Operation Abirey-Halev

Israeli Tanks Cross the Suez Canal - Flickr - Israel Defense Forces

Operation Abirey-Halev (Hebrew: מבצע אבירי-הלב, "Operation Stalwart Heart") was a military operation conducted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during the Yom Kippur War in October 1973. The operation was part of the broader conflict between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria.

Background

The Yom Kippur War began on October 6, 1973, when Egyptian and Syrian forces launched a coordinated surprise attack on Israeli positions in the Sinai Peninsula and the Golan Heights. The war was named after the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur, which coincided with the start of the conflict. The initial stages of the war saw significant advances by Egyptian and Syrian forces, putting Israel on the defensive.

Planning and Objectives

Operation Abirey-Halev was conceived as a counteroffensive to regain lost territory and stabilize the front lines. The primary objective was to cross the Suez Canal and encircle the Egyptian Third Army, thereby cutting off its supply lines and forcing a ceasefire on favorable terms for Israel.

Execution

The operation commenced on October 15, 1973, under the command of Major General Ariel Sharon. The IDF's 143rd Armored Division played a crucial role in the operation. The crossing of the Suez Canal was achieved using a combination of pontoon bridges and captured Egyptian engineering equipment.

The operation involved intense fighting, including the Battle of the Chinese Farm, a strategically important area near the canal. Despite heavy resistance, Israeli forces managed to establish a bridgehead on the western side of the canal.

Outcome

Operation Abirey-Halev was a significant turning point in the Yom Kippur War. By October 24, Israeli forces had encircled the Egyptian Third Army, leading to a ceasefire brokered by the United Nations on October 25, 1973. The successful execution of the operation demonstrated the resilience and tactical prowess of the IDF.

Aftermath

The encirclement of the Egyptian Third Army created a favorable position for Israel in the subsequent peace negotiations. The war eventually led to the signing of the Camp David Accords in 1978 and the Egypt–Israel Peace Treaty in 1979, which resulted in the return of the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt in exchange for a lasting peace between the two nations.

Legacy

Operation Abirey-Halev is remembered as a pivotal moment in Israeli military history. It showcased the strategic and operational capabilities of the IDF and highlighted the importance of rapid and decisive action in modern warfare.

See also

• Yom Kippur War
• Suez Canal
• Ariel Sharon
• Camp David Accords
• Egypt–Israel Peace Treaty