Organizing the Command Convoy
The convoy set out in violation of the principle that all convoys should move in a secure corridor. This was because the convoy of 17.4 had got through unharmed, and the base at Saris had in the meantime been destroyed.
On the night of 19.4.48, while the convoy was being readied and the Fifth Battalion was vacating its outposts to return to Hulda, the four companies of the Fourth Battalion captured the villages of Beit-Surik and Bidu, and demolished some of the houses, returning to camp at daybreak.
Later, the question was raised: was it a good idea to subject the battalion to a wearisome night operation --- or would it have been better to keep them in reserve, fresh and rested, in case complications arose with the convoy? It must be pointed out at this juncture, that the convoy set out in violation of the principle that all convoys should move in a secure corridor. This was because the convoy of 17.4 had got through unharmed, and the base at Saris had in the meantime been destroyed.
On 20.4.48 at dawn, there set out from the Bilu camp, the largest convoy to Jerusalem assembled so far. There were 300 vehicles – 250 of them carrying supplies - and over 1000 men. Among the latter were 300 fighters of the Fifth Battalion, led by Menahem Rusek; about 50 prominent members of the Palestinian Jewish community; senior officers of the “Harel” brigade, including its C.O., Yitzhak Rabin; about 120 men from “D” company of the Fourth Battalion, who were being transferred to Jerusalem; and about 300 drivers.
Later, the question was raised: was it a good idea to subject the battalion to a wearisome night operation --- or would it have been better to keep them in reserve, fresh and rested, in case complications arose with the convoy? It must be pointed out at this juncture, that the convoy set out in violation of the principle that all convoys should move in a secure corridor. This was because the convoy of 17.4 had got through unharmed, and the base at Saris had in the meantime been destroyed.
On 20.4.48 at dawn, there set out from the Bilu camp, the largest convoy to Jerusalem assembled so far. There were 300 vehicles – 250 of them carrying supplies - and over 1000 men. Among the latter were 300 fighters of the Fifth Battalion, led by Menahem Rusek; about 50 prominent members of the Palestinian Jewish community; senior officers of the “Harel” brigade, including its C.O., Yitzhak Rabin; about 120 men from “D” company of the Fourth Battalion, who were being transferred to Jerusalem; and about 300 drivers.