Battles of Kfar Darom

Battles of Kfar Darom
Part of 1948 Arab–Israeli War
Date7 December 1947 – 9 July 1948
Location31°24′05″N 34°21′36″E / 31.40139°N 34.36000°E / 31.40139; 34.36000
Result

Egyptian victory

  • Evacuation following Egyptian siege
Belligerents
Israel Haganah Kingdom of Egypt Egypt
Muslim Brotherhood
Strength
30 troops Unknown
Casualties and losses
May 11 battle:
4 killed
4 wounded
11 May battle:
70 killed
15 May battle:
70 killed
50 wounded
1 tank damaged
Battle of Kfar Darom is located in Mandatory Palestine
Battle of Kfar Darom
Battle of Kfar Darom
Location within Mandatory Palestine

The Battles of Kfar Darom refer to a number of military engagements in 1947–1948 between the Jewish Haganah and various Arab forces in the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, in the southern kibbutz Kfar Darom. The most notable battles were fought on May 13–15, 1948, between the Palmach and the Egyptian army, including Muslim Brotherhood units. The kibbutz was defended by about 30 Israelis and held out against numerous attacks.

While Egyptian assaults were unsuccessful, their siege led to the evacuation of the kibbutz by its members on July 8, 1948, after resupply attempts through the ground and air by the Israeli Negev Brigade and air force were insufficient or failed entirely. The Egyptian army stormed it the next day only to find it empty.