The Israeli Army in the Middle East Wars 1948-73 (Men-at-Arms) [Paperback]

John Laffin (Author), Mike Chappell (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Men-at-Arms | Publication Date: July 29, 1982

Israel assumes in advance that defeat in war means an end to the Jewish nation, and it wages war accordingly. This fact influences the Israeli approach to its army and to the strategy, tactics, training and conduct of war. Surrounded by hostile nations, Israel has fought six victorious wars between 1948 and 1973. For a force which began as an irregular, impoverished and improvised group, this is a formidable record. Backed by plenty of photographs and eight full page colour plates, this fine text examines the six wars fought between 1948–73, including the extraordinary Israeli victory of 1967.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Packed with specially commissioned artwork, maps and diagrams, the Men-at-Arms series is an unrivalled illustrated reference on the history, organisation, uniforms and equipment of the world's military forces, past and present.

About the Author

An expert in 20th century forces, John Laffin has written extensively on he Australian army as well as the conflict in the Middle East. His other title for Ospey in the Men-at-Arms series is MAA 123 The Australian Army at War 1899–1975.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (July 29, 1982)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0850454506
• ISBN-13: 978-0850454505
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.2 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #254,860 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Useful Introduction to Tragic Turmoil, January 10, 2002

By 

El Cutachero (MD USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Israeli Army in the Middle East Wars 1948-73 (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

For those with curiosity about all the factions involved this book will be helpful. The author states that detail on the Arabic forces is lacking. The events are covered in the two volumes The Israeli Army in the Middle East Wars, 1948-1973, and Arab Armies in the Middle East Wars, 1948-1973. Subsequent events are covered in the volume Armies in Lebanon, 1982-84.
The rivalry between Israel and the surrounding Arab nations goes back before WW II with the 1917 Balfour Declaration that a homeland for the Jews would be established in Palestine. This was done in the wake of the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire without consulting the Arabic peoples of Palestine.
After much unrest in the 1930s matters came to a head in 1948 after the British left and Israel was proclaimed, the surrounding Arabic states invaded Palestine. The resulting war caused many of the Palestinian Arabs to flee the conflict. The de facto partition resulting from the Israeli victory led to four more major ground wars and ongoing border raids and terrorism.
Their return was not to be allowed, even more tragically, they were kept in refugee camps and not allowed to disperse or assimilate in the rest of the Arab world in a manner similar to that done by the displaced persons who fled Eastern Europe in 1945. Now, several generations on, the desires of the Palestinians to return, destroy the state of Israel, and reclaim the land of their origin, have festered for so long that no rational solution seems in sight. At various times the Israeli's neighbors have backed or opposed or expelled the Palestinian forces in response to their own internal political imperatives. Thus, the Egyptians have signed a peace with Israel, while the rest have not. Syrians, Saudis, and others have continued to offer them refuge and aid while the Kingdom of Jordan expelled them all in "Black September" 1970, an event which led to the raid on the Olympic delegation in 1972.
No matter what side your sympathy lies, hope of peace is still remote, and all concerned victims of this conflict deserve the prayers and good wishes of the world.
The color plates are of the usual high quality covering service and field dress of the men and women of the Israeli forces.

4 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very well done book., July 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Israeli Army in the Middle East Wars 1948-73 (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

Ive seen documenterys of the Arab Isralli wars and this book tells you what you need to know.