16 май 1948 г. - Operation Maccabi

Описание:

Operation Maccabi was launched by Haganah on May 8, 1948, to combat the Arab Liberation Army and Palestinian irregulars who had seized villages along the Jerusalem road, hindering the resupply of Jerusalem’s Jewish community. The operation saw the Givati Brigade on the west and the Harel Brigade on the east engaged in significant battles, especially around Latrun.

Between May 9 and 11, the Harel Brigade’s efforts included capturing Bayt Mahsir, a strategic base for controlling the Bab al-Wad area. Meanwhile, their "Sha'ar HaGai" battalion faced artillery fire from the Arab Liberation Army and attacks from British armored vehicles but managed to secure their position on surrounding hills.

On May 12, Givati troops briefly occupied a British detention camp near Latrun, withdrawing the next day. From May 14-15, the brigade’s 52nd battalion captured several villages north of Latrun, effectively isolating the area from the Arab town of Ramla. Concurrently, another platoon breached the Latrun fort without resistance.

The strategic significance of Latrun was recognized during this period, with reports highlighting its pivotal role in the Battle of Jerusalem. However, this recognition came somewhat late, as field assessments did not initially prioritize Latrun’s importance, leading to disagreements among Israeli military leaders. As the Egyptian Army advanced, strategic redeployments were ordered, shifting the Givati Brigade to a southern front and keeping the Harel Brigade in the Jerusalem sector, decisions that later stirred controversy between key military figures.

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