Operation "Harel"
The Harel operation took place following the Nachshon operation between the 16th and the 21st of April, 1948. On the 12.4.48, Palmach H.Q. became in charge of the road leading to Jerusalem, and on the 16.4, the Nachshon force was dismantled, and the Palmach established the 'Harel' force to see the mission through.
The operation was commanded by Yitzhak Rabin, Palmach operation Officer. The Palmach forces were organized into two Battalions: the 4th Battalion under the command of Yosef Tabenkin concentrated on the eastern section, and the 5th Battalion under the command of Menachem Rusk, joined by the Givati Brigade 54th reserve Battalion concentrated on the western section of the road.
The Portzim Battalion included 3 infantry companies from the Palmach 4th Battalion.
The Sha'ar haguy Battalion included 3 infantry companies from the Palmach 5th Battalion, under the command of Ya'acov Stuzky, Yisaschar (Yisca) Shadmi and Shmuel (uli) Givon.
The Jerusalem Battalion became the Palmach 6th Battalion.
The Portzim Battalion included 3 infantry companies from the Palmach 4th Battalion.
The Sha'ar haguy Battalion included 3 infantry companies from the Palmach 5th Battalion, under the command of Ya'acov Stuzky, Yisaschar (Yisca) Shadmi and Shmuel (uli) Givon.
The Jerusalem Battalion became the Palmach 6th Battalion.