Operation Shfifon

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On May 13, 1948, the day before Israel declared independence, the Haganah launched Operation Shfifon. The aim was to seize British outposts in the Old City of Jerusalem to prevent Arab forces from taking them first. The plan, named Shfifon (Hebrew for “horned viper,” sometimes translated as “Serpent”), was followed soon after by Operation Kilshon.