." However, fierce resistance and counterattacks by Egyptian forces, including a failed attempt led by Gamal Abdel Nasser, resulted in significant IDF casualties. An Egyptian armored convoy managed to break through Israeli lines at dawn, reinforcing their positions in Iraq al-Manshiyya and leading to further Israeli losses.

Withdrawal and Aftermath:
Faced with unsustainable losses and unable to reinforce effectively, the IDF was ordered to withdraw by 9:30 a.m. The remnants of the Israeli forces retreated, leaving behind many casualties and experiencing significant disorder during the withdrawal. The operation concluded with approximately 90 Israeli soldiers dead and several captured. Egyptian losses were estimated to be similar or less.

Operation Hisul marked the last major Israeli attempt to eliminate the al-Faluja pocket, which was later evacuated following the armistice agreement. This operation underscored the challenges of military engagements in entrenched defensive positions and had lasting implications for IDF tactics and strategy in subsequent conflicts.

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