יומנים > יומן - מלא 02/10/1948

[Saturday,] October 2, 1948

I discussed the military situation with Moshe Dayan, who arrived from Jerusalem this morning.

       In southern Jerusalem there are 300 Egyptians, 1,000 locals heading to Jerusalem. The Legion has 5,000 men, mostly locals. They have 60-80 cannons aimed at Jerusalem. The Legion has armored units - more than 20 vehicles.

       Truce violations are being carried out by Arabs. During the truce we didn't advance a single step. The Arabs, in contrast, modified their situation outside the city through fortifications and the capture of additional strongholds. In the city there hasn't been any change. In the south a pattern of surrounding Jerusalem is evident - capturing another position, another fortification, another hill.

       Our force?

       In garrison 3 battalions, 2,700 men, in positions. The training level of a new recruit in garrison is normal, the level of commanders is low. Need to bring commanders from abroad. In Hayish there are 4 battalions (one auxiliary battalion), 2,100 men. One of these battalions will replace Harel in the strongholds up to Sha'ar HaGai, one battalion is GAHAL [new immigrant conscripts], who immigrated a month ago. Its training is insufficient. The Moriah Battalion is not bad. The Beit Horon Battalion has less training than Moriah.

       Weapons? - 10 6" mortars [that have] run out of shells and therefore been taken out of use. There's a 75 mm cannon, 120 mm mortar, 3 Howitzers.

       Tonight - Ya'akov [Dori] promises - they're sending more cannons.

       Will you [Dayan] be able to capture Sheikh Jarrah? - There's only one reserve battalion (Uri [Bar-On]). If it attacks Sheikh Jarrah - there's no reserve. The Egyptians grew during the truce from one company to three battalions, aside from local recruits. Under the Operations Department plan, the Jerusalem [Brigade]'s mission is defensive - to protect its positions and the road up to Sha'ar HaGai.

       What's needed in order to attack Sheikh Jarrah, or the Old City, or both of them?

       Need to release the Jerusalem men from guarding the Sha'ar HaGai road, and to add another 2,500 men to Jerusalem. Right now [we're] short 300 men for protection of the positions. Three battalions will be needed to attack Sheikh Jarrah, the French Hill, Bidu, and Nebi Samwil. Spirits in the army are not high. Training is taking place in Hayish, but just a little, because they're stationed in their positions. The garrison men are training a little in their positions, but they cannot leave their positions. Within the garrison [force] half are actually Hayish men - young.

       How many ETZEL men have reported for duty? - 700 reported, 100 received deferment or release, 300 were integrated into Hayish and garrison, 300 were integrated into services.

       Moshe thinks he can try to conquer the city - if two Hayish battalions are released from the strongholds.

       - I [compiled and] edited my statements to the State Council - from its inception to this day.