25 дек 1948 г. - Battles of Bir 'Asluj

Описание:

The Battles of Bir 'Asluj encompassed several significant military engagements between Israeli and Egyptian forces during the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, particularly around the areas of Bir 'Asluj and the nearby Bir Thamila. Bir 'Asluj, a small Bedouin center, held strategic importance due to its location along the 'Auja–Beersheba road and its proximity to key transport routes used by the Egyptian army.

Early Stages of the Conflict:
Initially, during the war's first ceasefire, Israeli forces attempted to sever the eastern wing of the Egyptian army from its main force. Although the Israelis managed to capture Bir 'Asluj early on, they were unable to maintain control over the road, and the Egyptians established alternative routes, reducing the strategic impact of the Israeli positions.

Operation Horev:
The more decisive actions occurred in late December 1948 during Operation Horev, a broader Israeli military operation aimed at expelling all Egyptian forces from Israel. The operation involved the Israeli Negev Brigade's 7th and 9th Battalions, which engaged the Egyptians at Bir Thamila and Bir 'Asluj on December 25-26, 1948.

December Battle:
The 7th Battalion initially captured Bir Thamila but faced heavy resistance and suffered significant losses, forcing a retreat. Meanwhile, the 9th Battalion used armored vehicles to assault and capture the strategic road positions held by the Egyptians. These actions were part of a larger maneuver that eventually led to the capture of the entire road to the border at 'Auja, effectively pushing Egyptian forces out of this region of Israel.

Tactical Overview:
The battles were characterized by challenging combat conditions, including rough terrain and harsh weather, which complicated the Israeli attacks and the subsequent Egyptian counterattacks. Despite initial setbacks, including a failed assault and heavy casualties, Israeli forces were ultimately successful in achieving their strategic goals through a combination of infantry assaults and mechanized warfare, which allowed them to outmaneuver and outfight the Egyptian defenders.

Aftermath and Legacy:
The successful expulsion of Egyptian forces from Bir 'Asluj and its surroundings marked a significant victory in Operation Horev. It contributed to Israel's broader goals of securing its southern borders and disrupting Egyptian military logistics. A monument was later erected at Bir 'Asluj, renamed Be'er Mash'abim, in memory of the soldiers who fell there, symbolizing both the sacrifice and the strategic importance of these battles in the context of the 1948 Arab–Israeli War.

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