[Jerusalem] May 12, 1948 (18:30)
From an authorized source [1] it was made known that the Arab states had finally decided to attack simultaneously on May 15. They decided to do this even at the risk of failure, trusting the lack of heavy weapons and a Hebrew air force. Tel Aviv is to be attacked immediately from the air by the Egyptians. Below is a list of the armies that participated.
EGYPT: 8,000 to 10,000 troops, comprised of an armored brigade, a motorized infantry brigade, an artillery regiment, three bomber units.
IRAQ: 6,000 to 8,000, comprising an armored brigade, a motorized infantry brigade, three artillery batteries, an air unit.
TRANSJORDAN: 5,000 legionnaires.
SYRIA: About 3,000 troops, comprised of two to three infantry battalions, three artillery batteries, 40 armored vehicles, airplanes.
LEBANON: 2,000 troops, comprised of two infantry battalions and various elements.
The Egyptians were concentrated in El-Arish, the Iraqis in Mafraq, the Syrians in Kuneitra and the Lebanese on the border. The Lebanese were apparently satisfied with camouflage operations. It is known that Abdullah was the chief opponent of the extension of the mandate by 10 days.[2]
[1] In an additional telegram of the same day the two informed Zaslani that "the information on the Arab armies was transferred by our French friends in Beirut. Usually their information is accurate."
