Key Facts
- Dates
- October 18–22, 1973
- Theater
- West bank of the Suez Canal, south of Ismailia
- Israeli operation
- Operation Abiray-Lev
- Egyptian forces
- Paratroopers and commandos
- Result
- Egyptian tactical and strategic victory
Strategic Narrative Overview
IDF infantry and armor pushed northward from Deversoir toward Ismailia, pressing a combined Egyptian force of paratroopers and commandos. The Egyptians conducted a fighting withdrawal, falling back through successive defensive positions. By October 22, they anchored a final defensive line along the Ismailia Canal, where, despite being outnumbered, they repulsed the last Israeli assault on the city.
01 / The Origins
The Battle of Ismailia arose from Israel's broader counteroffensive during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. After crossing the Suez Canal and establishing a bridgehead near Deversoir at the northern end of the Great Bitter Lake, Israeli forces launched Operation Abiray-Lev, aiming to seize Ismailia and cut the logistical lifelines of Egypt's Second Field Army still deployed on the canal's east bank.
03 / The Outcome
A United Nations ceasefire on October 22, 1973 halted the battle. Egypt's successful defense preserved Second Field Army's supply lines across the Suez Canal and prevented encirclement of its large east-bank force. The outcome was counted an Egyptian tactical and strategic victory, consolidating Egyptian gains from earlier in the war and contributing to post-war negotiations.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.