The operational lessons from Operation "Markolet" ('Night of the Bridges')
The 'Night of the Bridges' (operation "Markolet") executed by the Palmach on the night of the 16th to the 17th of June 1946, marked an additional phase in the military development of the Palmach. Hundreds of ordinary warriors participated in it, which were not necessarily picked out by special choice. For most of them it was a first initiation, a test of their personal and professional ability as warriors and commanders who were trained in methods developed by the Palmach and acquired the warfare values of the unit.
The 'Night of the Bridges' (operation "Markolet") executed by the Palmach on the night of the 16th to the 17th of June 1946, marked an additional phase in the military development of the Palmach. Hundreds of regular warriors participated in it, which were not necessarily picked out by special choice. For most of them it was a first initiation, a test of their personal and professional ability as warriors and commanders who were trained in methods developed by the Palmach and acquired the warfare values of the unit.
The warriors proved their skills during the operation in a number of areas: Physical fitness and ability to withstand physical and mental pressure required for preparation for the operation, during expeditions to the target areas (in terms of walking distance and weight carried on their backs), during retreat and hiding in the field; in making quick decisions while showing patience and resourcefulness both on an individual and squad level, in areas such as: Sneaking up to a target, overpowering watchmen and preparing explosives; operating weapons and keeping a fire discipline; the force commanders demonstrated their ability to train the warriors for the operation; in properly assessing the situation in the field while showing an understanding of the tactics in the field, securing the area of attack, functioning under fire, planning diversion tactics and improvising solutions to problems that arose during the raid.
The warriors proved their skills during the operation in a number of areas: Physical fitness and ability to withstand physical and mental pressure required for preparation for the operation, during expeditions to the target areas (in terms of walking distance and weight carried on their backs), during retreat and hiding in the field; in making quick decisions while showing patience and resourcefulness both on an individual and squad level, in areas such as: Sneaking up to a target, overpowering watchmen and preparing explosives; operating weapons and keeping a fire discipline; the force commanders demonstrated their ability to train the warriors for the operation; in properly assessing the situation in the field while showing an understanding of the tactics in the field, securing the area of attack, functioning under fire, planning diversion tactics and improvising solutions to problems that arose during the raid.