The first IDF Magach tanks were from Germany. Yes, many know that but there is a much less known story behind it.
The requests to buy tanks from USA originated from the very first days of State of Israel in 1948. Nevertheless neither Truman not Eisenhower governments were too responsive, even in the light of so-called Czech deals in mid-1950s (we wrote about it in regards to Panzer tanks in Syria). It is a fact that Eisenhower was pretty pissed off about Israel taking part in Suez Canal campaign, but from another hand general US attitude was positive and it was a good showcase for future strategic alliance. By the end of the day IDF armored component was based on French AMX-13 light tanks and aging Shermans upgraded with guns supplied by France. Finally US decided to support Israel but without direct involvement – in 1958 Eisenhower approved ‘defensive’ deal to supply to Israel besides others, 60 Centurion tanks from UK, that were shipped in 1959.
In March 1960, Israeli Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion, met with Eisenhower and provided a long list of ‘defensive’ hardware including M48 Patton tanks. He was ensured for a friendship and support but it went nowhere else, with switch to Kennedy administration (1961) it started a little bit better, but still – no tanks reached Israel. 1963 was a major breakthrough with two compelling events that changed the game in Middle East – the coups in Iraq and Syria. For US the situation became alarmingly shifting in favor of USSR – do not forget what happened in 1961 and 1962 in regards to Cold War. For Israel it was a good milestone and after a meeting between Secretary of State Dean Rusk and Minister of Foreign Affairs Golda Meir in Sep 1963, it was decided to initiate the negotiations that eventually started Nov 12, 1963 – 10 days before JFK assassination.
Military part of Israeli delegation was led by Deputy Chief of Staff, Gen Yitzhak Rabin and Gen Aharon Yariv, appointed for Head of IDF Intelligence. Gen Rabin presented a very detailed document of Egyptian military assessment and pinpointed major threats for Israel with emphasis on surface-two-surface missiles capability and modernization of armor. The most critical point, as discussed was the fact that diesel powered T-54 could operate about 15 hours while IDF tanks had to be refueled every 5 hours – significantly limiting ability for maneuver and thus putting Israeli tanks in disadvantage for any future battle. With all this Israelis requested to supply 500 tanks – 200 M48A3 and 300 M60, within 2-3 year period. Well this was not going to happen - US delegation response was negative pointing ‘obvious exaggeration’ made by Israeli sources.
Still, in Jan 1964, Israel submitted request for immediate supplement of 300 tanks – 200 M48A3 and 100 M60s, plus option for additional 200 M60s in 2-3 year period. The request has been studied at Joint Chiefs of Staff and it was recommended to approve conditional supplies of 300 tanks that would replace aging tanks in IDF thus keeping the numbers. In the same 1964 Americans promised King Hussein of Jordan to supply modern weapons. Tanks was the major topic of discussion between President Johnson and Prime Minister Eshkol in June 1964 while Americans already worked out two possible options for the deal – via either UK or Germany. Interestingly that Levi Eshkol insisted that Pattons are more preferable than British Centurions and Germany became the primary option. President Johnson was very positive and the formula looked something like this – Germany would supply 232 old M48A1 tanks via Italy where they would be fitted with Continental diesel engines and 105mm L7/M68 guns that would be shipped separately (the deal also included option for 250 Centurions from UK).
Need to mention that Germany was pretty ‘shocked’ by their role in the deal as they have no clue about it before Chancellor Erhard visit to US in June 1964 or shortly before. US Defense Secretary Robert McNamara nailed it by reminding Chancellor about his historical background and emphasizing the secrecy of the deal, especially US involvement. In return Germany requested to reduce the amount to 150 tanks and get 150 new M48A3 tanks from US. Precise Germans worked out pretty complicated scheme. At first Bundeswehr had pull the tanks from the storage and return them to workable condition, then they should be transferred to Rotterdam and shipped to Genoa under the legend of ‘Italian Army’. From Genoa the tank should be transferred to OTO Melara plant in Turin where the diesel engines and guns would be installed and original weapons disassembled under German supervision and sent back to Germany. The tanks should be then transferred to Naples and shipped to Israel. The matter was so secret that even no official documents mentioned any kind of export of tanks to Israel.
