Rafael Eitan Biography and Timeline

890th Battalion Established Mitla Position

Eitan's paratroopers establish positions near the eastern approaches to Mitla Pass after landing in Sinai.

Role range: 1956-1956

First Israeli Combat Parachute Landing

Eitan commands the 890th Battalion in the first combat parachute landing conducted by the Israel Defense Forces.

Role range: 1956-1956

Mitla Approach Parachute Drop

Eitan leads the paratroop battalion dropped near the eastern approaches to Mitla Pass.

Role range: 1956-1956

890th Battalion Reunited with Brigade

Eitan's isolated 890th Battalion is reunited with the advancing 202nd Paratroop Brigade.

Role range: 1956-1956

Mitla Pass Defensive Fighting

Eitan's paratroopers fight Egyptian forces around the Mitla approaches.

Role range: 1956-1956

890th Battalion Reaches El-Tor Link-Up

Elements of Eitan's 890th Battalion meet Gur's newly landed Nahal force at El-Tor.

Role range: 1956-1956

Battle of Golan Heights

Commands Israeli forces fighting Syrian armor on the Golan Heights.

Role range: 1973-1973

Reserve Divisions Counterattack

Israeli reserve commanders coordinated counterattacks against Syrian penetrations, helping shift the battle from emergency defense to recovery of lost positions.

Role range: 1973-1973

Recovery of Southern Golan

Israeli operations regained territory in the southern Golan that had been seized during the initial Syrian assault, reducing the danger to Israeli rear positions.

Role range: 1973-1973

Advance Beyond Prewar Line

After pushing Syrian forces back, Israeli formations crossed the prewar ceasefire line into Syrian-held territory as the northern campaign expanded.

Role range: 1973-1973

Recapture of Mount Hermon

Israeli troops regained the Mount Hermon observation post from Syrian forces near the end of the October war, restoring control of a strategically important summit position.

Role range: 1973-1973

Invasion of Lebanon

Israeli General Rafael Eitan convinces Defence Minister Ariel Sharon to invade southern Lebanon to clean out the PLO bases there