Advantage Jiradi - Campaign Series: Middle East 1948 -1985

[Jiradi Pass, east of al-Arish, Sinai Peninsula]: [H2H][HIS][CSL] Following the capture of Rafah and the important road west of the town, the Israeli 7th Armored Brigade continued to push west toward al-Arish. But, to capture the city they had to cross the Jiradi Pass. This was a narrow valley about 13 kilometers long leading the town of El-Arish. El-Arish was an important administrative centre for the Egyptian Army in the northern Sinai. Defending the area was the Egyptian 121st Brigade, 7th Infantry Division reinforced by two T-55 tank battalions. The 121st Brigade had constructed strong defensive fortifications across the valley. General Tal's sent the 60th Tank Brigade out to flank the valley but the brigade became mired in the sand dunes and the Israelis had to attempt a frontal assault. This was the sort of battle the Egyptians had hoped for; no room for the Israelis to maneuver and they had to attack straight into the teeth of dug in infantry and tanks. Initial recon elements of the Israeli 7th Armored Brigade penetrated the valley due to other Egyptian army units failing to report they had been bypassed.[ALL: NOVV][NONE][1.00]