Unveiling the Untold Stories: Armoured Warfare In The Arab Israeli Conflicts

When it comes to the military history of the Arab-Israeli conflicts, one aspect that cannot be overlooked is the crucial role played by armoured warfare. From the early battles in the late 1940s to the more recent conflicts, armoured vehicles have been at the forefront of the battlefield, shaping the strategies and outcomes of these historic confrontations.

As armoured vehicles emerged as a dominant force during World War II, their influence soon spread to the Middle East. With the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, the region became a hotbed for military confrontations. Arab countries, seeking to regain the territories lost to Israel, quickly realized the importance of armoured warfare in their arsenal.

One of the most iconic armoured vehicles that made its mark in the Arab-Israeli conflicts is the M4 Sherman tank. This versatile tank, with its powerful 75mm gun and dependable armor, became the backbone of Israel's armoured force during the 1948 War of Independence. The M4 Sherman's presence on the battlefield was highly intimidating, and its swiftness and firepower often turned the tide of battle in Israel's favor.

Armoured Warfare in the Arab-Israeli Conflicts: Rare Photographs from Wartime Archives (Images of War)

by Anthony Tucker-Jones (Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	72984 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	179 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Item Weight	:	1.01 pounds

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In subsequent conflicts such as the Suez Crisis of 1956 and the Six-Day War of 1967, armoured warfare continued to evolve. The British Centurion tank, known for its exceptional firepower and strong armor, played a crucial role in Israel's victory against the Egyptian and Jordanian forces. The Centurion's ability to sustain heavy damage while inflicting devastating blows on the enemy made it a formidable opponent.

However, it was during the Yom Kippur War of 1973 that armoured warfare truly showcased its significance in the Arab-Israeli conflicts. Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel, catching them off guard. The Israeli Defense Forces relied heavily on their fleet of modified American tanks, known as the M60 Patton, to counter the enemy's advances. These tanks proved to be instrumental in halting the Arab forces and inflicting heavy casualties. The Yom Kippur War marked a turning point in the development of armoured warfare tactics, with both sides realizing the importance of advanced technology, accurate intelligence, and well-coordinated manoeuvres to secure victory.

In the decades that followed, armoured warfare in the Arab-Israeli conflicts witnessed further advancements. The Israeli Merkava tank, introduced in the 1980s, revolutionized the concept of tank design. Its emphasis on crew survivability, robust armor, and advanced technological systems enabled Israel to maintain the upper hand on the battlefield. The Merkava served as a testament to Israel's commitment to innovation and adaptability, ensuring their supremacy in armoured warfare.

1,500 miles away from the conflict-ridden Middle East, armoured vehicles played a critical role in shaping the Arab-Israeli conflicts during the Gulf War in 1990-1991. Operation Desert Storm witnessed a massive deployment of armoured forces, with the United States leading the coalition forces against Iraq. Tanks such as the M1 Abrams and the British Challenger 2 showcased their unparalleled capabilities, rendering the Iraqi forces helpless. The Gulf War further reinforced the significance of armoured warfare in modern warfare scenarios.

The Arab-Israeli conflicts have undoubtedly been defined by the dominance of armoured warfare. The resilience, firepower, and versatility of armoured vehicles played a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of these battles. From the early battles in the late 1940s to the Gulf War, armoured warfare evolved rapidly, with technological advancements driving the strategies and tactics employed by the opposing forces.

In , armoured warfare in the Arab-Israeli conflicts has proven to be a decisive factor in military engagements. From the early battles to the more recent conflicts, armoured vehicles have been instrumental in shaping the course of these historic confrontations. As technology continues to advance, it is certain that armoured warfare will continue to play a pivotal role in future conflicts, ensuring that the lessons learned from the past will pave the way for new strategies and innovations.

Armoured Warfare in the Arab-Israeli Conflicts: Rare Photographs from Wartime Archives (Images of War)

by Anthony Tucker-Jones (Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	72984 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	179 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Item Weight	:	1.01 pounds

FREE

The latest volume in Anthony Tucker-Joness series of books on armoured warfare in the Images of War series is a graphic account of the development of armoured forces in the Arab and Israeli armies from 1948 to the present day. In a sequence of over 200 archive photographs he tells the story of the role armour played in Arab-Israeli conflicts over the last sixty years, from the initial battles of 1948, through the Suez Crisis, the Six Day War, the Yom Kippur War, the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982 and the Israeli attack on Hamas in Gaza in 2008.In all these clashes armoured vehicles played a prominent, sometimes decisive part. As the photographs show, an extraordinary range of Second World War and post-war tanks, armoured cars and armoured personnel carriers was deployed by all sides. Russian T-34s, SU-100s, T-54/55s, T-62s and T-72s were imported from the Eastern Bloc by the Egyptians and Syrians. Shermans, Pattons, Centurions and AMX-13s were imported from the West by the Israelis. In addition, the Israelis developed modified hybrids such as the Sherman/Isherman, the Shot, Magach and Sabra, and they produced to their own design their main battle tank, the Merkava. Anthony Tucker-Joness photographic survey is an excellent to late-twentieth-century armoured warfare, and it gives a fascinating insight into the military history of Israel and its Arab neighbours.