Participation of the Palmach Units' in the defense of Tirat Zvi
The outcome of this success demonstrated the fact that a lone kibbutz succeeded in standing firm against a unit of semi – regular forces, and Kaukaji learned that it is not a simple matter to conquer a Jewish settlement even if, theoretically, it seemed that the balance of forces was in his favor.
On the evening and on the morrow of the attack, there were several Palmach and Field Corps platoons from D Company of the 1st Battalion, commanded by Shaike Gavish. The Field Corps platoons from Tirat Zvi and S'de Eliyahu carried out their operations outside of the kibbutz fence and then returned to the kibbutz; the Palmach platoons from Bet Hashita (commanded by Yitzchak Chofi – 'Chaka;) and from Maoz Chaim (commanded by Rechav'am Ze'evi - 'Gandhi'), together with the Field corps platoon from Tel Amal, walked in the direction of Tirat Zvi and reached the kibbutz at noon, after the enemy had retreated. For two days they conducted searches in the area, blew up buildings, collected arms and ammunition and transferred it all to the kibbutz.
The Palmach platoons from Maoz Chaim and Tel Yosef conducted harassment activities in the Bet Shaan area; one of the platoons shelled the town with light mortars and machine-gun fire. The second force took control of several houses and inflicted losses on the enemy.
Shaike Gavish was the company commander who received the order to hasten to the aid of the beleaguered kibbutz. The plan of action that he took was to refrain from reinforcing kibbutz Tirat Zvi from within, but rather to operate against the attackers from the outside. The platoon attacked when Kaukaji's forces were already in retreat after the kibbutz defenders had succeeded in withstanding the attack from the semi-regular forces.
Kaukaji learned that conquering a Jewish settlement is not a simple matter even if, on paper, the balance of forces was in his favor.
The Palmach platoons from Maoz Chaim and Tel Yosef conducted harassment activities in the Bet Shaan area; one of the platoons shelled the town with light mortars and machine-gun fire. The second force took control of several houses and inflicted losses on the enemy.
Shaike Gavish was the company commander who received the order to hasten to the aid of the beleaguered kibbutz. The plan of action that he took was to refrain from reinforcing kibbutz Tirat Zvi from within, but rather to operate against the attackers from the outside. The platoon attacked when Kaukaji's forces were already in retreat after the kibbutz defenders had succeeded in withstanding the attack from the semi-regular forces.
Kaukaji learned that conquering a Jewish settlement is not a simple matter even if, on paper, the balance of forces was in his favor.