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Karameh: Echoes of Conflict

An In-depth Examination of the 1968 Battle and its Profound Impact on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and Regional Dynamics.

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Overview

The Engagement

The Battle of Karameh, a significant military engagement, occurred on 21 March 1968. It involved Israeli forces confronting a combined contingent of Jordanian Army units and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) fighters within the Jordanian border town of Karameh. This confrontation was a key event during the War of Attrition and a pivotal moment in the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Location and Context

The battle took place in Karameh, Jordan, a location strategically significant following Israel's occupation of the West Bank in the 1967 Six-Day War. Palestinian fedayeen, primarily from Fatah, established bases in Karameh, intensifying cross-border attacks into Israel and the occupied territories, prompting Israeli retaliatory actions.

Conflicting Narratives

Both Israel and the PLO/Jordan declared victory. Tactically, Israel achieved its objective of destroying the Karameh camp and capturing Palestinian fighters. However, politically and psychologically, the battle was perceived as a significant victory for the Palestinian cause, bolstering Fatah's prestige and galvanizing Arab support, despite inflicting substantial casualties on all involved parties.[1]

Background

Post-1967 Landscape

Following the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel occupied the West Bank, dismantling existing Palestinian resistance networks. Subsequently, Palestinian fedayeen groups, notably Fatah, relocated their operational bases to Jordan. From these positions, they initiated a series of cross-border raids targeting Israel and the occupied territories. These actions frequently drew retaliatory responses from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), leading to intermittent skirmishes with Jordanian military units that provided covering fire for the fedayeen.[4]

Escalating Tensions

In February 1968, Jordanian mortar attacks struck Israeli settlements in the Jordan Valley and Beit Shean Valley. Israel responded with artillery and air strikes against Jordanian military positions and infrastructure, including the East Ghor Canal. This led to a significant displacement of Jordanian farmers and the subsequent movement of fedayeen into the affected areas. Despite an American-brokered ceasefire and King Hussein's assurances to prevent Jordan's use as an attack base, tensions persisted.[22]

Israeli Strategic Concerns

Within Israel, there was a strategic debate regarding the necessity and potential consequences of a raid on Karameh. Military intelligence suggested such an operation could damage Fatah's standing. However, concerns were raised about potential negative international reactions, particularly from the United States, due to its strong relationship with Jordan. The Israeli cabinet debated the operation, with differing opinions on its feasibility and political implications.[24] The attack was planned and rescheduled multiple times before final approval.

Prelude

Intelligence and Preparations

By March 1968, Jordanian intelligence detected significant Israeli military build-up near the Allenby and Damia Bridges. The Jordanian Army mobilized its 1st Infantry Division to defend these areas and Karameh, reinforcing its positions with armor, artillery, and anti-tank units. The combined Jordanian firepower included approximately 105 Patton tanks and 88 artillery pieces, strategically positioned for topological advantage.[26]

Israeli Operational Plan

The Israeli plan involved a multi-pronged assault. Forces were to cross the Allenby and Damia Bridges to encircle Karameh, supported by paratroopers airlifted by helicopter. A diversionary attack near the King Abdullah Bridge was intended to draw Jordanian forces away from the main objective. Leaflets were dropped by the Israeli Air Force (IAF) urging the Jordanian army not to intervene, but these were largely disregarded.[28]

Anticipated Resistance

Israel initially anticipated limited Jordanian involvement, expecting them to remain neutral. However, intelligence suggested that Palestinian fighters in Karameh had been alerted, with many withdrawing to surrounding hills while approximately 200 remained to defend the town.[27] Reports indicated that Jordanian officers, possibly informed by the CIA, had tipped off PLO leadership, including Yasser Arafat.[29]

The Battle

Initial Assault

At 05:30 on 21 March, Israeli forces commenced their simultaneous assault across the three bridges. Combat engineers constructed pontoon bridges, enabling armored columns to advance towards Karameh. The main Israeli thrust from the Allenby Bridge encountered entrenched Jordanian infantry, armor, and artillery units, which offered stiff resistance despite IAF air support.[31]

Fierce Engagements

Helicopter-borne paratroopers landed north of Karameh, but faced unexpected resistance from Fatah commandos and Jordanian troops, suffering significant casualties. The Israeli advance was hampered by Jordanian artillery fire and determined defense from fortified positions. Attempts to establish additional bridges were thwarted by Jordanian shelling, halting Israeli progress on certain axes.[32]

Control and Demolition

By 08:00, Israeli forces had gained control of Karameh, discovering it was a larger PLO base than anticipated. Intense fighting continued as Israeli troops engaged Palestinian fighters and Jordanian units. The IDF proceeded to demolish the camp and approximately 175 houses within the town.[35] Concurrently, a separate Israeli operation targeted smaller bases south of the Dead Sea with minimal Israeli casualties.

