Conquering of Katamon (the San-Simone Battle)
The 4th Palmach battalion was in charge of the southern area of Jerusalem during the 'Yevusi' operation, and Katamon served as a key position in the domination of that part of the city. The occupation of Katamon was imperative in assuring contact with the secluded Jewish southern quarters that were under the constant attacks.
Katamon was founded at the beginning of the 20th century, by wealthy Arabs, and developed greatly during the British mandate, 1947-1952. The quarter was composed of privet- villas, public institutions and foreign consulates.
At the beginning of the war, the quarter was situated on the front line, and was used by Arab gangs for their operations against the southern quarter of Makor-Haim and the northern quarter of Qeryat –Shmuel.
On the 5.1.48, Arab gangs H.Q., in the Semiramis hotel was blown up by a Haganah squad.
The 4th battalion was in charge of the southern area of Jerusalem during the 'Yevusi' operation, and Katamon served as a key position in the domination of that part of the city. The occupation of Katamon was imperative in assuring contact with the secluded Jewish southern quarters that were under the constant attacks.
After the battle of Nabi-Samuel, the 2 remaining 4th battalion platoons were sent to occupy the Arab quarter of Katamon, using two no. 3 mortars and an armored car carrying a 2 pound canon. The attack was scheduled from the west, as far as possible from the British safety zone.
The Arabs were waiting for the Jewish forces in the convent of San- Simon, the houses surrounding the convent, and in the houses and terraces along the ridge. The Jewish forces were forced to occupy the entire area in order to occupy Katamon itself.
At the beginning of the war, the quarter was situated on the front line, and was used by Arab gangs for their operations against the southern quarter of Makor-Haim and the northern quarter of Qeryat –Shmuel.
On the 5.1.48, Arab gangs H.Q., in the Semiramis hotel was blown up by a Haganah squad.
The 4th battalion was in charge of the southern area of Jerusalem during the 'Yevusi' operation, and Katamon served as a key position in the domination of that part of the city. The occupation of Katamon was imperative in assuring contact with the secluded Jewish southern quarters that were under the constant attacks.
After the battle of Nabi-Samuel, the 2 remaining 4th battalion platoons were sent to occupy the Arab quarter of Katamon, using two no. 3 mortars and an armored car carrying a 2 pound canon. The attack was scheduled from the west, as far as possible from the British safety zone.
The Arabs were waiting for the Jewish forces in the convent of San- Simon, the houses surrounding the convent, and in the houses and terraces along the ridge. The Jewish forces were forced to occupy the entire area in order to occupy Katamon itself.