22 дек 1948 г. - Battle of Hill 86

Описание:

The Battle of Hill 86 was a significant conflict during Operation Horev in the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, fought between the Israel Defense Forces and the Egyptian Army on December 22-23, 1948. This battle marked the commencement of Operation Horev, aimed at expelling Egyptian forces from Israel. The engagement was initiated by the Israelis, who also conducted simultaneous raids and bombardments as diversions, misleading the Egyptians about the main operational focus.

The Golani Brigade's 13th Battalion was tasked with capturing Hill 86. Despite initial success in taking the hill under challenging weather conditions, which hampered reinforcement and resupply efforts, the Egyptians launched a robust counterattack the following morning. The Israelis, facing superior numbers and firepower, particularly tanks and flamethrowers, sustained significant casualties, with over 40 soldiers wounded or killed, and were ultimately forced to retreat.

The battle had strategic implications beyond its immediate tactical outcome. Although the Israelis did not maintain control of Hill 86, the engagement successfully diverted Egyptian attention towards the Gaza corridor. This diversion played into the broader Israeli strategy of misleading Egyptian forces about the primary objectives of Operation Horev, thereby facilitating subsequent Israeli actions deeper into the Negev and the Sinai Peninsula. The operation continued with Israeli forces capturing key positions and cutting off the eastern wing of the Egyptian expeditionary force, significantly impacting the course of the war.

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