The Battle of Karameh - Israel Tries and Fails to Defeat the PLO and Capture Yasser Arafat
The Battle of Karameh, a significant conflict in 1968, involved an Israeli attack against Palestinian guerrilla forces in the Jordanian town of Karameh. Israeli objectives included striking at the PLO, believed to be responsible for cross-border attacks, and capturing Yasser Arafat. Despite their military superiority, Israeli forces encountered unexpectedly strong resistance from a coalition of Palestinian guerrillas and the Jordanian army, leading to a tactical stalemate.
The battle had far-reaching implications. It marked a rare occasion where Arab forces, particularly the Palestinians, could claim a form of victory against Israel. This outcome boosted the morale and reputation of the PLO and Arafat in the Arab world, even though militarily the results were mixed. The battle’s psychological impact was significant, as it galvanized Palestinian nationalism and support for the PLO. However, the failure of Israeli forces to capture Arafat and the heavy casualties they sustained highlighted the complexities of asymmetric warfare.
For a detailed account of the Battle of Karameh, please visit the Wikipedia page here.