Operation "Nachshon"
The operation's objectives were to breakthrough and free the besieged city of Jerusalem (3-5.4.1948). It was the first large initiated operation which required men and weapons from the other fronts.
By the end of March it became apparent that the convoy method of transport could no longer be used, and David Ben- Gurion, chairman of the Jewish agency and the minister of defense ordered a large scale operation in order to free the besieged city of Jerusalem, and thus passing the initiative over to the Jewish forces in the form of a first initiated military attack.
On the 1.4.48, the Hagana chiefs of staff met at Ben- Gurion's home and decided on the formation of an armed force including 1,500 men who would supply Jerusalem with food and army provisions. The force would occupy command posts along the way, thus enabling convoy transport: instead of securing the convoys, occupation of command posts, regular patrols and ambushes along entry roads, the raiding and occupation of enemy camps will enable to secure the road itself.
It was the first large scale initiated attack, demanding extra reinforcements and weapons from the other fighting fronts. Jerusalem had to be freed, in spite of the great risks the operation involved.
On the 1.4.48, the Hagana chiefs of staff met at Ben- Gurion's home and decided on the formation of an armed force including 1,500 men who would supply Jerusalem with food and army provisions. The force would occupy command posts along the way, thus enabling convoy transport: instead of securing the convoys, occupation of command posts, regular patrols and ambushes along entry roads, the raiding and occupation of enemy camps will enable to secure the road itself.
It was the first large scale initiated attack, demanding extra reinforcements and weapons from the other fighting fronts. Jerusalem had to be freed, in spite of the great risks the operation involved.