Book contents
- Moshe Dayan
- Cambridge Military Histories
- Moshe Dayan
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures
- Maps
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- 1 The Education of a Strategist
- 2 From Tactical Command to Political Negotiator
- 3 Generalship
- 4 Theater Commander
- 5 “The Minister of Victory”
- 6 Minister of the Palestinian Territories
- 7 The War of Attrition
- 8 The God Who Failed
- 9 The Turning Point
- 10 The Dealmaker
- 11 The Development of a Strategist
- Index
2 - From Tactical Command to Political Negotiator
The War of Independence
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 03 April 2025
- Moshe Dayan
- Cambridge Military Histories
- Moshe Dayan
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures
- Maps
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- 1 The Education of a Strategist
- 2 From Tactical Command to Political Negotiator
- 3 Generalship
- 4 Theater Commander
- 5 “The Minister of Victory”
- 6 Minister of the Palestinian Territories
- 7 The War of Attrition
- 8 The God Who Failed
- 9 The Turning Point
- 10 The Dealmaker
- 11 The Development of a Strategist
- Index
Summary
The chapter traces Dayan’s military career progression during Israel’s War of Independence, which prepared him for future senior command and leadership positions. It highlights his experiences in battles over Degania and his command of the Commando 89th Battalion, including leading the battalion in the conquest of Lod, and finally his command over the Jerusalem front. In Jerusalem, Dayan became involved in peace negotiations with Jordanian Jerusalem front commander Abdullah al-Tal and later with Jordan’s king, showcasing his diplomatic skills. Dayan acknowledged being blessed with the very best teacher – David Ben-Gurion himself. Ben-Gurion was hugely impressed by Dayan’s political and diplomatic finesse, forging even closer relations with him. However, Dayan’s success also made him a target of criticism and jealousy among former Palmach commanders, making him several enemies.
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- Information
- Moshe DayanThe Making of a Strategist, pp. 48 - 89Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2025