9 сент 1969 г. - Operation Raviv

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Operation Raviv (Hebrew: רביב, "Drizzle") or the Zaafarana accident (Arabic: حادثة الزعفرانة) was a daring and unique military raid conducted by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on September 9, 1969. The operation was notable for its use of deception, as Israeli forces posed as Egyptian troops and utilized captured Egyptian equipment. This operation stands out as the only major ground offensive by the IDF during the War of Attrition.

Background
The War of Attrition, which began in 1968, was characterized by a series of costly skirmishes and static frontlines along the Suez Canal. Israel faced challenges due to Egypt's superior manpower and artillery, and while air operations like Operation Boxer were underway, the static nature of the conflict limited the use of Israeli ground forces. Operation Raviv was part of a broader strategy to exploit Egyptian weaknesses, draw forces away from the Suez Canal, and disrupt Egyptian operations along the Red Sea coast.

Planning and Prelude
Planning: Operation Raviv was meticulously planned by Major General Avraham Adan of the Armored Forces Command and Rear Admiral Avraham Botzer of the Israel Navy. The operation involved a combined force of armored units, infantry, and naval commandos.
Force Composition: The raid force consisted of around 100 men, including six Tiran 5 tanks (Israeli-modified T-55s) and three BTR-50 armored personnel carriers. Israeli troops were disguised in Egyptian uniforms and used captured Egyptian hardware.
Support Units: The Israeli Navy’s 11th Flotilla provided landing craft, while Shayetet 13 naval commandos secured the beachhead. Unit 707 supported with underwater operations, and Shayetet 13 also executed Operation Escort on September 7, 1969, sinking two Egyptian torpedo boats to distract from the upcoming raid.
The Raid
Landing: At 03:37 AM on September 9, 1969, the force landed at El Hafair, 40 kilometers south of Suez. The beachhead was secured by Shayetet 13, and the raiding force advanced southward.
Mission Execution:
The raiding party attacked and captured several installations, starting with the Egyptian Army camp and radar site at Abu Darag. They continued southward, creating obstacles to cover their rear and damaging Egyptian infrastructure.
Israeli A-4 Skyhawks provided air support, including suppression of an SA-2 battery and close air support. The operation included a successful attack on a radar site at Ras Zafarana. During this phase, a Skyhawk was lost, and its pilot, Major Hagai Ronen, was reported missing in action.
Engagement: The force avoided significant resistance due to its deception strategy and the surprise factor. They covered approximately 45 kilometers in Egyptian territory and operated unhindered for over nine hours before disengaging and returning to Israeli-held territory.
Aftermath
Impact: The operation inflicted significant damage on Egyptian positions, including the destruction of 12 outposts and the estimated casualties of 100-200 Egyptian soldiers, including two Soviet military advisors.
Egyptian Response: The raid deeply shocked and angered Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, who suffered a heart attack on September 10, 1969. After his recovery, he dismissed several high-ranking military officials, including the Chief of Staff and the Commander in Chief of the Navy.
Further Hostilities: In response to the raid, Egypt launched a large-scale air raid on Israeli positions in the Sinai on September 11, 1969. During this conflict, the Egyptian Air Force engaged with the Israeli Air Force, leading to the downing of several MiG-21s and Sukhoi Su-7s by Israeli defenses. Israel claimed five MiG-21s and two Su-7s destroyed, while Egypt claimed three Israeli aircraft downed.
Significance
Operation Raviv was a remarkable example of military deception and operational planning, effectively disrupting Egyptian operations and demonstrating the IDF's ability to conduct complex and surprise ground offensives. The raid highlighted the strategic importance of surprise and deception in modern warfare and had significant repercussions on Egyptian military leadership and morale.

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