Third Battle of Mount Hermon

1973 Yom Kippur War - Golan heights theater

Third Battle of Mount Hermon

The Third Battle of Mount Hermon was a significant military engagement during the Yom Kippur War between Israel and Syria. The battle took place on October 21–22, 1973, on Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights.

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 Golan Heights, a strategically important plateau, was a major battleground during the conflict.

Mount Hermon, the highest point in the Golan Heights, held significant strategic value due to its elevation and the presence of key military observation posts. Control of Mount Hermon allowed for superior surveillance and artillery targeting capabilities.

The Battle

The Third Battle of Mount Hermon was preceded by two earlier engagements: the First Battle of Mount Hermon and the Second Battle of Mount Hermon. The first battle resulted in the Syrian capture of the Israeli observation post on Mount Hermon, while the second battle saw an unsuccessful Israeli attempt to recapture the position.

On October 21, 1973, Israeli forces, under the command of Raphael Eitan, launched a coordinated assault to retake Mount Hermon. The operation involved a combination of infantry, paratroopers, and armored units. The Israeli forces faced fierce resistance from entrenched Syrian troops who had fortified their positions on the mountain.

Despite the challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions, the Israeli forces managed to advance up the slopes of Mount Hermon. The battle was characterized by intense close-quarters combat, with both sides suffering significant casualties.

Outcome

By October 22, 1973, Israeli forces had successfully recaptured the observation post on Mount Hermon, securing a strategic advantage in the Golan Heights. The victory at Mount Hermon was a morale booster for the Israeli military and contributed to the overall success of their counteroffensive during the Yom Kippur War.

Aftermath

The recapture of Mount Hermon allowed Israel to reestablish its surveillance capabilities over the Golan Heights and northern Israel. The battle demonstrated the importance of high ground in modern warfare and highlighted the resilience and determination of the Israeli forces.

The Third Battle of Mount Hermon remains a significant event in the history of the Yom Kippur War and is remembered for the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers involved.

See also

• Yom Kippur War
• Golan Heights
• First Battle of Mount Hermon
• Second Battle of Mount Hermon
• Raphael Eitan