15 май 1948 г. - Battle of Nirim

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The Battle of Nirim, occurring on May 15, 1948, was a significant confrontation during the Egyptian invasion on the first day of the 1948 Arab–Israeli War. Situated in kibbutz Nirim, established in 1946 as part of the "11 points in the Negev," the battle saw about 40 Israeli defenders resist the Egyptian 6th Battalion. Despite the support of armored vehicles, mortars, cannons, and aircraft, the Egyptian forces could not take the village and were compelled to retreat after approximately 7 hours of combat, leaving behind around 30–35 casualties.

Kibbutz Nirim was strategically important, being located near the new Egypt–Israel border and the southernmost locality close to the coastal road used by the advancing Egyptian army. Positioned to threaten Egyptian supply lines, Nirim and nearby Kfar Darom were primary targets in the early stages of the invasion. The Egyptian division, led by General Ahmed Ali al-Mwawi, focused on these locations to secure their movement path along the coastal road.

The Israeli defenders, totaling 39-45 members of the kibbutz, were well-prepared, despite being outnumbered and outgunned. They had fortified the village with fences and mines and were equipped with basic but effective light arms. The Egyptians, numbering 500–800 with superior armament, including armored vehicles and artillery support from Rafah, initially bombarded the kibbutz with artillery, causing significant damage and injuries among the Israelis.

The Egyptians' main assault, involving infantry and armored vehicles, was repelled by the robust defense of the kibbutz residents. The defenders utilized their limited resources effectively, managing to maintain their positions and inflict considerable casualties on the attackers, which included many fatalities from friendly fire as reported by Israeli estimates.

The battle was a morale booster for Israeli forces, symbolizing a stalwart defense against a well-equipped adversary. It showcased the determination and resilience of the Israeli fighters, contributing to a broader narrative of Israeli tenacity throughout the war. Conversely, for the Egyptians, the failure to capture a small kibbutz despite a substantial commitment of resources was a setback that reflected larger challenges within their invasion strategy.

In the aftermath, the Egyptians claimed victory in broadcasts, but the reality on the ground was a strategic and symbolic victory for Israel. The defenders of Nirim not only survived the onslaught but also continued to hold and fortify their position, readying themselves for further attacks which never materialized to the extent anticipated. The battle of Nirim thus stands as a testament to the critical importance of preparedness and spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.

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