3 янв 1949 г. - Battle of Rafah

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The Battle of Rafah was a critical military engagement between the Israel Defense Forces and the Egyptian Army during the final phase of the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, from January 3 to 8, 1949. This battle, part of Operation Horev, occurred just south of Rafah in the Gaza Strip. Israel's objective was to encircle all Egyptian forces in Palestine and drive them back to Egypt, effectively ending the military conflict.

Israeli forces, primarily the Golani and Harel brigades, faced significant challenges in their advances. Despite initial difficulties, they managed to secure a strategic position on the Rafah to Sinai road, surrounding the Egyptian expeditionary force. However, as the Egyptians agreed to armistice negotiations, Israeli political leaders ordered a withdrawal, making this battle the last major combat operation of the war.

The battle began with Israeli attempts to seize key positions south of Rafah. The Golani Brigade aimed to capture Hill 102 and a cemetery position, while the Harel Brigade targeted a junction on the Gaza–al-Arish road. Despite setbacks, including friendly fire incidents and strong Egyptian defenses, Israeli forces eventually took the cemetery position and repelled several Egyptian counterattacks involving tanks and infantry.

As Golani forces secured additional positions near the junction, Harel Brigade units advanced along the ‘Auja–Rafah road but faced fierce resistance and a temporary setback during a sandstorm. Eventually, Israeli forces established a perimeter that effectively cut off Egyptian supply lines and encircled the Egyptian forces in Palestine.

On the diplomatic front, as Israeli forces prepared for a final assault, Egypt agreed to armistice talks, leading to a ceasefire declared on January 7. The battle's outcome facilitated the 1949 Armistice Agreements between Israel and Egypt, with the front lines largely becoming the new boundaries, except for a few positions handed back to Egypt. This battle thus marked the end of significant fighting in the war and shaped the subsequent boundaries between Israel and Egypt.

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