The Second Battle of Jerusalem

The Battle of Jerusalem (Second Battle) – 1948: A Turning Point in the Israeli War of Independence

The Second Battle of Jerusalem, fought during the Israeli War of Independence in 1948, holds a significant place in the history of the conflict that shaped the modern Middle East. It was a key battle in the larger Arab-Israeli struggle that ensued after the United Nations proposed the partition of Palestine into Jewish and Arab states. The battle’s location, Jerusalem, and its outcome, where Jordan’s Arab Legion emerged victorious over Israeli forces, are vital to understanding the political and military dynamics of the time.

This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the Battle of Jerusalem, its participants, strategic importance, and long-term consequences for both Israel and Jordan, as well as the broader regional conflict.

Context of the Battle

In 1947, the United Nations passed a resolution to partition Palestine, which was under British Mandate at the time, into two separate states: a Jewish state and an Arab state. Jerusalem was intended to be an international city under UN administration due to its religious significance to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The resolution was rejected by the Arab states, which immediately led to tensions and violence.

When the British withdrew in May 1948, a series of military confrontations broke out, particularly in Jerusalem, as both Jewish and Arab forces sought control of the city. Jerusalem, with its divided population and religious significance, became a focal point of the conflict. The battle would span several phases, with the second phase of intense fighting occurring during the period of May 1948, shortly after the establishment of the State of Israel.

The Participants

The Second Battle of Jerusalem was fought between several key participants, each with distinct motives and strategies:

• Israeli Forces: The newly formed Israel Defense Forces (IDF) fought to secure control over the western part of Jerusalem, which had a significant Jewish population. The Israelis were concerned with maintaining the integrity of their newly declared state, and Jerusalem was seen as essential for national unity.

• Jordanian Forces (Arab Legion): The Arab Legion, led by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan under King Abdullah I, was one of the most formidable military forces in the region. Its primary aim was to prevent Jewish control over Jerusalem, which had been part of the British Mandate’s plan for the region. The Jordanian forces were well-trained and well-equipped, benefiting from British military support.

• Palestinian Arab Fighters: Alongside the Jordanian Arab Legion, local Palestinian Arab fighters also took part in the battle. These fighters sought to prevent the establishment of Israel and were part of the broader Arab resistance movement.

• Jewish Militia Groups: Several Jewish militia groups, including the Haganah, Irgun, and Lehi, were active participants in the battle. These groups had different political ideologies and strategic goals but were united in the mission to defend the Jewish population and claim parts of Jerusalem for the newly founded state of Israel.

The battle itself revolved around control of strategic locations in the city, notably the Old City of Jerusalem. This area, with its religious landmarks such as the Western Wall (the Kotel), the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, was a focal point of both military and ideological struggle.

Course of the Battle

The Second Battle of Jerusalem took place in the context of the larger 1948 Arab-Israeli War, which erupted after Israel declared its independence on May 14, 1948. Following the declaration, neighboring Arab countries, including Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, launched a military intervention with the aim of preventing the establishment of a Jewish state.

At the time of the second battle, Jerusalem was already divided. The western part of the city, home to the Jewish population, was held by the Israelis. The eastern part of the city, including the Old City, was under Arab control, with Jordanian forces bolstering the position of Palestinian Arabs.

During the first phase of the battle, the Jewish forces attempted to break through the siege on the Jewish sections of Jerusalem. The Arab Legion’s task was to ensure that Jerusalem remained in Arab hands and that the Old City would not fall into Jewish control.

The battle’s strategic significance lay in the control of key points in the city that could provide a decisive advantage in the conflict. The Jewish forces struggled with logistical difficulties and a lack of military supplies. The siege, along with the complex urban terrain of Jerusalem, presented significant challenges for the Israeli military. The city itself, with its narrow streets, ancient walls, and heavily fortified buildings, was a difficult environment for any military operation.

The Jordanian forces, on the other hand, benefited from better training and coordination. They were able to maintain a stronger defensive position and launched counterattacks that hindered Israeli movements. The Jordanian strategy focused on keeping the Old City under Arab control while preventing the Israelis from breaking the siege of West Jerusalem.

By the end of the second battle, the Jordanians had achieved their objectives. The Old City remained under their control, and they successfully kept the Israelis from advancing further into East Jerusalem. The battle ended with a ceasefire brokered by the United Nations, but the outcome solidified the division of the city.

The Aftermath and Consequences

The aftermath of the Second Battle of Jerusalem had far-reaching consequences for both Israel and Jordan:

• Jerusalem’s Division: Jerusalem remained divided into two parts: West Jerusalem, controlled by the Israelis, and East Jerusalem, including the Old City, under Jordanian control. This division persisted until 1967 when Israel captured East Jerusalem during the Six-Day War. However, the results of the 1948 battle left deep marks on the city’s political and cultural landscape.

• Impact on Israeli Forces: The failure to capture East Jerusalem and the Old City in the second battle was a significant blow to the morale of the Israeli forces. Despite the setbacks, Israel’s military leadership reorganized and adapted, which would later play a critical role in their defense of the state in the months to follow.

• Jordanian Victory: Jordan’s success in defending the Old City and maintaining control over East Jerusalem solidified its position as the leading Arab power in the region. The Jordanian forces, led by King Abdullah I, gained significant prestige for their role in the battle. The Jordanian occupation of East Jerusalem also set the stage for future tensions, particularly in relation to the status of the city.

• International Implications: The battle raised significant international concern, especially with regard to the fate of Jerusalem. The UN had called for Jerusalem to be an international city, but the military conflict and subsequent division complicated the issue. The city’s status would remain a point of contention in future peace talks and remain unresolved for many years.

Conclusion

The Second Battle of Jerusalem in 1948 was a pivotal moment in the Israeli War of Independence. It shaped not only the immediate outcomes of the war but also the political trajectory of Jerusalem and its status in the Middle East conflict. The battle’s outcome, with Jordanian forces emerging victorious, ensured that East Jerusalem, including the Old City, would remain under Arab control until the Six-Day War in 1967. The battle remains a symbol of the intense ideological, religious, and military struggles that defined the Arab-Israeli conflict and the broader geopolitics of the region.

While the battle did not resolve the question of Jerusalem’s status, it set the stage for the complex political and military events that would unfold in the years to come, influencing the course of the Middle East for decades. The division of Jerusalem would remain a central issue in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with its historical significance still resonating in the region today.