Battle of Sinai
The Battle of Sinai, occurring from October 29 to November 6, 1956, was a significant military engagement during the Suez Crisis, where Israeli forces sought to secure the strategically vital Sinai Peninsula. The Israeli military successfully captured the Mitla Pass using airborne troops and advanced armored units, facing an Egyptian army that was operating at reduced strength due to other commitments. The conflict involved intense engagements in key locations like Thamad, Abu Ageila, and Sharm el-Sheikh, leading to a rapid Israeli victory facilitated by French air support. By November 5, Israeli forces reached the vicinity of the Suez Canal, but international diplomatic pressure resulted in a cease-fire the following day. The battle resulted in considerable casualties, with Israel suffering 189 killed and around 899 wounded, while Egypt faced an estimated 1,030 fatalities and approximately 4,000 injured. Although the campaign showcased the capabilities of the Israeli Defense Forces and alleviated Israeli security concerns regarding Egyptian military threats, it had limited long-term implications, as Israeli forces were compelled to withdraw from Sinai in 1957. The conflict underscored the complexities of regional politics and military strategy during a tumultuous period in Middle Eastern history.
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Battle of Sinai
Type of action: Ground campaign in the Suez War
Date: October 29-November 6, 1956
Location: Sinai Desert
Combatants: 30,000 Egyptians vs. 45,000 Israelis
Principal commanders:Egyptian, General Abdel Hakim Amer (1919–1967); Israeli, General Moshe Dayan (1915–1981)
Result: Israeli conquest of the Sinai
On October 29, the Israelis seized the strategic Mitla Pass with a parachute battalion and sent armored columns into the eastern Sinai. Facing an Egyptian army at half strength (the other half redeployed to defend Egypt against anticipated Anglo-French attacks) and assisted by French air strikes, the Israelis conquered the Sinai in a matter of days. Sharp battles took place at Thamad, Abu Ageila, and Sharm el-Sheikh, but the issue was never in doubt. By November 5, the Israelis were near the Suez Canal, and on the following day, international pressure produced a cease-fire. Total casualties amounted to 189 killed, 899 wounded for Israel, versus an estimated 1,030 killed and 4,000 wounded for Egypt.
Significance
The campaign had little long-term significance. Instead, the Sinai battles proved the prowess of the Israeli Defense Force and eased Israeli fears of an Egyptian attack by shattering Egypt’s armed forces. International pressure forced a withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Sinai in 1957.
Bibliography
Creveld, Martin van. The Sword and the Olive: A Critical History of the Israeli Defense Force. New York: Public Affairs, 1998.
Troen, S. I., and M. Shemesh, eds. The Suez-Sinai Crisis of 1956, Retrospective and Reappraisal. London: Cass, 1990.