First Battle of Mount Hermon

1973 Yom Kippur War - Golan heights theater

First Battle of Mount Hermon

The First Battle of Mount Hermon was a significant military engagement that took place during the Yom Kippur War in October 1973. The battle was fought between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Syrian Army over control of the strategically important Mount Hermon, which is located on the border between Israel, Syria, and Lebanon.

Background

Mount Hermon, also known as "the eyes of the nation," is a key strategic location due to its elevation and the presence of military observation posts. Control of Mount Hermon allows for extensive surveillance over the surrounding regions, making it a critical asset for military operations.

The Yom Kippur 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 holiest day in the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur. The initial stages of the war saw significant advances by the Arab forces, including the capture of Mount Hermon by the Syrian Army.

The Battle

The First Battle of Mount Hermon commenced on October 6, 1973, when Syrian forces launched an assault on the Israeli positions on the mountain. The Syrian attack was part of a broader offensive aimed at recapturing the Golan Heights, which had been under Israeli control since the Six-Day War in 1967.

The Syrian forces, equipped with tanks and infantry, managed to overrun the Israeli defenses on Mount Hermon. The Israeli soldiers stationed at the observation posts were either killed, captured, or forced to retreat. The loss of Mount Hermon was a significant blow to the IDF, as it deprived them of a crucial vantage point for monitoring Syrian movements.

Aftermath

The loss of Mount Hermon prompted the IDF to launch a counteroffensive to recapture the mountain. This effort culminated in the Second Battle of Mount Hermon, which took place later in the Yom Kippur War. The IDF eventually succeeded in retaking Mount Hermon, restoring their strategic advantage in the region.

The First Battle of Mount Hermon highlighted the importance of the mountain in the broader context of the Yom Kippur War and underscored the challenges faced by the IDF in defending against a coordinated and well-executed attack by the Syrian Army.

Legacy

The battles for Mount Hermon are remembered as key moments in the Yom Kippur War, demonstrating the high stakes and intense combat that characterized the conflict. The strategic significance of Mount Hermon continues to be recognized in military planning and operations in the region.

See also

• Yom Kippur War
• Golan Heights
• Six-Day War
• Israel Defense Forces
• Syrian Army