Middle Eastern tyrants

Chapter 222 "All tactical actions should prioritize exchanging bases"

5th of 11th month, Islamic year 1390, at 18 PM.

The next day, the operations room was filled with smoke, and frontline battle reports were condensed into dense markings on the sand table. Lu Lin stood in front of the topographic map, listening to Ibrahim's tactical briefing.

"The Zionians have adopted a flexible defense strategy."

Ibrahim pointed to the Ashdod area, saying, "They have established battalion or company-level fortified strongholds in towns and highlands along their main transportation routes, and have stockpiled large amounts of ammunition and supplies. Once our troops penetrate through, they will be subjected to their firepower, which will force our troops to stop and encircle these strongholds."

At this point, the positions and mobile forces around Zion will again bombard us with fire, severely depleting our manpower.

Ibrahim's face was serious. He put away his baton and looked at Lu Lin: "This is the first time we have entered Zion's territory. The enemy's counterattack is more fierce than we imagined. It seems that we have to be prepared to suffer heavy losses."

At this moment, Fahad, the adjutant beside him, took off his walkie-talkie and interjected, "The intelligence that just came back from the front lines is that the Zionians seem to have begun transporting anti-aircraft guns to the front lines on a large scale, including a lot of captured Bofors guns, which should be to replenish the firepower of the front lines."

"This is in response to our helicopter force."

Lu Lin quickly understood: "This shows that Zion is not in chaos internally, their military system is still operating efficiently, and our previous plans did not work. I need to reflect on this."

“But this didn’t affect the overall situation; it was just an experiment,” Ibrahim reassured him. “In my opinion, war can never be won by luck; in the end, it still requires a contest of strength.”

"But to think of using anti-aircraft guns to intercept armed helicopters so quickly, could this be the work of Jeshavishin?" Fahd asked.

“There are many excellent military commanders in Zion, and it could be someone else, not necessarily him,” Ibrahim said. “Don’t forget, General Tal’s armored forces in Zion set a record of advancing 100 kilometers per day.”

Suddenly, a commotion broke out outside the command post.

Ibrahim's hand instantly pressed on the holster, and Lu Lin also looked up alertly.

At this moment, the head of the guard, Fadwa Ben-Bani, strode in and saluted Lu Lin: "Your Excellency Marshal, an enemy reconnaissance platoon has been spotted 15 kilometers to the southwest and has been intercepted by us."

"What are the ground troops doing?" Ibrahim demanded sharply. "They've allowed the enemy to get close to the command post!"

Lu Lin pressed down on the chief of staff's shoulder, then asked Fadwa, "What is the size and equipment of the enemy?"

“Standard reconnaissance formation, equipped with radios and observation equipment, probably a reconnaissance platoon,” Fadwa replied.

Looking at the markings on the map, Lu Lin immediately concluded: "They're looking for our artillery positions."

The Zionians have occupied the Golan Heights for three years and know everything about it. Lu Lin continued, "There must be more than one reconnaissance platoon like this. Tell everyone to be on alert and call for support immediately if they spot anything. After the artillery positions fire three rounds of rapid fire, move out immediately."

"Yes, sir." The staff officer in charge of artillery immediately went to relay the latest combat information.

“That’s quite ‘Jesusaveth’,” Fahd nodded thoughtfully.

Ibrahim retorted irritably, "In your head, is Jeshavishin the only officer in Zion?"

“Of course not,” Fahd said knowledgeably, “I’ve analyzed many Zion officers. Shmuel excels at armored assaults, Gorodish is skilled in infantry warfare, and each general has a different style. For example, General Tal’s operational thinking is completely opposite to that of Yeshavishin.”

This surprised Ibrahim somewhat: "Well done, it seems you didn't waste your time studying at the military academy!"

“Of course, I graduated second in my class!” Fahad proudly straightened his back.

Lu Lin praised, "Not bad, you didn't embarrass me!"

Taimiye shook her head: "Please don't praise him. If I were to say that I've been influenced by you all this time, it wouldn't be fair to say that I only got second place."

"Who is number one?" Lu Lin asked curiously.

“Uh, it seems to be a noble young master named Mutasin bin Nurdin,” Fahd recalled.

Lu Lin turned to Taimiye and said, "Check his background for me, and then transfer him to the General Staff Department."

“Okay, but, uh,” Tammy said, “if I’m ranked first in my class, I should be awarded the rank of lieutenant or higher, and I might be currently serving in another unit, but I’ll process the transfer order tomorrow.”

Upon hearing this, Fahd felt a strange sense of crisis rise in his heart.

Oh no, is someone trying to take my spot?

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Tel Aviv, headquarters.

Young Lieutenant David Stein strode in, along with many other unfamiliar faces, into Zion's frontline command center.

Just two hours earlier, he had received an urgent transfer order to serve as a clerk at headquarters, which was undoubtedly a great honor for the soldiers of Zion.

And he saw the figure that was as tall and straight as a mountain—General Jesavichen.

Stein straightened his uniform, strode forward, and gave a crisp salute: "Reporting! Second Lieutenant Staff Officer David Stein, reporting for duty!"

Yeshavishin did not look up; his gaze remained fixed on the map in front of him.

However, Stein was still very excited. After all, the man in front of him was a living legend who had saved Zion twice in times of crisis, winning against overwhelming odds and defeating the arrogant Arab coalition.

As he returned to his staff seat, the hushed conversation between his neighbors caught his attention:

Why did the command suddenly add so many new personnel?

"Have you heard about the Likud Group? The entire original staff was replaced this morning." Stein couldn't help but secretly observe his idol's profile, trying to read something from that expressionless face.

