Battle of Ismailia

Operation Gazelle

The Battle of Ismailia was a significant military engagement that took place during the Yom Kippur War in October 1973. The battle occurred in the city of Ismailia, located on the western bank of the Suez Canal in Egypt. It was one of the key confrontations between the Egyptian Army and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Background

The Yom Kippur War, also known as the October War, began on October 6, 1973, when a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur. The war aimed to reclaim territories lost to Israel during the Six-Day War of 1967.

Prelude to the Battle

In the early days of the war, Egyptian forces successfully crossed the Suez Canal and established bridgeheads on the eastern bank. The IDF launched a counteroffensive to push back the Egyptian forces and regain control of the canal's western bank. The city of Ismailia became a focal point of this counteroffensive due to its strategic location.

The Battle

The Battle of Ismailia began on October 18, 1973, when Israeli forces, led by Major General Ariel Sharon, launched an assault on the city. The Israeli strategy involved encircling the city and cutting off Egyptian supply lines. The Egyptian forces, commanded by Major General Saad El Shazly, mounted a determined defense to hold their positions.

The fighting was intense, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The urban environment of Ismailia made the battle particularly challenging, as street-to-street and house-to-house combat ensued. Despite the fierce resistance, Israeli forces managed to penetrate the city's defenses and advance towards the Suez Canal.

Outcome

The Battle of Ismailia ended on October 22, 1973, with a ceasefire brokered by the United Nations. The Israeli forces succeeded in encircling the city but were unable to completely dislodge the Egyptian defenders. The battle demonstrated the resilience and determination of the Egyptian forces and highlighted the complexities of urban warfare.

Aftermath

The Yom Kippur War concluded with a ceasefire on October 25, 1973. The war had significant political and military implications for the Middle East. It led to subsequent peace negotiations, including the Camp David Accords in 1978, which eventually resulted in the Egypt–Israel Peace Treaty of 1979.

Legacy

The Battle of Ismailia is remembered as a crucial engagement in the Yom Kippur War. It showcased the strategic importance of the Suez Canal and the determination of both the Egyptian Army and the Israel Defense Forces. The battle is studied in military academies for its lessons on urban warfare and the complexities of modern combat.

See also

• Yom Kippur War
• Suez Canal
• Ariel Sharon
• Saad El Shazly
• Six-Day War
• Camp David Accords
• Egypt–Israel Peace Treaty