Second Battle of Mount Hermon

1973 Yom Kippur War - Golan heights theater

Second Battle of Mount Hermon

The Second Battle of Mount Hermon was a significant military engagement during the Yom Kippur War between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Syrian Armed Forces. The battle took place on October 8–9, 1973, on Mount Hermon, a strategically important location in the Golan Heights.

Background

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 Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. The Golan Heights, captured by Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967, was a primary target for the Syrian forces.

First Battle of Mount Hermon

The First Battle of Mount Hermon occurred on October 6, 1973, when Syrian commandos captured the Israeli outpost on Mount Hermon. The loss of this outpost provided the Syrians with a significant strategic advantage, as it allowed them to observe Israeli movements in the Golan Heights.

The Battle

Israeli Preparations

Following the loss of the outpost, the IDF planned a counterattack to recapture Mount Hermon. The operation was led by Yitzhak Hofi, the commander of the Northern Command. The Israeli forces consisted of a battalion from the Golani Brigade, known for its expertise in mountain warfare.

Syrian Defenses

The Syrian forces, commanded by Hikmat Shihabi, had fortified their positions on Mount Hermon. They were prepared for an Israeli counterattack and had established defensive positions to repel the assault.

The Assault

The Israeli assault began on the night of October 8, 1973. The Golani Brigade faced fierce resistance from the Syrian defenders. The battle was characterized by intense close-quarters combat in the rugged terrain of Mount Hermon. Despite the challenging conditions, the Israeli forces managed to break through the Syrian defenses.

Outcome

By the morning of October 9, 1973, the IDF had successfully recaptured the outpost on Mount Hermon. The battle resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with 55 Israeli soldiers killed and 79 wounded. The Syrian forces suffered 29 killed and 10 captured.

Aftermath

The recapture of Mount Hermon was a crucial victory for Israel during the Yom Kippur War. It restored Israeli control over a vital observation point and boosted the morale of the Israeli forces. The battle demonstrated the importance of high ground in military strategy and highlighted the bravery and resilience of the Golani Brigade.

See also

• Yom Kippur War
• First Battle of Mount Hermon
• Golan Heights
• Israel Defense Forces
• Syrian Armed Forces