“You,” Yesavishin suddenly spoke, pointing at Stein, “come here.”

Stein was taken aback, pointed to himself, and after receiving an affirmative answer, quickly walked to the sand table.

"Place your hand on the map," Yeshavishin said, his voice devoid of any emotion.

Although the young lieutenant didn't understand why, he obediently placed his right hand on the battle map on the edge of the sand table.

The next moment, a cold light flashed.

A combat dagger whistled through the air and instantly pierced Stein's palm, pinning his entire hand firmly to the table!
Blood gushed out instantly, staining the map crimson.

"Ah—!" Stein let out a shrill scream, which was particularly jarring in the command post.

The entire command center froze instantly, and all the staff stopped what they were doing, watching the bloody scene in horror.

Yeshavishen slowly raised his head, his indifferent gaze sweeping over every familiar or unfamiliar face.

He spoke coldly, "I hope each of you understands why you're standing in this room. Zion is now facing a life-or-death crisis! Put away your bureaucratic airs and petty schemes. Here, you only have two choices—"

Sweat rolled down Stein's forehead, but he gritted his teeth and dared not utter a sound. His body, contorted and convulsing with pain, stood in stark contrast to the motionless man beside him.

Yashavishin didn't even glance at him, and continued, "Either become a hero who helps the country win, or tomorrow carry a rifle to the front lines and use your corpses to slow down the Arab tanks."

In the dead silence, a colonel broke the silence, slamming his right fist heavily into his chest: "For Zion!"

After a brief hesitation, more and more staff officers raised their right fists, their vows resounding: "For Zion!"

With a blank expression, Yeshavishen pulled out his dagger, leaving Stein slumped on the ground, and ordered the two stunned staff officers beside him, "Take him away and bandage him. Also, get me a new map."

After that, the entire staff immediately sprang into action with astonishing efficiency.

At this moment, Chief of the General Staff Lazars walked into the headquarters. When he met Yeshavishin's gaze, he nodded, and the two tacitly omitted all pleasantries.

Lazars got straight to the point: "It won't be long before the main Arab forces break through our minefield completely, and we must immediately formulate a counterattack plan."

After the new map was laid out, Yeshavishin said, "Execute according to the plan. Order Shmuel's troops of the Third Army to launch a counterattack in the Kafar-Sal area. The 7th Armored Brigade will lead the attack, and the 35th Mechanized Infantry Division will be responsible for left-wing cover. The Air Force will prioritize air superiority in the area."

Even after the complete defeat in the last war, Zion's leadership was already formulating a counterattack plan in case of a large-scale invasion by the Arab coalition.

The "hedgehog tactic," which is currently giving the vanguard of the Shuangzhi forces a major headache, is one of Yeshavishin's deployments.

Lazars pondered for a moment: "Actually, I have a bolder idea that might allow us to regain some of the initiative in the war."

Yeshavishin glanced at the Chief of the General Staff and said, "Tell me about it."

Lazars pointed his baton toward the Sinai Peninsula: "I believe that Masr's attack on the Suez Canal is precisely our opportunity. With Masr's fighting capacity, it is impossible for him to break through the Mitra Pass. We can, like in the Fourth Middle East War, penetrate behind enemy lines and head straight for Cairo. We can use Masr's army group as a hostage to force them to negotiate."

"You want to exchange a military victory for a political solution?"

Yeshavishin narrowed his eyes slightly: "But Masr has already withdrawn from the Arab League, and other Arab countries may not agree to it."

"They can't afford to wait."

Lazars held up two fingers, stating the core key to the success of his approach: "First, we still have the advantage in troop quality and home-field advantage. Second, Prime Minister Hilbert has just reached an agreement with our compatriots overseas that more than twenty cargo ships will set sail from Port Said, Piraeus and Genoa in the next two weeks, and all supplies will be unloaded at the port of Ashdod."

Upon hearing that logistical supplies were about to arrive, Yesavishin's expression softened slightly.

Zion's biggest problem right now is logistical support. The entire nation is maintaining the military system by overdrawing its national strength, but even so, it is still stretched thin.

Now that overseas subsidies have been renewed, it means they have enough stamina to continue the struggle with Arab countries.

“Most importantly,” Lazars continued, “Masr has now switched sides to the United States. We are not negotiating with the Arabs, but with the United States. The United States wants to seize the initiative in the Middle East from Ant. They cannot stand by and watch their important ally be completely annihilated. And Shuangzhi’s current military equipment is entirely dependent on the United States. Therefore, as long as the United States puts pressure on Shuangzhi, even if it is just a short-term ceasefire, Amir will have to think twice, no matter how unwilling he is.”

Yesavishin fell into deep thought. He had always focused on purely military planning, but Lazars's analysis of the international situation had indeed opened up new avenues of thought for him.

By relying on the United States, can we indirectly exert influence over our Arab allies?

It might indeed be feasible.

A completely new battle plan quickly took shape in his mind, and Yeshavishen began:

"In that case,"

His finger traced the Sinai Peninsula. “Let the First Army of Tal be the main force, the 116th Division be responsible for the flanking maneuver, and at the same time, deploy the 890th Airborne Division to airdrop at the Jidi Pass to cut off Masr’s supply line and complete the encirclement within seventy-two hours.”

“It’s settled then.” Lazars extended his hand. “Old buddy, I wish us a pleasant collaboration.”

After a slight hesitation, Yesavishin finally reached out and shook hands with him:
"Pleasant to work with."

As the two generals clasped hands tightly, the staff officers began sending operational orders to the various units.

The adjutant changed the markers on the brand-new map; red arrows representing the encirclement operation were pointing towards the Suez Canal from three directions.

(End of this chapter)