Operation Tzuk Eitan
2014
Armored Forces Lead the Ground Maneuver in Combined-Arms Combat in the Gaza Strip
Four regular armored brigades and three reserve armored brigades took part in Operation Tzuk Eitan. When the ground campaign began on July 17, armored forces operated alongside infantry brigades, combat engineers, artillery, and air and naval forces. Each of the six infantry brigades participating in the operation was assigned a tank battalion, and the Armored Corps played a central role in leading and protecting the forces and assisting in the detection and destruction of attack tunnels.
The tanks led the advance into the Gaza Strip, helped breach enemy defenses and provided the maneuvering forces with firepower, protection and the ability to move rapidly between combat zones. Later, when the forces were required to remain in the area and secure engineering operations, they faced sniper and mortar fire as well as anti-tank squads operating from built-up areas.
The capabilities of the Merkava Mark 4 tanks and the Trophy active protection system were demonstrated during the operation. Despite the heavy fire directed at the tanks, the armor of only one tank was penetrated, and one soldier was lightly wounded in the incident. Advanced command-and-control systems enabled the armored, infantry, engineering, air and naval forces to operate using a shared, up-to-date operational picture.
The role of the Armored Corps in the operation once again demonstrated its importance in urban warfare and in combat against terrorist organizations. The tanks provided the forces with protection and precision firepower, assisted in destroying infrastructure and tunnels, and were among the first forces to enter the Gaza Strip and lead the ground maneuver.
Writing and Research
The Historical Timeline is based primarily on the research and writings of Col. (res.) Benny Michelson. The entries covering the War of Independence and the War of Attrition also benefited from the knowledge and research of Lt. Col. (res.) Michael Mas and Yehuda Brill, who served as a tank commander in an armored battalion during the War of Attrition.
