The Operation in Lydda is considered one of the most infamous massacres carried out by the Palmach forces. The operation, known as Operation Dani, aimed to suppress an Arab revolt that erupted in July 1948 against Israeli occupation. Orders were issued to shoot anyone seen in the streets, and in early July 1948, Palmach soldiers opened fire with their heavy artillery on all pedestrians, brutally quelling the uprising within a few hours. They moved from house to house, firing at any moving target. As a result, 250 Arabs were killed (according to the brigade commander's report).
Kenneth Bilby, a correspondent for "The Herald Tribune, " who entered Lydda on July 12, reported that Moshe Dayan led a convoy of jeeps in the city, carrying armed soldiers with rifles, Sten submachine guns, and machine guns whose fire glowed. The convoy roamed the main streets, firing at anything that moved, and the bodies of Arabs, men, women, and even children, were scattered in the streets following this attack. When Ramallah was seized, all Arabs reaching conscription age were arrested the next day and placed in special prisons. Once again, the jeeps toured the cities, announcing the usual warnings. On July 13, final orders were issued through loudspeakers, specifying certain bridges as exit routes.
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