Another issue was training the Israelis at Kampftruppenschule at Munster. In July 1964 Maj Jacob ‘Jackie’ Even has been called to Chief of Armored Corps, Gen Dado Elazar office and met with Gen Elazar and his deputy – Gen Israel Tal. They explained the importance of the mission and outmost secrecy. Maj Even was waiting for his appointment to become 82nd Battalion, 7th Armor Brigade, CO and got pretty surprised, especially about his trip destination – Germany. Need to understand that during that time everything concerning Germany was taboo in Israel, but Israel Tal said – “It doesn’t matter. We need tanks and if we have to make a deal with Devil – will do that!” Jackie Even was given a freedom to choose 12 officers for the party – the future base of Patton Battalion. His deputy became Cpt. Ehud Elad (KIA 5.6.1967) who served in 82/7, among the officers were Haim Erez (late Maj. Gen), Natke Nir (late Brig. Gen), Tamir Yom-Tov (late Brig. Gen.), Arie Keren (late Brig Gen) and Lt. Avigdor Kahalani (late Brig Gen) – he was planned to leave IDF and continue family car repairs business but decided to accept the offer for the trip and stay in the army ‘for a little bit longer’. The training party included 40 officers and NCOs from Armored and Ordnance Corps.
Training in Munster was very intensive and eventually German agenda did not fit IDF tankers needs. It appeared to be that even best German instructors had been much less trained than average Israeli tank crew. German commanders used to say – “you are like our guys in old times, nowadays we don’t have such”. At some point Germans had to bring more knowledgeable personnel especially engineers. Due to high secrecy it was forbidden to mention a word about Israel and Israelis had to wear German uniforms and not to speak Hebrew in public, German personnel was not aware, besides several senior officers. Interestingly that South African Lt. Adam Weller (KIA 31.3.1970) was sometimes taken for German due to be blond and over 6 ft. high comparing to short Kahalani. Weller by the way, was one of the iconic IDF tanker characters often shown on the pictures. By the end of the year Israelis returned home. Unfortunately no pictures exist as Jackie Even strictly forbid to take photos. In December 1964 (some sources mention January 1965) the first 40 M48A1 reached Israel. Those were tanks that did not have any replacements as they were taken to Israel directly from Rotterdam, bypassing Italy. These 40 tanks were taken to the newly established 79th Battalion, 7th Armor Brigade, led by Maj Even. The battalion included 2 training and 1 combat companies.
In January 1965 the whole German affair screwed up – the info about the deal leaked to press. I did not find what was the root-cause, but some sources connect it to accident in Italy when tank plunged into the river and served as local attraction during its recovery. All the shipments from Germany have been halted and Chancellor Erhard backed off under heavy pressure from Bundestag. Moreover in the same January, USA informed Israel about upcoming supplies of weapons to Jordan – this was definitely a bad month for Israel. After fierce negotiations in Feb-Mar, Americans agreed to supply missing 110 M48A2C directly from USA to complete German deal plus additional 100 M48A1 to compensate for Jordanian supplies. Besides 250 kits would be provided for upgrade to M48A3 standard with 105mm main gun (including 40 actually supplied by Germany). Interestingly that according to the agreement all M48A2C should have been supplied with Continental diesel engines but US team commented – will do our best. Already before the deal has been finalized, IDF Ordnance Corps team from 681 Maintenance Base flew to Anniston Army Depot, Alabama to study all the tech bites-n-bytes re future job. Need to mention that Americans kept the promise and most of the A2C tanks were equipped with diesel engines. With all this despite expertise and documentation, upgrade of new tanks appeared to be more complex than expected, besides 681 Base had to set up a whole new production line that took several months to complete. Need to mention that 681 Base was now dealing with three types of tanks – Centurions, Shermans and Pattons.
By the beginning of the Six Days War IDF managed to equip two battalions with M48 (about 90 tanks) – 79/7 and 46/401, all were M48A2C and one company of 46th Battalion had 15 upgraded M48A3 tanks. Another about 150 tanks were in 681 Maintenance Base waiting for upgrade.
The last I want to mention the name issue – the name Magach was given to M48A3 after Six Days War when all M48 inventory, including ex-Jordanian M48s was upgraded to unified standard by 1972. All new M48 tanks were known in IDF as Pattons – diesel Patton and gasoline Patton. As simple as that. All the fancy names Magach 1 and 2 are no more than fantasy.
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