5 дек 1948 г. - Operation Assaf

Описание:

Operation Assaf was an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) operation conducted from December 5 to December 7, 1948, during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Its primary objective was to seize control of the western Negev Desert, strategically positioned between the larger Operation Yoav and Operation Horev. The operation aimed to disrupt Egyptian Army defensive lines being established along the Beer Sheva-Gaza road, potentially strengthening Egypt's claim over the region as the war appeared to be drawing to a close.

The operation involved the Golani Brigade's Gideon Battalion, which was accustomed to the terrain of the Upper Galilee rather than the flat desert, and mechanized units from the 8th Armored Brigade, supported by artillery and mortar fire. The first phase of Operation Assaf successfully captured three key Egyptian positions on the first day without significant resistance. However, the second phase faced tougher challenges, including a counter-attack by Egyptian forces which nearly overran Israeli positions.

This Egyptian counter-attack, led by a newly arrived tank battalion, was repelled by dusk, with the Egyptians losing five tanks and the Israelis suffering casualties. Following this, further Israeli maneuvers effectively neutralized the Egyptian threat in the area, leading to the establishment of defensive positions and the clearance of minefields as preparations for Operation Horev commenced.

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