On the eve of the Sinai War, there was still a debate in the IDF about the correct way to operate armor. Some commanders saw it as an auxiliary force for the infantry, while armor commanders sought to concentrate the tanks in large formations and operate them quickly and deep into enemy territory.

In the months leading up to the war, AMX-13, Super Sherman and Zachalmim tanks were received from France, and the corps underwent an accelerated process of organization, training and improving its capabilities. When the war broke out, the armored forces led the advance in Sinai. The 7th Brigade broke deep into the area, participated in the capture of the Abu Agila and Umm Katef complexes, and in a short time reached a distance of hundreds of kilometers from the border.

The operation of the armor demonstrated the advantages of speed, surprise, concentration of force, and maneuver in depth. Despite the shortcomings that were discovered in the coordination and operation of some of the forces, the achievements of the war settled the debate over the status of the corps. The armor ceased to be perceived as an auxiliary force and became the central force intended to lead the land victory in future wars.