Samuel M. Katz Livres

Surveys the Israel Defence Forces, looks at Israeli paratroopers, tank soldiers, infantry, special forces and reserves, and describes their weapons, equipment and training

In 1947, when the UN partitioned Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, the true war for Israel's existence began. Throughout the War of Independence (1948), the PAL'MACH (Hebrew abbreviation for 'Strike Companies') spearheaded Israel's forces. Disbanded in 1949, the PAL'MACH was replaced by other specialist units, including paratroop forces, the GOLANI Infantry Brigade, the Naval Commandos, and territorial and other reconnaissance commando formations. An acknowledged expert on the Israeli Defence Forces, Samuel Katz presents an overview of these IDF elite units, including the mysterious SAYERET MAT'KAL, a highly classified elite unit whose exploits involve the 1972 raid on a hijacked Belgian Sabena Boeing 707.

Focusing on a high-stakes covert operation, this book reveals the intricate strategies and teamwork behind the mission that dismantled ISIS leadership. It delves into the intelligence gathering, tactical planning, and the bravery of operatives involved. Through firsthand accounts and detailed narratives, the story highlights the challenges faced and the impact of this operation on global security, offering readers an inside look at the complexities of modern warfare and counterterrorism efforts.

The Six-Day War drastically altered the political and military complexion of the Middle East: three Arab armies lay in ruin, while Israel achieved regional superpower status. The Arab response to defeat was a thirst for revenge, and the process of regrouping to launch the 1973 war was the nearest the Arab world would come to true unity. This book examines the post-1973 development of the armies of Egypt, Jordan and Syria, as well as the Palestinian guerrilla and terrorist groups. Backed by photographs and colour illustrations, this book also details the special military and political roles of the armies' elite units.

Following the devastation of the 1973 Yom Kippur War, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) underwent significant structural and tactical changes in their battle doctrine. In only a few years the IDF evolved into a truly modern fighting force, much better prepared to confront the Palestinian terrorist attacks that were to follow. Written by an ex-soldier of the IDF, this richly illustrated book chronicles the history of the IDF from the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War to the late 1980s, and covers the various units of the IDF including the Paratroop and Infantry Branch, the Engineering Corps and the Armoured Corps.

One of a series of books designed to be of interest to the military vehicle, aviation, uniform and equipment modeller and enthusiast. This particular book covers America's 10th Mountain Division (light infantry), including their Somalia operations.

The Merkava, or Chariot, was the first tank entirely designed and built by the Israeli Army. The IDF had previously been using a variety of vehicles, acquired from various sources, including in particular the Sherman and Centurion. The Merkava was designed specifically for the type of warfare and opponents that Israel faced. The resulting tank was heavily armoured and packed a powerful 105mm main gun backed up with a digital fire control system and laser range-finder. This title examines the development and deployment of the Merkava, investigating the changing technical aspects of the various marks, creating a useful and comprehensive study of Israel’s most formidable tank.