Following countless terrorist incursions by “fedayeen” infiltrating the shared border with Egypt, Israel was forced to adopt measures to halt these attacks. On October 29, 1956, the Sinai Campaign was launched. In a sweeping operation of 100 hours, the Israel Defense Forces took control of the entire Sinai peninsula.

The Sinai Campaign was launched with the successful paratroop landing into the eastern approaches of the Mitla Pass near the Suez Canal. Pictured above is an officer giving orders through the military radio at the Battle for the Mitla Pass.

Photo: IDF photo archives.