Withdrawal

Despite achieving tactical control of Karameh, the Israelis faced considerable resistance and higher-than-anticipated casualties. The withdrawal process, complicated by efforts to recover damaged vehicles, concluded late in the evening. The battle lasted approximately 15 hours, resulting in substantial losses for all participating forces.[8]

Aftermath

Casualties and Losses

Estimates of casualties vary across sources. Israel reported approximately 28-33 dead and 69-161 wounded, alongside significant losses in armor and aircraft.[9][10] Jordan suffered an estimated 40-84 fatalities and 108-250 wounded, with losses in tanks and personnel.[13] PLO forces sustained the highest casualties, with estimates ranging from 156 to 200 dead and over 120 captured.[10]

Political and Psychological Impact

While Israel achieved its military objective of destroying the Karameh camp, the battle's aftermath was marked by a significant propaganda victory for the PLO and Jordan. The perceived resilience against the Israeli military, previously considered invincible, boosted Palestinian morale and dramatically increased recruitment into guerrilla organizations. King Hussein allowed the PLO to claim victory, fostering a sense of shared accomplishment.[18]

International Reaction and Long-Term Effects

The international community, particularly the United States, condemned Israel's actions. The UN Security Council passed Resolution 248, denouncing the disproportionate use of force and violation of the ceasefire line.[17] The battle is widely credited with establishing the Palestinian issue on the international agenda as a claim for statehood rather than merely a refugee problem.[19] The increased strength and assertiveness of the PLO in Jordan following Karameh contributed to the tensions that eventually led to the Black September conflict in 1970.[20]

Analysis

Israeli Historiography

Israeli accounts often emphasize the tactical success in destroying the Karameh base and achieving operational objectives. However, internal military critiques acknowledge the underestimation of Jordanian resistance and the resulting high casualties, which were initially downplayed to the public. Some analyses suggest the operation was a strategic miscalculation, highlighting the difficulty of distinguishing between Palestinian fighters and the Jordanian Army.[5]

Jordanian and Palestinian Historiography

Arab historical perspectives often frame Karameh as a pivotal moment where Palestinian resistance demonstrated its capability and resolve against Israeli military superiority. The battle is seen as a crucial catalyst for Palestinian nationalism, transforming the movement's international profile and galvanizing popular support across the Arab world. The perceived psychological victory significantly boosted the PLO's standing and influence.[51]

Enduring Significance

The Battle of Karameh is remembered not solely for its military outcomes but for its profound political and symbolic resonance. It marked a turning point in the perception of the conflict, elevating the Palestinian cause and contributing to the evolving dynamics between Palestinian organizations, Jordan, and Israel, ultimately shaping the trajectory of regional politics for years to come.

Sources

Referenced Materials

The information presented herein is derived from a synthesis of scholarly works and historical accounts detailing the Battle of Karameh. Key sources include analyses of military operations, political contexts, and participant testimonies.

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References

References

  1.  Zeev Maoz, Defending the Holy Land, A Critical Analysis of Israel's Security and Foreign Policy, University of Michigan Press, 2006, pages 244รขย€ย“246
  2.  Teveth, Shabtai (1969/1970) The Cursed Blessing. The story of Israel's occupation of the West Bank. Weidenfeld & Nicolson. SBN 297 00150 7. Translated from Hebrew by Myra Bank. Page 261.
  3.  James Rothrock, Live by the sword: Israel's struggle for existence in the Holy Land, WestBow Press (2011) p.53
  4.  A.I.Dawisha, Arab Nationalism in the Twentieth Century: From Triumph to Despair, Princeton University Press, 2003 p.258
A full list of references for this article are available at the Battle of Karameh Wikipedia page

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