Operation Dekel was a military campaign executed by Israeli forces during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, aimed at securing the northern part of the country, specifically the Galilee region. Nazareth, historically important as the hometown of Jesus, had significance beyond its geographical location; it was a symbol of Christian heritage. On July 16, 1948, after a period of token resistance from local Arab forces, Israeli troops effectively took control of the city. This operation was part of a broader effort by Israeli forces to secure areas that had a mixed population of Jews and Arabs, often resulting in significant demographic changes.

The battle for Nazareth was characterized by both military strategy and the desire to maintain control over culturally significant towns in the newly declared State of Israel. As the fighting unfolded, many Arab residents chose to flee or were displaced due to the conflict. The capture of Nazareth by Israeli troops not only marked a strategic victory but also stimulated varied international reactions, especially from the Christian community around the world. Concerns about the implications for Middle Eastern Christianity and the local Arab population were echoed in international media.

Moreover, the fall of Nazareth served to highlight the shifting demographics and the impact of the ongoing conflict on local communities. By establishing control over such a pivotal city, Israel aimed to consolidate its territorial claims and assert its presence in the Galilee area, laying a framework for future state boundaries and international relations concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.