In the backdrop of the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Israel faced a challenging situation after being taken by surprise by a coalition of Arab nations led by Egypt and Syria on October 6. The Egyptian forces quickly crossed the Suez Canal and occupied strategic positions, which posed a significant threat to Israeli security. In an attempt to regain the initiative, Israel launched a counter-offensive operation on October 8 aimed at reclaiming lost territory and weakening the Egyptian grip along the frontlines.

However, the operation proved disastrous for Israel. The attacking armor units encountered strong Egyptian defenses, well-prepared with anti-tank missiles and fortified positions. The intense fighting resulted in the destruction of over 150 Israeli tanks, marking one of the largest tank losses for Israel in a single deployment during the conflict. The aftermath not only raised questions about Israeli military strategy and intelligence but also demonstrated the effectiveness of the Egyptian forces, who had significantly improved their military capabilities since their previous conflicts with Israel.

The high tank losses forced Israel to reconsider its approach and underscored the necessity for more robust intelligence and strategic planning in armored engagements. Various countermeasures were subsequently implemented to adapt to the evolving nature of warfare in the region, shaping future military doctrine.