In the battalion camp
Qubab
We didn’t hear the end of Ben-Gurion’s speech on the Kol Israel sta-tion.25 We were ordered out to prepare for an operation. We took our equipment, rifles, and automatic weapons and climbed into the vehicles. We set off toward Gezer along field paths.
Ben-Gurion’s words still ring in my head. Weren’t they too dry for this event? After all, today we became a regular army of an indepen-dent state. From now on we can buy the heavy weapons we need and use them. After our experience of artillery yesterday in Latrun we have come to appreciate heavy guns and armored cars.
The light of a petrol lamp illuminates Matti Arazi, who now com-mands the company, and his platoon commanders. They are having a discussion, examining maps and aerial photos. I listen. And from the fragments that I hear, I make my own picture of the operation: the task is to assault and capture the village of Qubab, which dominates the road between Ramie and Latrun. It is one of the larger villages in the area and according to the information of the Shaj26 houses a large number of fighters and weapons.
Three units will take part in the attack on the village. Simultaneously with the assault, a few armored cars will drive into the middle of the village to draw enemy fire. Before the operation mortar fire will "soften up" the village. A rumor spreads quickly: our unit will be assigned to the armored cars. We stand around in little groups and discuss things.
We used to think, before we had any experience, that sitting in an armored vehicle was better than carrying all that heavy equipment on your back as an infantryman. Since then we have learned. When you are on foot, you can move as you like and change position, stay under cover, and confuse the enemy. But when you are sitting in a vehicle you are stuck there, in full view of the enemy and offering a first-class target for his heavy weapons
While we are still exchanging opinions, Akiva comes to tell us that my platoon will not be taking part in the operation because of a shortage of armored vehicles. Instead we are to take a position next to the road and to hold it.