"Operation "Yevusi
The object of the 'Yevusi' operation carried out between 22.4.48 and 1.5.48 by the 'Harel Brigade was to occupy and over take key positions in Jerusalem before the evacuation of the British army.
The operations main objectivs:
a. creation of a continual Jewish territory north-west of the city by occupying Nabi Samual and Shoafat and reopening the road leading to Neve Ya'acov and Atarot.
b. Occupying sheikh Jarach and thus reopening the road leading to Har- Hazofim.
c. Occupying the Arab quarter of Katamon and thus creating continuity with Makor Haim and rest of the southern quarters.
The commander of Jerusalem, David Shaltiel, and chief of staff, Yigal Yadin both realized they must quickly send armed forces to precede the Arabs in occupying Areas and buildings evacuated by the British. David Shaltiel also feared that the forces already available might not be able to defend Jerusalem against the armed Arab forces over flowing into the northern quarters.
High command agreed with him and sent the 'Harel' and 'Ezyoni' Brigades to Jerusalem. A dispute developed during preparation concerning leadership and command, which resulted in the establishment of supreme high command, led by Yitzhak Sade, and David Shaltiel was elected chief of staff. Yitzhak Sade and his personal assistant, decided the 'Harel' Brigade will play a major role in the operations.
a. creation of a continual Jewish territory north-west of the city by occupying Nabi Samual and Shoafat and reopening the road leading to Neve Ya'acov and Atarot.
b. Occupying sheikh Jarach and thus reopening the road leading to Har- Hazofim.
c. Occupying the Arab quarter of Katamon and thus creating continuity with Makor Haim and rest of the southern quarters.
The commander of Jerusalem, David Shaltiel, and chief of staff, Yigal Yadin both realized they must quickly send armed forces to precede the Arabs in occupying Areas and buildings evacuated by the British. David Shaltiel also feared that the forces already available might not be able to defend Jerusalem against the armed Arab forces over flowing into the northern quarters.
High command agreed with him and sent the 'Harel' and 'Ezyoni' Brigades to Jerusalem. A dispute developed during preparation concerning leadership and command, which resulted in the establishment of supreme high command, led by Yitzhak Sade, and David Shaltiel was elected chief of staff. Yitzhak Sade and his personal assistant, decided the 'Harel' Brigade will play a major role in the operations.