Eighteen Days of War: Inside the IDF General Staff During the 1973 Yom Kippur War

An enthralling first-hand account of one of the most dramatic victories in modern military history. On October 6, 1973, on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur, a massive joint surprise attack was launched against the young State of Israel by its neighbors, prompting a bloody 18-day war fought on multiple fronts. In a shocking turn of events, the Israeli military was able to emerge victorious from the fray, halting the simultaneous attacks and even conquering new territories. Much has been written about the Yom Kippur War, which has gone down in the annals of history as a triumphant celebration of battlefield courage, impeccable military strategy, and fierce devotion to the homeland. But now, for the very first time, Brigadier General (Ret.) Uzi Eilam delves deep into the pages of history to deliver a gripping first-hand account from the unique and never-before-seen angle of the IDF’s highest-ranking military leaders and the decisions, dilemmas, and dramas that dictated the war. Uzi Eilam fought in Israel’s greatest wars, rising quickly to the lofty rank of brigadier general. He accepted the prestigious position of head of the IDF’s Military Research and Development Unit just three days before the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War. This unique circumstance made him privy to the most guarded secrets, strategies, and conversations among the political and military leaders who set the tone for one of the deadliest wars Israel has ever known.